[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 250 (Wednesday, December 31, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 75713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-32088]



[[Page 75713]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


TSO-C163, VDL Mode 3 Communications Equipment Operating Within 
the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability and requests for public comment.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of, and request 
comments, on a proposed Technical Standard order (TSO) for VDL Mode 3 
Communications Equipment Operating within the Frequency Range 117.975 
to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz). The proposed TSO tells manufacturers 
seeking TSO authorization or letter of design approval what minimum 
performance standard (MPS) their VDL Mode 3 Communications Equipment 
Operating within the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 MHz must first 
meet to obtain approval and identification with the applicable TSO 
markings. Note that this proposed VDL Mode 3 TSO is drafted to 
recognize RTCA document (RTCA/DO)--271A, Minimum Operational 
Performance Standards (MOPS) for Aircraft VDL Mode 3 Transceiver 
Operating in the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz).

DATES: Comments must identify the TSO and arrived by February 5, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed TSO to: Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, Room 815, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Mr. Gregory Frye, AIR-130. Or, 
you may deliver comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Room 815, 
800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Frye, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering 
Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, Room 815, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, Telephone (202) 385-4649, FAX (202) 
385-4651. E-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    You may comment on the proposed TSO listed in this notice by 
sending such written data, views, or arguments to the above listed 
address. You may also examine comments received on the proposed TSO, 
before and after the comment closing date, in Room 815, FAA 
Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591, weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m. The Director of the Aircraft Certification Service will consider 
all communications received by the closing date before issuing the 
final TSO.

Background

    The steady growth of aviation has brought about the corresponding 
growth in air/ground communications requirements. Further, the growing 
diversity of air traffic has resulted in an increasing complex air 
traffic control environment, which adds to the demand for spectrum 
efficiency, necessitates the impending relief granted with the usage of 
this VDL Mode 3 communication enhancement.
    The current Very High Frequency (VHF) air/ground communications 
system lacks the channel capacity for future air traffic integrated 
voice and data communications demands. Deficiencies in the existing 
communication system includes:
    [sbull] Lack of additional channels for voice services.
    [sbull] Lack of integrated data link capacity.
    [sbull] Insufficient ability to significantly improve NAS safety 
and efficiency.
    [sbull] Increase radio frequency interference susceptibility.
    [sbull] Outdated equipment and infrastructure.
    [sbull] System maintenance concerns.
    The VDL Mode 3 system is designed to address deficiencies in the 
current air traffic management system as well as utilizing 
technological advances in communications equipment design in order to 
meet future air traffic system voice and data demands.

How To Get Copies

    You may get a copy of the proposed TSO from the Internet at http://av-info.faa.gov/tso/Tsoro/Proposed.htm, or by contacting the person 
listed in the section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. You may 
inspect the RTCA document at the FAA office listed under ADDRESSES. 
Because RTCA documents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced 
without the written consent of RTCA, Inc., you may purchase a copy of 
RTCA/DO-271A from: RTCA Inc., 1828 L Street, NW., Suite 807, 
Washington, DC 20036.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2003.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-32088 Filed 12-30-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M