Using radio to contact persons on ground while flying?

"steve" wrote in message
. ..
Hi Everyone,

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I purchased a backup handheld
radio
for cross country flights, etc. and was wondering if it is permitted to
use
it so I can contact my family while flying over the local area.

I would use a frequency not used locally for any other purposes.

Your thoughts?


There are no airband frequencies used for contact for other than official
communications. The only exception is for people that hold special
liscenses for research and development.

One problem is, that while you are airborne, your signal will carry for
many, many miles, so you can not predict what is an unused frequency.

I would suggest that you use a small family band radio, like they sell at
WallMart, or where ever. While they are probably not technically allowed to
be used in the air, there is little chance anyone will put up a fuss.
--
Jim in NC