HJM Aviation Services
View from a light aircraft cockpit in flight over the UK
RT Training & FRTOL

Master the radio.

Radiotelephony training & FRTOL examinations.

500+
Hours flying
FRTOL
Examiner
FISO
Validation
What Harry offers

Two ways to fly with HJM.

Training is based on realistic flying scenarios and current UK procedures, drawing directly on CAP 413, CAP 2325 and CAP 2118.

Radiotelephony & FRTOL

Good radiotelephony is a key part of safe and confident flying, knowing what to say, when to say it, and understanding what is said back to you.

Explore RT & FRTOL

Microlight Flight Instruction

Fixed-wing microlight flight instruction, from biennial and revalidation flights to refresher, confidence-building and skills-check support.

Explore flight instruction
Built on current CAA guidance
Harry Jackson-Mallender in a Pilatus cockpit
About Harry

Both sides of the radio.

Harry Jackson-Mallender has been flying since the age of 14 and has built experience across both the flying and air traffic service sides of aviation.

He has been a Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) since August 2019 and became a FISO Local Assessor in May 2026, giving him day-to-day operational experience of radio communication from the ground-station perspective.

With approximately 500 hours total flying experience, a Flight Instructor rating held since March 2025, and appointment as a FRTOL Examiner in June 2026, Harry brings a genuinely dual perspective to every RT lesson.

  • Age 14
    Flying since
  • Aug 2019
    FISO - Validation
  • Mar 2025
    Flight Instructor
  • May 2026
    FISO Local Assessor
  • Jun 2026
    FRTOL Examiner
  • ~500 hrs
    Total flying
Where it starts
Fog on the apron. Coffee in hand. Radio checks before wheels-up.
The licence

What is the FRTOL?

The Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL) is the licence required to operate an aircraft radio. It's made up of two elements, a theory exam and a practical exam.

Element 1

Theory Exam

A written knowledge element made up of 12 multiple-choice questions with a 75% pass mark. If you're completing a Part-FCL PPL, the theory exam is usually taken through your Approved Training Organisation (ATO) or Declared Training Organisation (DTO) via the E-Exam Portal. Where required, it can also be completed with Harry.

  • 12 multiple-choice questions
  • Pass mark: 75%
  • ATO or DTO E-Exam Portal, or with Harry
Element 2

Practical Exam

A simulated flight using a current CAA VFR chart. The route is disclosed on the day. Candidates are assessed on making appropriate radio calls, responding correctly to instructions and information, and using standard UK phraseology.

  • Simulated flight, CAA VFR chart
  • Route given on the day
  • Review CAP 2325 before attending
Ground school

RT that feels natural and stays accurate.

RT ground school helps students build confidence before using the radio in flight or sitting the FRTOL practical exam.

Cockpit panel with GPS and moving map in flight

The aim is to make RT feel less intimidating and more natural, while keeping phraseology accurate and professional.

Standard phraseology

The correct words, structure and read-back discipline that keep radio calls clear, concise and unambiguous.

Radio checks

How to request and give a radio check, and how to use the readability scale from 1 to 5.

Ground & taxi calls

Requesting start, taxi and airfield information, and understanding taxi instructions and holding points.

Departure calls

Making clear departure and take-off calls, and reporting your intentions as you leave the circuit or zone.

Holding point calls

Reporting ready for departure at the holding point and responding correctly to line-up and take-off clearances.

Joining & rejoining

Standard overhead and circuit joins, and the calls used to rejoin an airfield safely and predictably.

Position reports

Giving accurate position, altitude and intentions so ground stations and other traffic have a clear picture.

Route & zone transits

Requesting and reading back clearances to transit controlled airspace, a MATZ and other zones.

Use of ATIS

Obtaining and reporting the current ATIS information so you arrive with the latest airfield details.

Emergency calls

Making MAYDAY and PAN calls correctly, and knowing what information to pass when it matters most.

Transponder phraseology

Understanding squawk codes and the standard instructions for setting and operating your transponder.

Practical route-based RT

Putting it all together with realistic, route-based radio scenarios that mirror actual UK VFR flying.

Flight Instruction

Fixed-wing microlight flight instruction.

Alongside radiotelephony training and FRTOL examinations, Harry also provides fixed-wing microlight flight instruction. Training can include:

Harry seated in the cockpit of a microlight

Biennial Instructional Flights

For pilots needing an instructional flight as part of their ongoing licence revalidation requirements.

Refresher Flying

Ideal for pilots who have had a break from flying and want to rebuild confidence before operating alone again.

Confidence-Building Flights

A relaxed way to work through any areas that feel rusty, whether that is circuits, general handling, navigation or radio work.

General Handling Revision

Practice and polish the core flying skills, including straight and level, climbing, descending, turning, slow flight and emergency handling.

Circuit Consolidation

Useful for pilots who want extra practice with approaches, landings, go-arounds, circuit planning and decision-making.

Navigation Refreshers

A chance to revisit planning, chart work, route flying, diversions and in-flight decision-making.

RT Support in Flight

Combining Harry's FRTOL Examiner and FISO experience to help pilots become more confident using the radio during real flying.

Return-to-Flying Support

For pilots who have been away from flying and want structured support before getting fully current again.

Pre-Test or Skills Check Support

Additional instruction for students or pilots who want extra preparation before a GST, check flight or assessment.

Local Area Familiarisation

Helpful for pilots new to the area who want to become more comfortable with local procedures, airspace, VRPs and nearby aerodromes.

Training & pricing

Choose the format that fits.

Training
Most popular
Group

RT Group Course

£220
12 hours ground school

A structured 12-hour ground school covering the main RT skills and procedures for GA flying and FRTOL prep. Usually run over six evenings of two hours each, with occasional weekend courses.

1-to-1

1-to-1 RT Course

Contact me
Online or in person

Individual tuition, online or in person. Tailored support and extra practice on joining calls, route clearances, controlled airspace, emergency calls and practical exam preparation.

Top-up

Additional Ground School

£45
per hour

Extra revision, confidence-building, mock exam practice or supplementary support alongside your flight training.

FRTOL Exams
Practical

FRTOL Practical Exam

£180
with a CAA-authorised examiner

A simulated flight using a current CAA VFR chart; route disclosed on the day.

Theory

FRTOL Theory Exam

£45
written knowledge element

The written knowledge element: 12 multiple-choice questions, 75% pass mark.

FRTOL exams

Sit your FRTOL with a CAA-authorised examiner.

Harry is authorised to conduct FRTOL examinations. The practical exam is completed using a current CAA VFR chart; the route is given on the day.

Candidates should ensure they are familiar with the relevant CAA guidance and arrive prepared with the required documents and equipment.

Book your FRTOL exam
Bring on the day
  • Current CAA VFR chart
  • Photo ID
  • Logbook (if applicable)
  • Pen, ruler, protractor
  • Familiarity with CAP 2325
Answers

Common questions, honestly answered.

Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch, Harry is happy to chat through anything RT-related.

None at all. Whether you're completely new to aviation radio or already flying, training starts at exactly the right level for you.

The Flight Radiotelephony Operator's Licence (FRTOL) is the licence required to legally operate an aircraft radio. Most pilots flying beyond a small handful of scenarios will need one.

12 hours of ground school in total — usually run over six evenings of two hours each, with occasional weekend courses.

The theory exam is 12 multiple-choice questions with a 75% pass mark. It's typically taken via your ATO or DTO E-Exam Portal, or can be sat with Harry where required.

Yes — 1-to-1 sessions can be delivered online or in person, tailored to what you need to work on.

A simulated flight using a current CAA VFR chart. The route is disclosed on the day, and you're assessed on making appropriate radio calls, responding correctly to instructions, and using standard UK phraseology. Review CAP 2325 before attending.

Get in touch

Book RT training or an FRTOL exam.

Send a message and Harry will get back to you personally, usually within a day or two.

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