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Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of
)
)
Amendment of Part 87 of the Commission's)
WT Docket No. 96-1
Rules to Permit Automatic Operation of )
RM-8495
Aeronautical Advisory Stations (Unicoms))
)
and
)
)
Amendment of Part 87 to Permit the )
Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global ) WT
Docket No. 96-211
Positioning System (GPS) Correction Data )
RM-8607, 8687
and the Use of Hand-held Transmitters)
on Frequencies in the Aeronautical )
Enroute Service
)
)
and
)
)
Amendment of Part 17 Concerning )
Construction, Marking, and Lighting of)
Antenna Structures
)
REPORT AND ORDER
Adopted: February 25, 1999
Released: March 3, 1999
By the Commission:
I.
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. By this action, we are amending Part 87
of our rules to implement state-of-the-art radio technologies and promote
operational flexibility in the Aviation Services. We are permitting the
operation of aeronautical advisory stations (unicoms) in an unattended,
automatic mode, and allowing aeronautical ground stations to transmit
differential Global Positioning System (GPS) augmentation data to aircraft.
Additionally, we are allowing the use of mobile radios for direct communications
between ground service personnel and flight crews on frequencies allocated to
the Aeronautical Enroute Service. These actions will improve safety in air
navigation by increasing pilots' access to advisory information, promoting the
use of satellite technology for
the precision landing of aircraft, and allowing ground crews to communicate
directly with aircraft on aeronautical frequencies. Finally, we are
amending Part 17 of our rules to incorporate by reference two recently revised
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circulars. As a result,
this action unifies federal guidelines concerning the painting and lighting of
antenna structures.
II. BACKGROUND
2. In 1996, the Commission released two
Notices of Proposed Rule Making aimed at increasing air safety by promoting the
use of state-of-the-art radio technologies in the Aviation Services, providing
operational flexibility in the use of Aviation Service frequencies, and unifying
federal guidelines concerning the painting and lighting of potential
obstructions to air navigation. On January 29, 1996, the Commission
released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Unicom NPRM) in WT Docket No. 96-1,
proposing to allow the operation of unicoms in unattended, automatic mode.
The Unicom NPRM was initiated by a Petition for Rule Making filed by the Potomac
Aviation Technology Corporation (PATC). Nine comments and two reply
comments were filed in response to the Unicom NPRM.
3. In another matter concerning aviation
safety issues, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making
(Aviation Safety NPRM) in WT Docket No. 96-211 on November 21, 1996, proposing
to: (a) permit aeronautical ground stations to transmit differential GPS
augmentation data to aircraft; (b) allow ground crews to communicate directly
with aircraft on aeronautical enroute frequencies; and, (c) update Part 17 of
our rules to incorporate two recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. The
Aviation Safety NPRM was initiated by Petitions for Rule Making filed by the FAA
and Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC). Two comments and two reply comments
were filed in response to the Aviation Safety NPRM.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Automatic Operation of Unicoms
4. Background. The unicom service was
established in 1950 to provide for air-ground communications primarily between
general aviation aircraft and airport facilities. Unicom transmissions are
limited to the necessities of safe and expeditious operation of aircraft,
including runway conditions, types of fuel available, wind conditions, weather
information, dispatching, and other necessary safety information.
Unicoms generally may not be used for air traffic control except to relay
certain limited information between the pilot and the air traffic controller.
Unicom transmissions may include, on a secondary basis, communications
pertaining to the efficient portal-to-portal transit of an aircraft, such as
available ground transportation, food, and lodging. Unicoms must provide
impartial information concerning available ground services, and must provide
service to any aircraft station upon request and without discrimination.
5. Unicoms may operate at both controlled
and uncontrolled airports. Regardless of the type of airport, however,
only one of the eight assignable unicom frequencies may be authorized at any
airport. Controlled airports are those that are equipped with either a control
tower, a control tower remote communications outlet (RCO), or an FAA flight
service station (FSS). Unicoms at controlled airports may not transmit
information regarding runway conditions, wind, or weather during the hours of
operation of the controlling facility. At uncontrolled airports, unicoms
are often the only available source of this type of information. The vast
majority of airports in the United States are uncontrolled airports.
6. The Commission's Rules currently do not
permit the unattended, automatic operation of unicoms. The rules, however,
do permit the operation of FAA-certified automatic weather stations, such as
Automatic Weather Observation Stations (AWOSs), at airfields that do not have a
full-time control tower or FSS. Like unicoms, AWOS systems may provide
terminal information, but only with FAA approval. Unlike unicoms, AWOS
systems are relatively complex and expensive, require FAA-certification prior to
operation, and are normally assigned an air traffic control frequency after
coordination with FAA. These factors have impeded the widespread
installation of AWOSs at smaller airports.
7. PATC, a developer of automated unicoms,
has operated automated unicoms under a developmental license since February 5,
1994. PATC describes its automated unicom as a computerized system that
automatically transmits aviation advisory information, weather reports, and a
radio check service to pilots. A pilot monitoring local unicom frequencies
would receive computer-generated voice instructions to operate the PATC system
by "clicking" his or her radio microphone three times to request an advisory, or
four times to request a radio check. "Clicks" are generated by momentarily
depressing the "push to talk" button on an aircraft radio's microphone. A
recorded or computer-generated voice responds with the requested advisory
information or a radio check.
8. Proposal. In the Unicom NPRM, we
proposed to eliminate the station operator requirement for unicoms and to permit
their automatic operation. We proposed to license automatic unicoms in the
same manner as manually-operated unicoms and proposed technical criteria to
govern their operation. Under the technical criteria proposed in the
Unicom NPRM, automated unicoms would be required to: transmit only in response
to aircraft interrogating signals; use a three-second delay between
interrogating signals and unicom transmissions; shut down automatically after
three minutes of continuous operation; and include the date and time of the most
recent update.
9. Decision. The commenters
addressing this issue, including those representing the FAA, equipment
manufacturers, unicom operators, and pilots, agree that automated unicoms could
improve air safety by increasing pilots' access to advisory information.
PATC states that permitting unicoms to operate in an unattended, automatic mode
will "substantially improve the quality and timeliness of critical advisory
information to general aviation pilots, thereby improving the safety of life and
property in flight." PATC estimates that 85% of U.S. airports do not have
control tower facilities or FAA-certified automated weather systems, and
therefore, pilots must presently rely on manually-operated unicoms or other
pilots for advisory information at these uncontrolled airports. The
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), representing more than 340,000
general aviation pilots and aircraft owners operating mostly from uncontrolled
airports, also agrees that permitting automated unicom services will improve air
safety by increasing pilots' access to advisory information at airports that
presently have part-time or no unicom stations. AOPA points out that
smaller airports often do not have sufficient resources to staff a unicom
station, and that automated unicom systems would be an economically viable
alternative. PATC notes that, even when uncontrolled airports have unicom
facilities, advisory services are not normally offered to pilots on a
twenty-four hour basis. In contrast, PATC points out that automated unicom
services could be available at any time of day, without requiring substantial
staff resources at smaller airports. Mark J. Swaney (Swaney), a commercial
pilot and flight instructor, and PATC contend that automated unicom stations
could be used as a primary means of unicom services, or to supplement a
manually-operated unicom service.
10. The commenters also agree that the technical
criteria proposed in the Unicom NPRM will ensure that automated operations do
not interfere with voice communications on unicom frequencies.
In this
connection, PATC notes that there have been no complaints of interference to
voice communications during its operation of six automated
unicoms under
developmental licenses. Swaney notes that automated unicoms,
operating under the technical criteria proposed in the Unicom NPRM, would not
cause harmful interference to voice communications on unicom frequencies, even
when used at the same airport as a manually-operated unicom. Further,
Swaney claims that automated
unicoms can reduce frequency congestion at airports
that also have manual services, because pilots may quickly obtain advisory
information or a radio check by "clicking" their microphones, rather than
occupying the frequency while establishing voice contact with a live operator.
11. Therefore, because automated unicoms have the
potential to promote air safety and reduce congestion on unicom frequencies, we
are amending Part 87 of our rules to permit the operation of unicom stations in
an unattended, automatic mode. We agree with the commenters' contention
that increasing the availability of unicom advisory information to pilots will
improve air safety. For example, up-to-date information concerning runway
and weather conditions is important for safe flight operations. Similarly,
advisory information pertaining to available ground services is also an
important source of in-flight information -- especially for pilots approaching
unfamiliar airfields. Further, radio checks facilitate verification of the
proper operation of what is often a pilot's lifeline: his or her radio. We
also believe that automatic transmission of aviation advisory information could
make this vital information available at more airfields, providing
increased safety services to the aviation community. As the commenters
point out, small airports often have part-time, or no, unicom services at all
because of the costs associated with staffing a full-time unicom.
Automated unicoms could be used to supplement, or in lieu of, a full-time unicom
station. By eliminating the need for a live operator and permitting the
use of state-of-the-art technology, we anticipate that more airports may elect
to provide unicom services and thereby improve air safety.
12. Consistent with our policy for
manually-operated unicoms, we will authorize only one licensee at uncontrolled
airports, and multiple licensees at controlled airports. In cases where
multiple licensees are authorized at a single airport or approach, we will
require the licensees to sign an agreement stating which licensee(s) will
control the automated unicom operations and, if control is to be shared among
several operators, how that control will be divided or scheduled. The
licensees will be required to maintain a copy of the agreement with the
station's records.
13. Each of the commenters generally agrees that
the technical parameters proposed in the Unicom NPRM will allow the efficient
operation of automated unicoms without causing interference to voice
communications. The FAA and PATC, however, ask the Commission to further
refine these technical parameters and suggest minor changes to ensure the
integrity of voice communications on unicom frequencies.
Specifically, the FAA and PATC recommend that: (a) automated unicoms should
transmit only in response to interrogating signals from aircraft; (b) there
should be a brief delay between an aircraft's interrogating signal and the
unicom transmission; and, (c) messages should be no longer than one minute in
duration. Further, the FAA and PATC recommend limiting station power to
0.5 watts, but permitting up to 2 watts in order to ensure reliable
communications up to 15 nautical miles from an airport. We agree with the
recommendations of the FAA and PATC and have included these technical parameters
in the final rules we adopt today. We believe that these specifications
are flexible enough to permit technological innovation in the provision of
automated unicom services while preventing harmful interference to voice
communications on unicom frequencies.
14. The FAA and PATC also ask the Commission to
place certain additional requirements on automated unicoms, but not
manually-operated unicoms, so that pilots will have a clear understanding of the
reliability of the information being provided. First, the FAA and PATC
recommend that automated unicoms providing weather information should: (a)
precede such information with the word "advisory" to denote that it is not an
FAA-certified weather system; (b) refrain from providing such information at
airports equipped with an FAA-certified weather system, unless the automated
unicom becomes certified by the FAA; and (c) place weather sensors where they
can best represent the weather conditions of the airport being served.
Second,
the FAA and PATC suggest that automated unicom messages include the time and
date of the latest update, except in cases where the system uses automated
sensors to gather real-time data. Again, we agree with the recommendations
of the FAA and PATC and have included these requirements in the final rules.
We believe that these measures will assist pilots in evaluating the reliability
of automated unicom messages. Further, this approach helps to draw a clear
distinction between the automated messages provided by unicom stations, and the
automated messages provided by FAA-certified automated weather stations, such as
AWOS.
15. In the Unicom NPRM, we also proposed several
minor, administrative amendments to Part 87 of our rules in order to update
certain sections in accordance with current FAA practices. These
amendments are noncontroversial in nature and none of the commenters in this
proceeding specifically addressed such amendments. Therefore, we are
amending Sections 87.525, 87.527, and 87.529 to permit the use of Automatic
Surface Observation Stations (AMOS) in addition to the Automatic Weather
Observing Stations (AWOS) already permitted. We are also amending Section
87.419 to eliminate the requirement that applicants provide a written statement
from the appropriate FAA Regional Office with an application for an RCO
authorization. Finally, we are making a non-substantive, editorial
amendment to Section 87.187(y)(4).
B. Differential Global Positioning System
(GPS) Augmentation Data
16. Background. The FAA has developed a
Special Category I (SCAT-I) precision landing and approach specification to
enable the near-term use of GPS by privately-owned landing operations. The
purpose of the SCAT-I specification is to provide a standard means of
transmitting GPS augmentation data from a ground reference station near an
airport to aircraft approaching the landing area. The Commission's rules,
however, do not currently provide a means for licensing the necessary data
transmissions between the ground reference stations and aircraft.
17. By way of background, GPS is a
satellite-based global navigation system originally developed by the U.S.
Department of Defense to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. military forces.
Over the years, GPS also has been used in civilian applications requiring
precise location information (e.g., mapping, surveying, and navigation).
The GPS consists of twenty-four satellites, with the orbits of these satellites
designed so that multiple satellites are passing over any given spot on the
earth's surface at any given time. Each satellite transmits a time-coded
signal. A GPS receiver then uses data from multiple satellites to rapidly
calculate the location, altitude, and velocity of the vehicle or aircraft
carrying the receiver.
18. The location accuracy achieved by a
particular GPS receiver depends on the accuracy of each satellite's clock,
variances in each satellite's orbit, and daily fluctuations in the radio
propagation characteristics of the ionosphere. In addition, the accuracy
of the GPS system is purposefully degraded by the Department of Defense for
national security reasons. For civilian use, GPS receivers are generally
considered to be accurate within approximately 100 meters horizontally.
However, this accuracy can be improved to better than one meter by using a
technique called "differential GPS." Differential GPS employs two GPS
units or receivers. In addition to the mobile GPS receiver (e.g., the
receiver on an aircraft), another receiver (stationary
receiver) is placed at a location where the precise coordinates are already
known (reference point). The stationary receiver calculates the difference
between the reference point and the predicted location using GPS data. The
difference between the two locations is the error in the GPS signal.
Differential GPS augmentation data can then be transmitted to a mobile GPS unit
to increase the accuracy of the position information shown by that unit.
19. Proposal. On August 7, 1995, the FAA
filed a Petition for Rule Making asking the
Commission to authorize the use of VHF band frequencies for differential GPS
transmissions. We proposed in the Aviation Safety NPRM to allow entities
participating in the FAA's SCAT-I landing and approach system to use unassigned
VHF omni-range (VOR) frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band to transmit
differential GPS augmentation data to aircraft. We proposed a method of
licensing differential GPS ground stations and asked for comment on the
technical parameters that would govern their operation. The FAA, the sole
commenter addressing this issue, supports our proposal.
20. Decision. We believe that permitting
the use of unassigned VOR frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band by ground stations
transmitting differential GPS augmentation data will improve safety in air
navigation by promoting the use of satellite technology for the precision
landing of aircraft. Using differential GPS augmentation data, aircraft
equipped with a GPS unit will have access to extremely accurate position
information. This position information will be critical in efforts to
facilitate approaches and landings in poor weather conditions. Further,
providing a means for private entities to license these ground reference
stations will increase pilots' access to differential GPS augmentation data at
airports where the FAA does not provide such information.
21. We remain sensitive to the potential for
harmful interference to VOR transmissions in the 112-118 MHz band. By
limiting ground reference station use to unassigned VOR frequencies, however, we
eliminate the possibility of interference to VOR operations. Presently,
the Commission assigns a VOR frequency to a particular landing approach based on
a recommendation by the FAA. The FAA recommends a particular frequency
assignment in order to prevent interference to existing VOR frequencies at
nearby landing approaches. By following the same approach for assigning
new differential GPS ground station frequencies, we believe that we can avoid
harmful interference to existing VOR transmissions in the 112-118 MHz band, as
well as new VOR and differential GPS assignments in the future. In fact,
the Commission has already granted nine developmental licenses for such systems
and has received no complaints of harmful interference to VOR stations.
Therefore, we believe, and the FAA agrees, that the present method of
coordinating VOR frequency assignments in the 112-118 MHz band is also an
appropriate means to assign new differential GPS frequencies and prevent
interference to existing VOR stations.
22. Therefore, we are amending Part 87 of the
rules to authorize the use of unassigned VOR frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band
by ground reference stations transmitting differential GPS augmentation data.
As discussed above, these ground stations will provide valuable navigation
information to pilots in areas where FAA facilities are not available without
causing harmful interference to existing VOR stations. Applicants for new ground
reference stations will be required to file FCC Form 406, "Application for
Ground Station in the Aviation Services," and coordinate a frequency assignment,
time slot, and three-letter station identifier with the FAA prior to
application. As suggested by the FAA, we will not limit the number of
licensees serving a particular landing area approach so long as the FAA is able
to recommend a frequency assignment and time slot consistent with the National
Airspace System.
23. Further, we will require that differential
GPS ground station transmitters be certificated by the Commission under the
technical specifications set forth in 47 C.F.R. 87.131, 87.133(a)(5),
87.137(a), and 87.139(j). Consistent with our current procedure for
certificating transmitters operating in the 108-137 MHz band, we will also
provide a twenty-one day period for the FAA to object to any application for
certification of transmitters that would adversely affect the performance of the
National Airspace System. This approach ensures that differential GPS
ground station transmitters certificated by the Commission will not cause
harmful interference to other types of radio-based navigation equipment
installed in aircraft. Further,
this approach provides flexible technical criteria under which entities can
manufacture differential GPS equipment and promotes innovations in differential
GPS equipment consistent with the National Airspace System (e.g., changes in
coding methodology or data timing structure) without requiring the Commission's
Rules to be amended to incorporate changes unrelated to radiofrequency
interference.
C. Use of Mobile Transmitters on
Aeronautical Enroute Frequencies
24. Background. The Aeronautical Enroute
Service provides air-ground communications for the operation control (flight
management) of aircraft by aircraft operating companies. Communications
relate to safe and efficient aircraft operation. Typical messages concern
aircraft performance, fuel, weather, position reports, essential services, and
supplies. Public correspondence (i.e., private or personal messages of
passengers or crew) is not permitted on enroute frequencies. The
Aeronautical Enroute Service uses frequencies in the 128.825-132 MHz and
136.5-136.975 MHz bands.
25. Functionally, aeronautical enroute stations
can be divided into two basic categories: (a) networked stations, providing
continuous communications along flight routes; and (b) local area stations,
providing communications for the purpose of serving a particular airport.
The network stations permit an aircraft operating company to maintain
communications with its aircraft throughout their flights and for the aircraft
to have immediate access to ground-based information and services in the event
of an inflight emergency or flight diversion. The local area stations are
used to communicate with aircraft approaching an airport or aircraft moving
about the airport grounds. Typical messages handled by local area stations
relate to terminal area operational matters, such as final weight and balance,
predeparture clearance of the aircraft, aircraft servicing and parking
information, systems status reports, and weather reports.
26. By way of background, in the early days of
the aviation transport industry it was recognized that the limited number of
suitable frequencies allocated for aeronautical use was not sufficient to allow
each aviation organization in the United States to have its own system of radio
stations along its various air routes. With encouragement from the
Commission's predecessor, the Federal Radio Commission, the early air transport
companies adopted a plan calling for coordination and cooperation in the use of
aeronautical frequencies. As a result, Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC)
was incorporated in 1929 as a private communications company dedicated to
serving the communications need of the air transport industry on a non-profit,
cost-sharing basis.
27. Of the approximately 5,000 local area
stations in the continental United States and Hawaii, all are licensed to ARINC.
Often, however, the stations licensed to ARINC are in fact staffed by a
particular local user, e.g., an airline or other organization operating aircraft
at a local airport. ARINC exercises its control over these stations
through lease-contract arrangements, whereby it leases the station from the user
and executes an agreement with an appropriate user's employees binding them to
ARINC's control. Nominal compensation is paid to ARINC under these
agreements to cover the cost of ARINC's frequency management, licensee
oversight, and liability insurance. ARINC makes periodic inspections of
these stations in order to maintain control of station operations.
28. Proposal. On February 2, 1995, ARINC
filed a Petition for Rule Making asking the Commission to amend Part 87 of the
rules to permit the use of hand-held radios at local area aeronautical enroute
stations operating in the 128.825-132 MHz band (air-band radios). ARINC
contends that these hand-held radios are needed in order to facilitate
communications directly between flight crews and ground service personnel at an
airport while an aircraft is on the ground. ARINC contends that this need
for a wireless radio link arises from recent FAA regulations concerning de-icing
aircraft prior to take-off, increased traffic on airport runways, and the safety
hazards associated with using tethered connections (e.g., a wired connection
between the aircraft and ground service personnel). ARINC argues that the
lack of a direct wireless communications capability compromises safety of
airport personnel and can delay the provision of services or supplies to
aircraft. On November 21, 1996, we released the Aviation Safety NPRM
proposing to permit the use of air-band radios to facilitate direct
communications between flight crews and ground service personnel.
29. Decision. Currently, Part 87 of our
rules does not permit direct communications between flight crews and ground
service personnel via air-band radios. Instead, flight crews and ground
service personnel must communicate through an aeronautical enroute ground
station (base station) at the airport or through a tethered connection to the
plane. Although Part 90 of our rules permits the use of private land
mobile radio (PLMR) frequencies in the 450 MHz band for communications around an
airport terminal, this approach is not always practical because the air-band
radios carried aboard aircraft are not usually capable of operation on air-band
frequencies and the 450 MHz band PLMR frequencies. Similarly, for ground
service personnel, using the 450 MHz band to communicate with aircraft would
mean that two separate hand-held units, an air-band radio and a private land
mobile radio, would be needed to communicate with both the aeronautical enroute
station and aircraft on the ground.
30. The FAA initially objected to the use of
mobile transmitters in the Aeronautical Enroute Service because of the potential
for interference to air traffic control communications and possible difficulty
to protect the communications against this potential interference. ARINC,
in its Reply Comments, states that these mobile transmitters will be licensed
and under the supervisory control of ARINC, its contract staffing agencies, and
the air carriers, all of which would exercise reasonable measures to assure
control of the mobile transmitters. ARINC also notes that for the last
three years ARINC has been authorized to use portable transmitters at temporary
locations in conjunction with de-icing operations and no reports of interference
have
been received. Further, on March 13,1998, ARINC filed Supplemental
Comments, in which it states that ARINC, the Aeronautical Frequency Committee
(AFC), and FAA have met and agreed to a compromise to meet FAA's concerns.
Specifically, ARINC indicated that the FAA would rescind its objection to the
proposed use of mobile transmitters on aeronautical enroute frequencies provided
that the mobile transmitters will not operate on the air traffic control
frequencies or cause interference to air traffic control communications and the
operators of such transmitters will ensure that the personnel are properly
trained in use of the equipment and know the limitations placed on its use.
Subsequently, the FCC received correspondence from FAA indicating its
concurrence with such agreement.
31. Therefore, we are amending Part 87 of the
rules to allow the use of mobile radios for direct communications between ground
service personnel and flight crews on frequencies allocated to the Aeronautical
Enroute Service. As discussed above, the use of mobile radios at airports
for communications by ground service personnel with aircraft or the associated
enroute station will not operate on air traffic control frequencies or cause
interference to air traffic control communications. Also, the operators of
an aeronautical enroute station will ensure that personnel using the mobile
radios are properly trained and made aware of the restriction on the use of the
equipment.
D. Revised FAA Advisory Circulars
32. In the Report and Order in WT Docket No.
95-5, we incorporated, by reference, two FAA Advisory Circulars, "Obstruction
Marking and Lighting" (AC 70/7460-1H), August 1991, as amended by Change 2, July
15, 1992, and "Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment" (AC
150/5345-43D), July 1988, in Part 17 of our rules. The Commission chose
this approach in order to unify federal guidelines concerning the painting and
lighting of antenna structures. In doing so, the Commission stated that if
the FAA makes substantive amendments to either of these Advisory Circulars, it
would initiate a public proceeding prior to updating Part 17 of our rules.
In this connection, the FAA has made substantive amendments to both Advisory
Circulars. Therefore, in the Aviation Safety NPRM, the Commission proposed
to incorporate the revised FAA Advisory Circulars, AC 70/7460-1J (January 1,
1996) and AC 150/5345-43E (October 19, 1995), in Part 17 of our rules.
33. The FAA, the single commenter addressing this
issue, supports our proposal. Therefore, we are amending Section 17.23 of
the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. 17.23, to incorporate by reference the
revised FAA Advisory Circulars, AC 70/7460-1J (January 1, 1996) and AC
150/5345-43E (October 19, 1995). Antenna structure owners that have
previously been assigned painting and/or lighting specifications by the
Commission, however, are not required to update their structures in accordance
with the revised Advisory Circulars unless specifically recommended by the FAA.
This approach ensures that new antenna structures will comply with the FAA's
latest recommendations concerning air safety, and gives the Commission the
flexibility to require owners to update existing painting and/or lighting
systems in cases where the FAA believes that such action is warranted and would
increase safety in air navigation.
III. CONCLUSION
34. In view of the foregoing, we are amending
Parts 17 and 87 of the rules to: (1) permit the operation of automated
unicom stations, (2) facilitate the transmission of differential GPS
augmentation data to aircraft, (3) allow ground crews at airports to communicate
directly with flight crews using aeronautical enroute frequencies, and (4)
incorporate, by reference, two revised FAA Advisory Circulars concerning antenna
structure painting and lighting. These amendments will improve air safety
by facilitating the implementation of state-of-the-art radio technologies
promoting operational flexibility in the Aviation Services and will unify
federal guidelines concerning the painting and lighting of antenna structures.
IV. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
A. Regulatory Flexibility Act
35. A Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis with
respect to the Report and Order is contained in Appendix B.
B. Ordering Clauses
36. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to
the authority of Sections 4(i), 303(r), 307(e), and 332(a)(2) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 303(r), 307(e) and
332(a)(2), Parts 80 and 87 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. Parts 17 and 87
ARE AMENDED as set forth in the attached Appendix, effective [THIRTY DAYS AFTER
PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].
37. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that these proceedings
are TERMINATED.
C. Contacts for Information
38. For further information, contact Jim Shaffer
of the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau at (202) 418-0680 or via E-Mail to "mayday@fcc.gov".
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Magalie Roman Salas
Secretary
APPENDIX A
List of Commenters to the Unicom NPRM
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
AIRTAXI Inc.
Artais Weather Check, Inc.
Federal Aviation Administration
L. J. Aunchman
Robert J. Hepp
National Association of State Aviation Officials
Potomac Aviation Technology Corporation
Mark J. Swaney
List of Reply Commenters to the Unicom NPRM
Federal Aviation Administration
Potomac Aviation Technology Corporation
List of Commenters to the Aviation Safety NPRM
Aeronautical Radio Inc.
Federal Aviation Administration
List of Reply Commenters to the Aviation Safety NPRM
Aeronautical Radio Inc.
Federal Aviation Administration
List of Supplemental Commenters to the Aviation Safety NPRM
Aeronautical Radio Inc.
Federal Aviation Administration
APPENDIX B
Final
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
1. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
U.S.C. 603 (RFA), Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analyses (IRFA) were
incorporated in the Notice of Proposed Rule Makings WT Docket 96-1 and WT Docket
96-211. The Commission sought written public comments on the proposals in
the Unicom NPRM and Aviation Safety NPRM, including on the IRFA. The
Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) in this Report and
Order (R&O) conforms to the RFA, as amended by the Contract With America
Advancement Act of 1996.
I. Need For and Objective of the Proposed Rules
2. Our objective is to improve safety in air navigation
by increasing pilots' access to advisory information, promoting the use of
satellite technology for the precision landing of aircraft and allowing ground
crews to communicate with aircraft on aeronautical enroute frequencies, and to
incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. The
Report and Order in this proceeding modified the Commission's rules to increase
the safety and efficiency of aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and
around airports.
3. The public interest is served by modifying our rules
to permit the operation of aeronautical advisory stations (unicoms) in an
unattended, automated mode, allow aeronautical ground stations to transmit
differential GPS augmentation data to aircraft, allow the use of mobile radios
for direct communications between ground service personnel and flight crews on
Aeronautical Enroute Service frequencies and incorporate, by reference, two FAA
Advisory Circulars.
II. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by the
Public Comments in Response to the Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
4. No comments were submitted in direct response to the
IRFA. We have, however, reviewed
general comments that may impact small businesses.
5. Much of the impact will be on small businesses that
use, manufacture, design, import, or sell equipment, and will increase safety
and efficiency at airports by allowing new uses and technologies for the purpose
of communicating important information for flight and ground safety.
Commenters submitted suggestions to improve the technical and operational
criteria of the proposals. This Report and Order directly benefits small
businesses by providing smaller airports that do not have sufficient resources
to staff a unicom station with an automated and economically viable alternative
to provide important advisory information, providing airports with satellite
technology for the precision landing of aircraft to facilitate approaches and
landings in poor weather conditions, and improving the safe ground operations at
airports and improve the provision of services and supplies to aircraft on the
ground. These actions should increase the safety and efficiency of
aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and around airports.
III. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small
Entities to which the Rules Apply
6. The rules adopted in this Report and Order will
affect small businesses that use, manufacture, design, import, sell, or use
aviation equipment designed for an automated unicom, a GPS augmentation system
operating in the 112-118 MHz band, and mobile radios used for direct
communications between ground service personnel and flight crews on Aeronautical
Enroute Service frequencies. There are no Commission-imposed requirements,
however, for any entity to use these products.
Estimates for unicoms
7. The unicom service provides for air-ground
communications primarily between general aviation aircraft and airport
facilities. Unicom transmissions are limited to the necessities of safe
and expeditious operation of aircraft, including runway conditions, types of
fuel available, wind conditions, weather information, dispatching, and other
necessary safety information. Unicom transmissions may include, on a
secondary basis, communications pertaining to the efficient portal-to-portal
transit of an aircraft, such as available ground transportation, food, and
lodging. Unicoms must provide impartial information concerning available
ground services, and must provide service to any aircraft station upon request
and without discrimination. For the purpose of determining whether a
licensee is a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration
(SBA), each licensee would need to be evaluated within its own business area.
8. Because the Regulatory Flexibility Act amendments
were not in effect until the record in this proceeding was closed, the
Commission was unable to request information regarding the number of small
entities that are unicoms. Therefore, the Commission is unable at this time to
determine the number of small businesses which could be impacted by the rules.
However, the Commission's data indicates that there were 2775 unicoms licensees
operating at the end of October 1996. Further, because any entity engaged
in providing unicom service is eligible to hold a unicom license, these rules
could potentially impact every small business involved in aviation.
Additionally, there are small businesses that will manufacture, design, import,
or sell equipment. We concluded that these small businesses are classified
in Communications Equipment, N.E.C., (Standard Identification Code 3669) as
entities employing less than 750 employees as defined in 13 C.F.R. 121.201.
The size data provided by the SBA shows that 469 firms out of 498 firms in the
Communications Equipment, N.E.C. classification have less than 750 employees but
did not enable us to make a meaningful estimate of the number of potential
manufacturers which are small businesses.
Estimates for differential GPS
9. Differential GPS is ground reference stations
licensed to private entities using unassigned VOR frequencies in the 112-118 MHz
band to transmit differential GPS augmentation data to aircraft to improve
safety in approach and landing of aircraft. For the purpose of determining
whether a licensee is a small business as defined by the Small Business
Administration (SBA), each licensee would need to be evaluated within its own
business area. Additionally, there are small businesses that will
manufacture, design, import, or sell equipment. We concluded that these
small businesses are classified in Communications Equipment, N.E.C., (Standard
Identification Code 3669) as entities employing less than 750 employees as
defined in 13 C.F.R. 121.201. We invited comment on whether this is the
correct definition to use, but received no comment on this issue. The size
data provided by the SBA shows that 469 firms out of 498 firms in the
Communications Equipment, N.E.C. classification have less than 750 employees but
did not enable us to make a meaningful estimate of the number of potential GPS
manufacturers which are small businesses. However, based on information
from the U.S. GPS Industry Council we estimate that this would include
approximately 110 small businesses that would be affected by this proposed rule
change.
IV. Description of Projected Reporting,
Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements of the Rules
10.
There are several reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance requirements
applicable to the Commission licensees and equipment manufacturers. These
new requirements are necessary to minimize radiofrequency interference of the
equipment, and to specify the responsibilities in operating unicom .
(1) In order to
facilitate operation of aviation equipment, these rules may have significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses. Prior to
marketing aviation equipment in the U.S., a manufacturer must have the
unit type accepted by the Commission under the technical criteria set forth in
the Commission's Rules. In order to have a unit type accepted, a small
entity would have to test the radio equipment and provide clerical support to
file the requisite FCC application forms. Both of these functions could be
handled by a third party. We estimate that the initial cost to the
manufacturer to meet this requirement, if done by a third party, is $900 to test
the equipment and complete the filing information, and would require the
electronic engineering professional skills.
Additionally, there would be a $425 equipment authorization fee to file the
application for type acceptance. These costs are one time costs to type
accept the equipment and assure that interference to other radio users is
minimized.
(2) In order to
clarify the responsibilities in operating unicoms, we require all unicom
licensees at airports having more than one unicom to jointly sign a letter
of agreement, prior to the operation of a unicom in automatic mode at such an
airport, stating the name(s) of the licensee(s) who will control the automatic
unicom and, if applicable, how control of the automatic unicom will be divided.
A copy of the agreement must be kept with each licensee's station authorization.
We estimate that approximately 50 licensees will require 0.7 hours to prepare
and file the agreement required.
V. Steps Taken By Agency to Minimize
Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities Consistent with Stated
Objectives
11.
The rules would require differential GPS transmitters to be type accepted in
accordance with the technical criteria set forth in Part 87 Subpart D of our
rules, in lieu of the more exacting specifications contained in RTCA Document
No. DO-217. This flexible approach promotes technological innovations in
differential GPS equipment so long as such equipment is compatible with the
National Airspace System. Under our present treatment of transmitters
operating in the 108-137 MHz band, the FAA is given a 21-day period to object to
any application for type acceptance that would adversely affect the performance
of the National Airspace System. The rules also take measures to expedite
coordination procedures between applicants, the FAA, and the Commission
concerning the assignment of a frequency and time slot for differential GPS
ground stations. In order to reduce administrative burdens on both the public
and the Commission, we permit mobile units in the aeronautical enroute service
to operate under the same authorization and call sign as the associated
aeronautical enroute station. This approach would eliminate the need for
aviation service organizations to submit forms and fees to the Commission.
These decisions benefit small entities and give them an opportunity to provide
recommendations to further improve the impact and processes.
VI. Report to Congress
12.
The Commission shall send a copy of this Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis,
along with the Report and Order, in a report to Congress pursuant to the SBREFA.
A copy of this FRFA will also be published in the Federal Register.
APPENDIX C
FINAL RULES
Parts 17 and 87 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of
Federal Regulations are amended as follows:
PART 17 - CONSTRUCTION, MARKING, AND LIGHTING OF
ANTENNA STRUCTURES
1. The authority citation for Part 17 continues
to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as
amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. Interpret or apply secs. 301, 303 48 Stat. 1081,
1085 as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301, 309.
2. Section 17.23 is revised to read as follows:
17.23 Specifications for painting and lighting antenna structures.
Unless otherwise specified by the Commission, each new or altered antenna
structure to be registered on or after January 1, 1996, must conform to the
FAA's painting and lighting recommendations set forth on the structure's FAA
determination of "no hazard," as referenced in the following FAA Advisory
Circulars: AC 70/7460-1J, "Obstruction Marking and Lighting," January 1, 1996,
and AC 150/5345-43E, "Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment," October
19, 1995. These documents are incorporated by reference in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a). The documents contain FAA recommendations for painting
and lighting structures which pose a potential hazard to air navigation.
For purposes of this part, the specifications, standards, and general
requirements stated in these documents are mandatory. The Advisory
Circulars listed above are available for inspection at the Commission
Headquarters in Washington, DC, or may be obtained from Department of
Transportation, Property Use and Storage Section, Subsequent Distribution
Office, M483.6, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Avenue, Landover, MD
20785, telephone (301) 322-4961, facsimile (301) 386-5394.
PART 87 - AVIATION SERVICES
3. The authority citation for Part 87 continues
to read as follows:
Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47
U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat.
1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151-156, 301-609.
4. Section 87.5 is amended by revising the
definition of "automatic weather observation station" to read as follows:
87.5 Definitions.
* * * * *
Automatic weather observation station (AWOS) or
automatic surface observation station (ASOS).
A land station located at an airport and used to automatically transmit weather
information to aircraft.
* * * * *
5. Section 87.131 is amended by adding a footnote
to Aeronautical utility mobile entry and adding to the end of the table, the
class of station for Differential GPS to read as follows:
87.131 Power and emissions.
Class of Station
Frequency band/frequency Authorized emission
Maximum power1
* * * * *
Aeronautical utility mobile VHF
A3E
10 watts10
* * * * *
Aircraft earth
UHF G1D,G1E,G1W 60 watts.8
Differential GPS
VHF G7D
Various.2
1 The power is measured at the transmitter output
terminals and the type of power is determined according to the emission
designator as follows:
(i) Mean power (pY) for amplitude modulated emissions and transmitting both
sidebands using un modulated full carrier.
(ii) Peak envelope power (pX) of all emissions designators other than those
referred to in paragraph (i) of this row.
2 Power and antenna height are restricted to the
minimum necessary to achieve the required service.
* * * * *
8 Power may not exceed 60 watts per carrier. The maximum EIRP may
not exceed 2000 watts per carrier.
* * * * *
10 Power is limited to 0.5 watts, but may not exceed 2 watts
when station is used in an automatic unattended
mode.
6. Section 87.133 is amended by adding to the
table in paragraph (a) in the (5) Band-100 to 137 MHz: entry, the category of
station Differential GPS to read as follows:
87.133 Frequency stability.
Frequency band (lower limit exclusive,upper limit Tolerance1
Tolerance2 inclusive), and categories of stations.
* * * * *
(5) Band-100 to 137 MHz:
Aeronautical stations
50
50 4
* * * * *
Radionavigation stations
20
20
Differential GPS
2
* * * * *
1 This tolerance is the maximum permitted until January 1, 1990, for
transmitters installed before January 2, 1985, and used at the same
installation. Tolerance is indicated in parts in 106 unless shown as Hertz
(Hz).
2 This tolerance is the maximum permitted after January 1, 1985,
for new and replacement transmitters afterJanuary 2, 1990. Tolerance is
indicated in parts in 106 unless shown as Hertz (Hz).
* * * * *
4 The tolerance for transmitters approved between January 1, 1966, and
January 1, 1974, is 30 parts in 106. The tolerance for transmitters type
accepted after January 1, 1974, and stations using offset carrier techniques is
20 parts in 106.
* * * * *
7. Section 87.137 is amended by adding to the
table in paragraph (a) in its alphabetical order, the class of emission G7D to
read as follows:
87.137 Types of emission.
* * * * *
Authorized bandwidth (kilohertz)
Class of emission
Emission designator
Below 50 MHz Above 50 MHz Frequency Deviation
* * * * *
G7D.................... 14K0G7D
25
* * * * *
8. Section 87.139 is amended by revising
paragraph (a), and adding a new paragraph (j) to read as follows:
87.139 Emission limitations.
(a) Except for ELTs and when using single sideband (R3E, H3E, J3E), or
frequency modulation (F9) or digital modulation (F9Y) for telemetry or
telecommand in the frequency bands 1435-1535 MHz and 2310-2390 MHz or digital
modulation (G7D) for differential GPS, the mean power of any emission must be
attenuated below the mean power of the transmitter (pY) as follows:
* * * * *
(j) When using G7D for differential GPS in the 112-118 MHz band, the
amount of power during transmission under all operating conditions when measured
over a 25 kHz bandwidth centered on either of the second adjacent channels shall
not exceed -25 dBm and shall decrease 5 dB per octave until -52 dBm.
9. Section 87.171 is amended by adding in its
alphabetical order the symbol and class of station for DGP to read as follows:
87.171 Class of station symbols.
* * * * *
DGP - Differential GPS
* * * * *
10. Section 87.173 is amended by revising the
frequency table in paragraph (b) to add the listing 112-118 MHz.
87.173 Frequencies
(b) * * *
Frequency or frequency band
Subpart Class of station
Remarks
* * * * *
112-118 MHz.................. Q
DGP
Differential GPS
* * * * *
11. Section 87.187 is amended by revising
paragraph (y) introductory text and the first sentence in paragraph (y)(4) to
read as follows:
87.187 Frequencies.
* * * * *
(y) Brief keyed RF signals (keying the
transmitter by momentarily depressing the microphone "push-to-talk" button) may
be transmitted from aircraft for the control of automated unicoms on the unicom
frequencies listed in paragraph (y)(3) of this section, or for the control of
airport lights on the following frequencies:
* * * * *
(4) Aviation support station frequencies listed
in 87.323(b): * * *
* * * * *
12. A new Section 87.219 is added to
Subpart G to read as follows:
87.219 Automatic operations.
(a) A station operator need not be present when
an automated unicom is in operation.
(b) Unicoms operating in an automated mode must comply
with the requirements of (1)-(5) below, in addition to the requirements
applicable to non-automated unicom operations.
(1) An
automated unicom must transmit only in response to interrogating signals from
aircraft, including but not limited to the brief keyed
RF signals specified in 87.187(y).
(2) An
automated unicom must monitor the unicom frequency prior to transmission, and
provide a brief delay between the aircraft's interrogating signal and the
automatic unicom's response.
(3)
Automated advisory transmissions must be as brief as possible, and must never
exceed one minute in length.
(4) An
automated unicom may not provide weather information at an airport that has an
operational, FAA-certified, automatic weather facility, unless the
(automated) unicom itself is certified by the FAA.
(5) If weather information is provided by an
automated unicom:
(i)
weather sensors must be placed in order
to adequately represent the weather conditions at the
airport(s) to be served;
(ii) the
weather information must be proceeded by the word "advisory;"
(iii) the phrase "automated advisory" must be
included when the weather information was gathered by real-time sensors or
within the last minute; and,
(iv) the time and date of the last update must be
included when the weather information was not gathered within the last minute.
(c) Only one automated unicom may be operated at
an uncontrolled airport. Prior to the operation of an automated unicom at
an airport with more than one unicom licensee, all of the licensees at that
airport must sign a letter of agreement stating which licensee(s) control the
automated unicom operations, and, if control is to be shared among several
operators, how that control will be divided or scheduled. The original or
a copy of the letter of agreement must be kept with each licensees' station
records. Within 90 days of the date upon which a new unicom operator is
licensed at an airport where more than one unicom is authorized, and an
automated unicom is being operated, an amended letter of agreement that includes
the new licensee's signature must be signed or automated unicom operations must
cease.
13. Section 87.261 is amended by adding paragraph
(e) and (f) to read as follows:
87.261 Scope of Service
* * * * *
(e) Mobile units may be operated under an
aeronautical enroute station authorization so long as the units are limited to
use at an airport and are only used to communicate with aircraft on the ground
or the associated aeronautical enroute station. Mobile units are further
limited to operation on the VHF frequencies listed in 87.263(a)(1).
(f) Mobile units licensed under paragraph
(e) shall not be operated on air traffic control frequencies,nor cause harmful
interference to, communications on air traffic control frequencies.
14. Section 87.419 is revised to read as
follows:
87.419 Supplemental eligibility.
Only one control tower or RCO will be licensed at an
airport.
15. Section 87.475 is amended by adding paragraph
(e) to read as follows:
87.475 Frequencies.
* * * * *
(e) Frequencies available for differential GPS
stations. Frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band may be assigned to Special
Category I (SCAT-I) ground stations for differential GPS data
links.
(1) The frequencies available are on 25 kHz
centers with the lowest assignable frequency being centered at 112.000 MHz and
the highest assignable frequency being centered at 117.950 MHz
(2) Applicants must coordinate a frequency, time
slot assignment, and three-letter identifier with the FAA and provide this
information to the Commission upon application.
16. Subpart S is amended by revising the
heading to read as follows:
Subpart S - Automatic Weather Stations (AWOS/ASOS)
17. Section 87.525 is revised to read as
follows:
87.525 Scope of service.
Automatic weather observation stations (AWOS) and
automatic surface observation stations (ASOS) must provide up-to-date weather
information including the time of the latest weather sequence, altimeter
setting, wind speed and direction, dew point, temperature, visibility and other
pertinent data needed at airports having neither a full-time control tower nor a
full-time FAA Flight Service Station. When a licensee has entered into an
agreement with the FAA, an AWOS or an ASOS may also operate as an automatic
terminal information station (ATIS) during the control tower's operating hours.
18. Section 87.527 is amended by revising the
first sentence of paragraph (b) and paragraph (c) to read as follows:
87.527 Supplemental eligibility.
* * * * *
(b) Eligibility for an AWOS, an ASOS, or an ATIS
is limited to the owner or operator of an airport or to a person who has entered
into a written agreement with the owner or operator for exclusive rights to
operate and maintain the station. Where applicable a copy of the agreement
between the applicant and owner or operator of the airport must be submitted
with an application.
(c) Only one AWOS, ASOS, or ATIS will be licensed
at an airport.
19. Section 87.529 is amended by revising the
fourth and fifth sentences to read as follows:
87.529 Frequencies.
* * * Normally, frequencies available for air
traffic control operations set forth in subpart E will be assigned to an AWOS,
ASOS, or to an ATIS. When a licensee has entered into an agreement with
the FAA to operate the same station as both an AWOS and as an ATIS, or as an
ASOS and an ATIS, the same frequency will be used in both modes of operation