We all need Ham Radio Licenses to fly FPV legally right? I know that some video transmitters come locked to "legal" frequencies but my question is whether one would need the Technician's license to fly FPV on those "legal" channels. Could a person without a Ham License be able to fly with those "legal" channels? And at what power levels?

I, like many other FPV’ers am a licensed Amateur Radio operator. I got my first license about 1980 and currently hold the highest level license issued for Amateur Radio, the Extra Class.
Your questions touch a sensitive issue for some. I will answer them from the legal perspective.
This reply is not addressing the ethical question of 'is it OK to illegally use the FPV frequencies'.
 
“We all need Ham Radio Licenses to fly FPV legally right?”
YES, in the US
The frequencies allocated for Amateur Radio operators in the US are 5650Mhz to 5925Mhz (5.650 to 5.925). So yes, if you use FPV in that frequency range, legally, you need a Technician License or higher. See link below.

Could a person without a Ham License be able to fly with those "legal" channels?
No, because the “legal’ channels that you are referring to fall inside the 5.650-5.925ghz set aside for licensed Amateur Radio operators use only

Some manufacturers and vendors confuse buyers into thinking they can buy/use the vtx because it only transmits on legal frequencies to use in the US.   
The sellers are protecting themselves (confusing buyers) by stating the vtx only transmits on legal US frequencies. What sometimes goes unnoticed is (read the ad’s fine print) even though the VTX is legal to transmit on these frequencies, the person operating it  (buyer) must be a licensed Amateur Radio operator (ham) to legally use the vtx on the ‘legal’ frequencies.

And at what power levels?
A very deep question but here is the short answer.
To the best of my knowledge there are currently no 5.8ghz retail vtx’s that exceed the legal US power level for a licensed Amateur Radio operator.
BUT there are other regulations to consider.
1.    As Amateur Radio operators we are required to use the minimum power necessary. So, if I get a good signal with 100mw, I am legally not supposed to use any power higher than that.
2.    Also, Amateur Radio operators (and everyone else) are not permitted to allow our signals to interfere with another persons signal. Meaning, if my transmitter (vtx) is of bad design or the power is set too high and it interferes with other signals on an adjacent frequency(ies) it is my responsibility to do something to stop the interference.
3.    Commercial WIFI also uses some of these frequencies. So be very aware…if your FPV signal interferes with a commercial WIFI signal you will probably get a visit/letter/fine from the FCC (this applies whether you are licensed or not).  A heads up: if you have commercial towers where you fly it would be a good idea to find out if any of the antennas are for WIFI. If they are, it would be prudent to avoid flying in the area.
 
Chart of frequencies allocated to US Amateur Radio Operators
http://www.arrl.org/images/view//Charts/Band_Chart_Image_for_ARRL_Web.jpg

To get a Amateur Radio license to be legal for using FPV frequencies is VERY EASY.
Do a search for Amateur Radio Tech study guide. Down load the material.
Here is one source:
http://www.hollandarc.org/?page_id=3570
click on tec2022k8tb

It is a question pool of, I think, 350-500 questions with the correct answer. ALL of the questions are repeated numerous times  by rewording. That is why the study guide is so large. Study those until you are familiar with them and go take a test at your local Amateur Radio club.

The test is 35 questions, and the cost is $15 and you never need to worry about being legal again.

Roger74, thank you so much for your thoughtful and in depth input! I forgot to say that I do currently hold a Technician's license, but was just curious about the manufacturer's claims about legal channels, which got me very confused about whether or not one even needs a license to fly legally. Thanks for clearing that up for me!

(12-Dec-2019, 07:22 PM)raspberrypi33 Wrote: Roger74, thank you so much for your thoughtful and in depth input! I forgot to say that I do currently hold a Technician's license, but was just curious about the manufacturer's claims about legal channels, which got me very confused about whether or not one even needs a license to fly legally. Thanks for clearing that up for me!

You're welcome.   Glad to hear you have your license.


You story is a perfect example of how the sellers confuse people about 'legal' frequencies.

Happy flyin'

On a related note, ironically you apparently don't need a HAM license at all (so I'm told) if you use the DJI FPV Goggles along with their transmitter that works over the same digital link. So, if you use the DJI system you can fly legally with no license from a radio frequency transmission point of view. Obviously BVOS and/or not having a spotter is a different legal issue.

Roger did a good job with 5.8g

Also, if you fly with Crossfire in the USA, you need a Ham license.  And there are other frequencies, like 1.2/1.3ghz, the preferred frequency for extreme long range video, etc.

Lucky for me I am also an Amateur Radio General License holder.

(25-Dec-2019, 11:56 AM)goatfarmer11 Wrote: Lucky for me I am also an Amateur Radio General License holder.

Time to go for your Extra class license! 

Ur supposed to have a ham license to fly legally.....

Ur also not legally allowed to rip the tag off a mattress.


Just don't fly near an airport or into strangers houses and you should be fine ;D