Radio Telephony (RT)

Professional Air Traffic Communication for Safe Drone Operations in CTR

 
Radio Telephony (RT) – Professional Air Traffic Communication for Safe Drone Operations in CTR

Intro

In the busy controlled airspace around major Dutch airports, two-way Radio Telephony (RT) is not optional — it is mandatory.

At Skymotion we operate safely and legally inside the CTRs of Schiphol (EHAM) and Rotterdam The Hague (EHRD) thanks to our certified RT operators who maintain continuous, professional communication with Air Traffic Control (LVNL) using standard ICAO phraseology.

Whether you need cinematic drone shots near runways, over the Port of Rotterdam, or in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, our RT service gives you access to airspace that is normally off-limits for drones — while guaranteeing the highest level of safety and compliance.

 
 

Why Professional RT with Skymotion

  • Fully certified RT operators (valid Dutch/Belgian radio telephony licence)

  • Constant two-way VHF radio contact with LVNL Tower / Approach

  • 24/48-hour advance flight plan coordination with LVNL Operational Helpdesk

  • Dedicated 10m antenna setups for optimal signal quality from low altitude

  • back-up Systems

  • Proven track record in Schiphol CTR and Rotterdam CTR for film & commercial productions

Port of Rotterdam

CTR Rotterdam

 

Mudmasters

CTR Amsterdam

 

Key Requirements for CTR Drone Flights in the Netherlands

  • Specific category operation (SORA-approved or PDRA)

  • EASA-compliant operator & remote pilot certificates

  • Professional RT operator on site or in direct contact

  • VHF airband radio with sufficient range

  • Approved flight plan + ATC clearance

 

How RT Works for Drone Operations in CTR

  1. Flight Plan Submission Minimum 24–48 hours in advance via LVNL portal or email to droneplanning@lvnl.nl

  2. Pre-flight Coordination Confirmation of frequency, callsign, squawk code (if applicable) and exact route/altitude

  3. During the Flight Continuous two-way radio contact with the responsible ATC unit (Tower / Approach)

  4. Emergency Procedure If radio contact is lost → immediate flight termination + phone notification to LVNL

 

On top of the parking garage

CTR

 

Port of Rotterdam

wereld haven dagen

General & Backup Frequencies (always useful to monitor)

Service Frequency Purpose
Amsterdam Information (FIS) 124.300 MHz Information service outside CTR/TMA
Dutch Mil Info / Radar 132.350 MHz Backup + all military areas
International Emergency (Guard) 121.500 MHz Emergency frequency – always monitor

All CTR VHF Frequencies in the Netherlands (February 2026)

Airport / CTR Tower Approach Clearance Delivery Ground Notes
Schiphol CTR (EHAM)119.230 MHz121.205 / 119.055 MHz121.980 MHz121.805 / 121.705 MHzMost used for drone clearance
Rotterdam The Hague CTR (EHRD)118.205 MHz122.990 MHz122.180 MHz122.180 MHzDelivery often combined with Ground
Eindhoven CTR (EHEH)131.005 MHz122.100 / 124.530 MHz121.980 MHz121.805 MHzFrequently used for film shoots
Maastricht Aachen CTR (EHBK)119.480 MHz120.205 / 123.980 MHz119.480 MHz (Tower)
Groningen Eelde CTR (EHGG)118.705 MHz120.305 MHz118.705 MHz (Tower)
Lelystad CTR (EHLE)135.180 MHz123.680 MHz123.680 MHzVery relevant for drone training
Twente CTR (EHTW)119.705 MHz119.705 MHz119.705 MHzSmall CTR
Leeuwarden CTR (military, EHLW)122.100 MHz122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Military CTR
Volkel CTR (military, EHVK)122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Dutch Mil 132.350Military CTR
Gilze-Rijen CTR (military, EHGR)122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Dutch Mil 132.350Military CTR
Woensdrecht CTR (military, EHWO)122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Dutch Mil 132.350Military CTR
Deelen CTR (military, EHDL)122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Dutch Mil 132.350Military CTR
Valkenburg CTR (military, EHVB)122.100 MHzDutch Mil 132.350Dutch Mil 132.350Military CTR

These frequencies are used for Clearance Delivery, start-up approval and two-way radio communication with LVNL Air Traffic Control. Skymotion always coordinates 24-48 hours in advance with LVNL and ensures continuous RT contact during the flight.

Do you need RT on your location?

Call Tessa Oudijk or send her a message on WhatsApp

+31 6 515 32 097

💬 Message Tessa on WhatsApp

Or send an email to: tessa@skymotion.nl