I have never in my life encountered more incomprehensible forms or maddening bureaucrazy-speak than trying to get a RSL for my aircraft. After my 3rd time rejected and returned attempt, I finally broke down and wrote them this letter:
1 July 2017
Federal Communications Commission
PO Box 979097
St. Louis
MO, 63197-9000
In regards to Radio Telephony License for my aircraft.
Hi. My name is Adam S Frisch. Through my company Polyscope Films Inc, I’m the owner of aircraft Aero Commander 680V, FAA registration number N171AT.
I’ve now unsuccessfully tried to request a new radio telephone license for my aircraft three (3) times, and I’m now at my wits end. I’m this close to crying uncontrollably in a fetal position. Form comes back with some obscure form or code that has not been filled in properly and it’s proving harder to get this document than the holy Graal. I mean, what is a Lockbox Number and why do I as a customer have to know about that (Form 159)? Why do I need to know if this filing needs a waiver from Commission’s Rules (Form 605)? These both sound like internal things that should not have to be deciphered by your customers.
All I want is a RT License for my aircraft, so that I can travel with it abroad (FAA requirement). That’s it. I beg anyone who processes this therefore to help me fill in this form correctly and correct anything that is missing or wrongly filled in, so that it complies. You have my authorization to do so and charge to my card whatever associated fee there is for this RT license. According to my calculations and following your guide to my best abilities (PAAR, PAAM), it should be $170. If not, please charge the correct sum to submitted CC form.
Today, lo and behold, the RSL finally came, so maybe the letter helped.... No idea what tehy charged the card, but I don't really care at this point.
