so much miss information.
AM = Amplitude Modulation
FM = Frequency Modulation
VHF = Very High Frequency
UHF = Ultra High Frequency
VHF BAND = 118-174 Mhz
UHF BAND = 410-512 Mhz
the stock UV=5R radios operate in the VHF 136-174 Mhz and UHF bands 410 -512 Mhz and receive and transmit in the FM mode not AM. Aircraft bands are in the VHF band and are mostly all around and in the 118-128 Mhz area, and operate in the AM mode.
the radio will also receive in the FM broadcast band 65-108 FM/
technically speaking because the radio will transmit in the HAM bands you are supposed to have a licenced for the radio. however, if you are HAM because this radio will opereate OUTSIDE the HAM bands it is not allowed to be used in the HAM bands ether. But nobody looks anymore to see what you are using for a radio.
if you are a commercial operator you are supposed to buy a licence from the gov, and get assigned a frequency, but again because these radios will operate in the HAM bands they are against the rules to use them commercially, and again, nobody looks anymore, nobody cares what you are using for equipment.
however, there are so many out there, and so few who care about that stuff, you will never be in trouble using them as long as you stay out of the ham bands and do not bother any commercial opperators, or the RCMP who still use the VHF band.
I have several, use them on the farm, for hunting, for whatever just don't bother others stick the the FRS frequincys and you will be fine
so the bottom line is buy them use them have fun enjoy, don't bother anyone, stay out of the ham bands, and you will be fine