We were watching "Flying Wild Alaska " the other night.  

If you're not familiar with the show, it's a rare gem in reality TV, as one writer puts it.

A couple of hunters on snow machines were stranded out in the vast, frozen bush.

An aircraft was sent out an airplane to find them.

To my surprise, the hunters contacted the aircraft using VHF airband HT's!

I learned that it's not unusual for people in Alaska to carry a VHF AM (AE3)  airband HT "when all else fails".

The FAA and FCC join forces to regulates the 108-136 MHz band, and it seems that the license, or permission goes with the platform more than the user.

But, you can get a " Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit" which might be good for ballooning, crop dusting, cattle herding, that sort of a ground-to-air communication.

Does anyone have a  " Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit" ?  The FCC lets you buy one for $70, no exam.  Might be worth having a VHF airband HT and a  " Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit" in a SAR application.