[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 231 (Friday, November 29, 1996)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 60673-60674] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-30375] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 17 and 87 [WT Docket No. 96-211, FCC 96-407] Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global Positioning System (GPS) Correction Data and the Use of Hand-Held Transmitters on Frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) proposes to amend the Commission's rules regarding the use of 112-118 MHz for differential Global Positioning System (GPS) correction data, the use of hand-held transmitters on frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service, and to update part 17 of our rules to incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. These proposals were adopted in response to petitions for rule making filed by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Aeronautical Radio, Inc. The effect of these proposals would increase aircraft and airport safety and facilitate the efficient use of aeronautical radio spectrum. DATES: Comments are due on or before January 15, 1997. Reply comments are due on or before January 30, 1997. ADDRESSES: You must send comments and reply comments to the Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. 20554. You may also file informal comments by electronic mail. You should address informal comments to [email protected]. You must put the docket number of this proceeding on the subject line (``WT Docket No. 96-211''). You must also include your full name and Postal Service mailing address in the text of the message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Shaffer of the Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680 or via e-mail at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's NPRM, FCC 96-407, adopted October 9, 1996, and released November 21, 1996. The full text of this NPRM is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, NW, Washington, DC. The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, ITS, Inc., 2100 M Street NW, Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 857-3800. Summary of NPRM 1. This NPRM proposes to amend part 87 of our rules to permit aeronautical ground stations to use frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band to transmit differential Global Positioning System (GPS) information to aircraft equipped to use advanced landing systems in response to a petition for rule making filed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This NPRM also proposes to allow the use of hand-held radios for direct communications between ground service personnel and flight crews on frequencies allocated to the Aeronautical Enroute Service in response to a petition for rule making filed by Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC). Finally, this NPRM proposes to update part 17 of our rules to incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. The proposed actions will increase the safety and efficiency of aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and around airports. Further, adoption of these proposals would promote the use of new radio technologies beneficial to [[Page 60674]] aircraft without allocating additional spectrum. 2. This is a non-restricted notice and comment rule making proceeding. Ex Parte presentations are permitted, except during the Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed as provided in Commission rules. See generally 47 CFR 1.1202, 1.1203, and 1.1206(a). 3. Pursuant to applicable procedures set forth in Sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or before January 15, 1997, and reply comments on or before January 30, 1997. To file formally in this proceeding, you must file an original and four copies of all comments, reply comments, and supporting comments. If you want each Commissioner to receive a personal copy of your comments, you must file an original plus nine copies. You must send comments and reply comments to Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554. You may also file informal comments by electronic mail. You should address informal comments to [email protected]. You must put the docket number of the proceeding on the subject line (``WT Docket No. 96-211''). You must also include your full name and Postal Service mailing address in the text of the message. Formal and informal comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center of the Federal Communications Commission, Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20554. 4. Authority for issuance of this NPRM is contained in Sections 4(i) and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r). List of Subjects 47 CFR Part 17 Antenna, Radio. 47 CFR Part 87 Radio. Federal Communications Commission. William F. Caton, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 96-30375 Filed 11-27-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P