Recently, I received the first part for this project, a Crossfire radio system (thank you ECE depot at the U of M!). This is a long range radio link with up and down telemetry. This radio, unlike normal RC links (2.4GHz), operates on 900MHz (@ up to 2W, but that isn't legal even with a license). This band is classified as UHF. To operate in this band, you need an amateur radio license, specifically a technician class license. 

Getting a HAM License is not the easiest, but definitely not the hardest. There is a ton of study materials out there. One of the ones I've liked so far is this one:

https://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v1-1.pdf 

Fairly straightforward language with plenty of sample questions in it. Another great place for finding questions is here: 

https://hamstudy.org/tech2018

This has the actual bank of test questions. 

I personally have not taken the test yet, but I plan to in about a week or two. Until then, I will be starting airframe design, based on the Talon style frame.