The exam all pilots in India love the most. Don’t believe me? ask your pilot friend.
The latest circular issued by the WPC states that RTR exams will be conducted by DGCA in the form and manner DGCA wants to.
Whoaaa! Finally a big change we have been waiting for.
Let’s get to it…
Table of Contents
What is RTR?
RTR (A)- RADIO TELEPHONY RESTRICTED (AEROMOBILE). The exam for RTR (A) license is conducted was by WPC to assess the Aviation Aspirants on effective communication skills regarding ATC calls or communication with other Aircraft.
RTR(A) exam was conducted in two parts known as Part-1 & Part-2.
RTR (A) Part-1: Practical test in Regulation and Procedure (100 Marks- 25 mins),
The candidate needs to answer five questions based on various situations that can arise during A/C handling, by writing and transmitting. The result for Part-1 is declared on the same day shortly after the exam. Clearing Part-1 enables a candidate to appear for Part-2. The passing mark is 50.
RTR (A) Part-2: (Viva) 100 marks.
The syllabus is available at the official WPC website (as per ITU Radio Regulation-1990), which basically covers: Regulations and RT Procedures
- Regulations and Procedure: ITU and it’s Regulations.
- Radio telephony Communication procedures for distress.
- Anything from Part-1 syllabus as well.
- Radio Practical and Practice
What does the new circular mean?
The procedure for applying for the exam and the old format of Part 1 (written and transmission) and Part 2 (Viva) is going to be changed according to DGCA.
Rumors of Viva getting abolished are in the air. People who are yet to give the exam stop punching the air due to excitement. It is just speculation as of now.
Is the format going to be changed for the RTR exam?
Yes, Most likely.
Are the prices going to increase?
Most Definitely. Maybe to around Rs 1500-2000/- or so. I don’t think people are going to mind the change in the fees in exchange for more transparency.
General opinion
“Progress is impossible without change“
Many including me feel that the current procedure and format are outdated and problematic for the current world.
People lose their precious time and money because they lose their flying recency due to delays, unusual and unpredictable exam cycles.
The cost of the exam was just Rs 500/- but the inefficiency in the whole RTR system was costing students lakhs of rupees.
In my opinion, this was a much-needed change and I am very excited about it. A lot of change is required in the Indian Aviation administration and DGCA is bringing that change slowly and steadily.
Although I do not know what changes will DGCA bring to the RTR exam, there are a few things that I strongly feel DGCA should Amend.
- 1. Multiple Centers.
Just like they have different centers for Regular DGCA exams they should have for the RTR exam too.
- 2. Requirement of Nationality and Character certificate.
Personally, I do not understand the need for this, aspirants have to hustle a lot to get this certificate. If it is really essential then they can ask for it after the student clears the exam.
- 3. license should be issued in a Card.
It really grinds my gear that a license that is supposed to last for a lifetime is issued in a booklet that is poorly made.
- 4. Format of the exam should be changed
In my opinion, Part 1 should be MCQ or Written test and Part 2 should be the transmission.
Get rid of Viva.
Again, this is just what I feel. No Official Circular is released from the DGCA regarding the changes they are going to make in the RTR exam as of 12/03/2022
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