8.33 kHz radio funding, applications now being received.
The application process for 8.33 kHz radio grants has now been launched by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Forms and guidance documents are now available on the CAA’s website
The funding, being made available by the EU, is designed to help GA pilots and private aircraft owners switch to 8.33 kHz radios, which all aircraft registered in the EU need to have moved over to by 31 December 2017.
The CAA applied to the EU for €4.3m funding to encourage the timely transition of the UK GA fleet from existing 25 kHz radios to 8.33 kHz equipment. The CAA’s GA Unit was delighted to sign the EU contract that provides us the maximum permitted grant of 20 per cent of the estimated total cost of 8.33 kHz equipage.
A shortage of aviation radio frequencies across Europe means that most existing frequencies are being split to reduce the gap between them, allowing the introduction of more frequencies. As a result owners of general aviation aircraft will need to ensure that any radios fitted can transmit and receive on both 8.33kHz and 25kHz by 1 January 2018.
