[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 70 (Monday, April 12, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19140-19147]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8121]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 87

[WT Docket No. 01-289; FCC 03-238]


Aviation Communications

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document the Commission solicits comment on proposed 
rules that are intended to accommodate technological advances, 
facilitate operational flexibility, and promote spectral efficiency in 
the Aviation Radio Service.

DATES: Submit comments on or before July 12, 2004, and reply comments 
are due on or before August 10, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for filing 
instructions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Tobias, [email protected], 
Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, (202) 418-0680, or TTY (202) 418-7233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Federal 
Communications Commission's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(FNPRM) in WT Docket No. 01-289, FCC 03-238, adopted on October 6, 
2003, and released on October 16, 2003. The full text of this document 
is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. 
The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy 
contractor, Qualex International, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, 
Washington, DC 20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: 
www.fcc.gov. Alternative formats are available to persons with 
disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426 or TTY (202) 
418-7365 or at [email protected].
    1. The FNPRM solicits comment on whether the Commission should: (i) 
Authorize use of Universal Access Transceiver technology on the 978 MHz 
frequency; (ii) permit licensees to utilize any emission type of their 
choosing in aeronautical spectrum that is not shared with other 
services, subject to certain conditions, and eliminate all requirements 
specific to data rates and modulation types, in order to accommodate 
new technologies such as Inmarsat's 64 kbps service; (iii) enable the 
use of non-geostationary satellite networks for Aeronautical Mobile 
Satellite (Route) Service (AMS(R)S); (iv) broaden AMS(R)S regulations 
so that they take account of the satellite systems of both Inmarsat and 
other operators; (v) adopt additional technical requirements for 
AMS(R)S; (vi) identify new uses for the frequencies formerly reserved 
for the Civil Air Patrol; (vii) remove the radionavigation allocation 
in the 14000-14200 MHz band; (viii) expand the availability of air 
traffic control spectrum for ground control communications; (ix) 
streamline the listing of HF band frequencies in Part 87 frequency 
tables; (x) codify the terms of a waiver permitting certification and 
use of a back-up safety device designed to supplement conventional 
121.5 MHz Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs); (xi) codify the terms 
of a waiver authorizing a special station identification format to be 
used by aircraft being operated by maintenance personnel from one 
location in an airport to another location in the airport; and (xii) 
terminate the assignment of FCC control numbers to ultralight aircraft.

I. Procedural Matters

A. Ex Parte Rules--Permit-But-Disclose Proceeding

    2. This is a permit-but-disclose notice and comment rulemaking 
proceeding. Ex parte presentations are permitted, except during the 
Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed as provided in the 
Commission's rules.

B. Comment Dates

    3. Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or 
before July 12, 2004 and reply comments on or before August 10, 2004. 
Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing 
System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies.
    4. Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic 
file via the Internet to <http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html. Generally, only one copy of an electronic 
submission must be filed. If multiple docket or rulemaking numbers 
appear in the caption of this proceeding, however, commenters must 
transmit one electronic copy of the comments to each docket or 
rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the 
transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, Postal 
Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking 
number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-
mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should 
send an e-mail to [email protected], and should include the following words 
in the body of the message, ``get form .'' A sample form and directions will be sent in 
reply. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and 
four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking 
number appears in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must 
submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking 
number. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Marlene H.

[[Page 19141]]

Dortch, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 
12th St., SW., Washington, DC 20554. Filings can be sent first class by 
the U.S. Postal Service, by an overnight courier or hand and message-
delivered. Hand and message-delivered paper filings must be delivered 
to 236 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. 
Overnight courier (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and 
Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol 
Heights, MD 20743.
    5. Parties who choose to file by paper should also submit their 
comments on diskette. These diskettes should be submitted to: Jeffrey 
Tobias, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th St., SW., Room 4-
A366, Washington, DC 20554. Such a submission should be on a 3.5 inch 
diskette formatted in an IBM compatible format using Microsoft Word or 
compatible software. The diskette should be accompanied by a cover 
letter and should be submitted in ``read only'' mode. The diskette 
should be clearly labeled with the commenter's name, proceeding 
(including the lead docket number in this case, WT Docket No. 01-289), 
type of pleading (comment or reply comment), date of submission, and 
the name of the electronic file on the diskette. The label should also 
include the following phrase ``Disk Copy--Not an Original.'' Each 
diskette should contain only one party's pleadings, preferably in a 
single electronic file. In addition, commenters should send diskette 
copies to the Commission's copy contractor, Qualex International, Inc., 
445 12th St., SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20054.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    6. This FNPRM does not contain any new or modified information 
collection.

II. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    7. As required by the RFA, the Commission has prepared an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the rules proposed or 
discussed in the FNPRM. Written public comments are requested on the 
IRFA. These comments must be filed in accordance with the same filing 
deadlines for comments on the FNPRM in WT Docket No. 01-289, and they 
should have a separate and distinct heading designating them as 
responses to the IRFA. The Commission's Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, will send a copy of the 
FNPRM, including the IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration, in accordance with the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    The proposed rules in the FNPRM are intended to further streamline, 
consolidate and clarify the Commission's part 87 rules; remove 
unnecessary or duplicative requirements; address new international 
requirements; and promote flexibility and efficiency in the use of 
aviation radio equipment in a manner that will further aviation safety. 
In the FNPRM, we request comment specifically on whether we should: (i) 
Accommodate use of Universal Access Transceiver technology on the 
frequency 978 MHz; (ii) eliminate all requirements specific to data 
rates and modulation types to accommodate new technologies, such as 
Inmarsat's new 64 kbps service; (iii) enable the use of non-
geostationary satellite networks for AMS(R)S; (iv) broaden the AMS(R)S 
regulations to take account of satellite systems other than Inmarsat's; 
(v) adopt additional technical requirements for AMS(R)S; (vi) identify 
new uses for the frequencies formerly reserved for the Civil Air 
Patrol; (vii) remove the radionavigation allocation at 14000-14400 MHz; 
(viii) streamline the listing of HF band frequencies in part 87 
frequency tables; (ix) expand the availability of air traffic control 
spectrum for ground control communications; (x) codify the terms of a 
waiver that has permitted the certification of a back-up safety device 
designed to supplement conventional 121.5 MHz Emergency Locator 
Transmitters (ELTs); and (xi) codify the terms of a waiver that 
authorizes a special station identification format to be used only by 
aircraft being operated by maintenance personnel from one location in 
an airport to another location in an airport.

B. Legal Basis for Proposed Rules

    8. The proposed action is authorized under sections 4(i), 303(r), 
and 403 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 
154(i), 303(r), and 403.

C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which 
the Proposed Rules Will Apply

    9. Under the RFA, small entities may include small organizations, 
small businesses, and small governmental jurisdictions, or entities. 
The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted. The RFA generally defines 
the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the terms 
``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small governmental 
jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business'' has the same 
meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the Small Business 
Act. A small business concern is one that: (i) Is independently owned 
and operated; (ii) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (iii) 
satisfies any additional criteria established by the SBA. Pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory definition of a small business applies 
``unless an agency after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of 
the SBA, and after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or 
more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities 
of the agency and publishes such definition(s) in the Federal 
Register.''
    10. Small businesses in the aviation and marine radio services use 
a marine very high frequency (VHF) radio, any type of emergency 
position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and/or radar, a VHF aircraft 
radio, and/or any type of emergency locator transmitter (ELT). The 
Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
specifically applicable to these small businesses. For purposes of this 
IRFA, therefore, the applicable definition of a small entity is that 
under SBA rules applicable to ``Cellular and Other Wireless 
Telecommunications.'' This definition provides that a ``small entity'' 
for purposes of public coast station licensees, a subgroup of marine 
radio users, consists of all such firms having 1,500 or fewer 
employees. According to Census bureau data for 1997, there were 977 
firms, total, in the category of ``Cellular and other Wireless 
Telecommunications,'' that operated for the entire year. Of this total, 
965 firms had employment of 999 or fewer employees, and an additional 
12 firms had employment of 1,000 employees or more. Thus under this 
size standard, the majority of firms can be considered small.
    11. The proposed amendments may also affect small businesses that 
manufacture aviation radio equipment. The Commission has not developed 
a definition of small entities applicable specifically to Radio 
Frequency Equipment Manufacturers (RF Manufacturers). Therefore, the 
applicable definition of a small entity is the definition under SBA 
rules for manufacturers of ``Radio and Television Broadcasting and 
Wireless Communications Equipment.'' This NAICS category, however, is 
broad, and specific figures are not available as to how many of these 
establishments

[[Page 19142]]

manufacture RF equipment for aviation use. Under the SBA's regulations, 
a radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications 
equipment manufacturer must have 750 or fewer employees in order to 
qualify as a small business concern. Census Bureau data indicates that 
there are 1,215 U.S. establishments that manufacture radio and 
television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment, and that 
1,150 of these establishments have fewer than 500 employees and would 
be classified as small entities. The remaining 65 establishments have 
500 or more employees; however, we are unable to determine how many of 
those have fewer than 750 employees and therefore, also qualify as 
small entities under the SBA definition. We therefore conclude that 
there are no more than 1,150 small manufacturers of radio and 
television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment.

D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    12. The FNPRM seeks comment on a number of possible rule changes 
that may affect reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance 
requirements. However, we believe that, with the exception of possible 
rule changes imposing additional technical requirements for certain 
aircraft earth stations, all of the possible rule changes discussed in 
the FNPRM are deregulatory in the sense that they do not impose new 
requirements on licensees or equipment manufacturers, but instead 
enhance the ability of licensees and manufacturers to provide and use 
new services and equipment on a permissive basis, and therefore will 
benefit small entities as well as the aviation community as a whole.
    13. We invite comment on our tentative conclusion that the 
following possible rule changes will not have a negative impact on 
small entities, or for that matter any entities, because they would 
facilitate flexible use of the spectrum by licensees and/or design 
flexibility for manufacturers of avionics equipment, and do not impose 
new compliance costs on any entity: (i) Accommodating use of Universal 
Access Transceiver technology on the frequency 978 MHz; (ii) 
eliminating all requirements specific to data rates and modulation 
types; (iii) enabling the use of non-geostationary satellite networks 
for AMS(R)S; (iv) broadening the AMS(R)S regulations to take account of 
satellite systems other than Inmarsat's; (v) authorizing use of the 
1990-2025 MHz band for AMS(R)S; (vi) reallocating the frequencies 
formerly reserved for the Civil Air Patrol; (vii) removing the 
radionavigation allocation at 14000-14400 MHz; (viii) streamlining the 
listing of HF band frequencies in part 87 frequency tables; (ix) 
expanding the number of air traffic control frequencies available for 
ground control communications; (x) permitting certification of back-up 
safety devices designed to supplement conventional 121.5 MHz Emergency 
Locator Transmitters (ELTs); and (xi) authorizing a special station 
identification format to be used by aircraft that are being operated by 
maintenance personnel from one location in an airport to another 
location in an airport. To the extent that commenters believe that any 
of the above possible rule changes would impose a new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or compliance burden on small entities, we ask that they 
describe the nature of that burden in some detail and, if possible, 
quantify the costs to small entities.
    14. We tentatively conclude that any compliance burden stemming 
from new technical requirements for aircraft earth stations used in the 
provision of AMS(R)S will fall not on small entities but on large 
entities, such as mobile satellite system operators, airlines, and 
large manufacturers. We invite comment on this tentative conclusion. 
Commenters should identify with particularity those small entities that 
may be affected by these requirements, and, if possible, quantify the 
costs of any such requirements.

E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    15. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant 
alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, 
which may include the following four alternatives: (i) The 
establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or 
timetables that take into account the resources available to small 
entities; (ii) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of 
compliance or reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; 
(iii) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (iv) 
an exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small 
entities.
    16. We hereby request comment on whether we can employ any of the 
above approaches to lessen compliance burdens on small entities if we 
adopt new technical requirements for aircraft earth stations. To the 
extent commenters believe that other of the discussed rule changes 
would also impose a compliance burden on small entities, we ask that 
they address whether any of the above approaches to reduce that burden 
is appropriate.
    17. We hereby invite interested parties to address any or all of 
these regulatory alternatives and to suggest additional alternatives to 
minimize any significant economic impact on small entities. Any 
significant alternative presented in the comments will be considered.

F. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rules

    None.

III. Ordering Clauses

    18. The Commission's Consumer Information Bureau, Reference 
Information Center, shall send a copy of this Further Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analyses to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 87

    Communications equipment, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.

Proposed Rules

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR Part 87 as follows:

PART 87--AVIATION SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 87 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 
307(e) unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-
1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-156, 301-609.

    2. Section 87.107 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(2), 
redesignate paragraphs (a)(3) through (a)(5) as paragraphs (a)(2) 
through (a)(4), and revise newly designated paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.107  Station identification.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The type of aircraft followed by the characters of the 
registration marking (``N'' number) of the aircraft, omitting the 
prefix letter ``N.'' When communication is initiated by a ground 
station, an aircraft station may use the type of aircraft followed by 
the last three characters of the registration marking. Notwithstanding 
any other provision of this section, an aircraft being moved by 
maintenance personnel from one

[[Page 19143]]

location in an airport to another location in that airport may be 
identified by a station identification consisting of the name of the 
company owning or operating the aircraft, followed by the word 
``Maintenance'' and additional alphanumeric characters of the 
licensee's choosing.
* * * * *
    3. Section 87.137 is amended by adding an entry to the table in 
alphabetical order and by adding footnote 17 to read as follows:


Sec.  87.137  Types of emission.

    (a) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Authorized bandwidth (kilohertz)
                                     Emission      -------------------------------------------------------------
      Class of emission             designator                                                     Frequency
                                                        Below 50 MHz         Above 50 MHz          deviation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
F1D 17.......................  1M70F1D              ...................  1800 kHz             312.5 kHz.
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
17 Authorized only for Universal Access Transceiver use at 978 MHz.
* * * * * * *

    4. Section 87.139 is amended by adding paragraph (l) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.139  Emission limitations.

* * * * *
    (l)(1) For Universal Access Transceiver transmitters, the average 
emissions measured in a 100 kHz bandwidth must be attenuated below the 
maximum emission level by at least:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Attenuation
                    Frequency  (MHz)                           (dB)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/-0.5..................................................               0
+/-1.0..................................................              18
+/-2.25.................................................              50
+/-3.25.................................................              60
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The mask shall be defined by drawing straight lines through the 
above points on log semi-paper.

    (2) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters with an output power 
of 5 Watts or more must limit their emissions by at least 43 + 1-log 
(P) dB on any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more 
than 250% of the occupied bandwidth. Occupied bandwidth is defined as 
99% of the signal power measured with a bandwidth of 100 kHz. P in the 
above equation is the average transmitter power measured in Watts.
    (3) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters with less than 5 
Watts of output power must limit their emissions by at least 40 dB 
relative to the carrier peak on any frequency removed from the assigned 
frequency by more than 250% of the occupied bandwidth. Occupied 
bandwidth is defined as 99% of the signal power measured with a 
bandwidth of 100 kHz.
    5. Section 87.141 is amended by adding paragraph (k) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.141  Modulation requirements.

* * * * *
    (k) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters must use F1D 
modulation without phase discontinuities.
    6. Section 87.173 is amended by revising the table in paragraph (b) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  87.173  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (b) Frequency table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Frequency or frequency band              Subpart            Class of station               Remarks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90-110 kHz.........................  Q.....................  RL....................  LORAN ``C''.
190-285 kHz........................  Q.....................  RLB...................  Radiobeacons.
200-285 kHz........................  O.....................  FAC...................  Air traffic control.
325-405 kHz........................  O.....................  FAC...................  Air traffic control.
325-435 kHz........................  Q.....................  RLB...................  Radiobeacons.
410.0 kHz..........................  F.....................  MA....................  International direction-
                                                                                      finding for use outside of
                                                                                      United States.
457.0 kHz..........................  F.....................  MA....................  Working frequency for
                                                                                      aircraft on over-water
                                                                                      flights.
500.0 kHz..........................  F.....................  MA....................  International calling and
                                                                                      distress frequency for
                                                                                      ships and aircraft on over-
                                                                                      water flights.
510-535 kHz........................  Q.....................  RLB...................  Radiobeacons.
2182.0 kHz.........................  F.....................  MA....................  International distress and
                                                                                      calling.
2371.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
2374.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
2648.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska station.
2850.0-3025.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
2851.0 kHz.........................  I, J..................  MA, FAE, FAT..........  International HF; Flight
                                                                                      test.
2866.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF (Alaska).
2875.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
2878.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF; International
                                                                                      HF.
2911.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
2956.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
3004.0 kHz.........................  I, J..................  MA, FAE, FAT..........  International HF; Flight
                                                                                      test.
3019.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF; International
                                                                                      HF.
3023.0 kHz.........................  F, M, O...............  MA1, FAR, FAC.........  Search and rescue
                                                                                      communications.
3281.0 kHz.........................  K.....................  MA, FAS...............  Lighter-than-air craft and
                                                                                      aeronautical stations
                                                                                      serving lighter-than-air
                                                                                      craft.

[[Page 19144]]

 
3400.0-3500.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
3434.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF.
3443.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
3449.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
3470.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF; International
                                                                                      HF.
4125.0 kHz.........................  F.....................  MA....................  Distress and safety with
                                                                                      ships and coast stations.
4466.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4469.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4506.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4509.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4550.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Gulf of Mexico.
4582.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4585.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4601.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4604.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4627.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4630.0 kHz.........................  ......................  ......................  [Reserved].
4645.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
4650.0-4700.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
4672.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF.
4947.5 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
5036.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Gulf of Mexico.
5122.5 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
5167.5 kHz.........................  I.....................  FA....................  Alaska emergency.
5310.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
5451.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight test.
5463.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF.
5469.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight test.
5472.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
5450.0-5680.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
5484.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
5490.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
5496.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
5508.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA1, FAE..............  Domestic HF.
5571.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight test.
5631.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
5680.0 kHz.........................  F, M, O...............  MA1, FAC, FAR.........  Search and rescue
                                                                                      communications.
5887.5 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
6525.0-6685.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
6550.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
6580.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
6604.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
8015.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  AX....................  Alaska.
8364.0 kHz.........................  F.....................  MA....................  Search and rescue
                                                                                      communications.
8815.0-8965.0 kHz..................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
8822.0 kHz.........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
8855.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF; international
                                                                                      HF.
8876.0 kHz.........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
10005.0-10100.0 kHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
10045.0 kHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
10066.0 kHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF; international
                                                                                      HF.
11275.0-11400.0 kHz................  J.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
11288.0 kHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
11306.0 kHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
11357.0 kHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
11363.0 kHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic HF.
13260.0-13360.0 kHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
13312.0 kHz........................  I, J..................  MA, FAE, FAT..........  International HF; Flight
                                                                                      Test.
17900.0-17970.0 kHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
17964.0 kHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
21924.0-22000.0 kHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International HF.
21931.0 kHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Flight Test.
72.020-75.980 MHz..................  P.....................  FA, AXO...............  Operational fixed; 20 kHz
                                                                                      spacing.
75.000 MHz.........................  Q.....................  RLA...................  Marker beacon.
108.000 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
108.000-117.950 MHz................  Q.....................  RLO...................  VHF omni-range.
108.000-117.975 MHz................  Q.....................  DGP...................  Differential GPS.
108.050 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
108.100-111.950 MHz................  Q.....................  RLL...................  ILS Localizer.
108.100 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
108.150 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
118.000-121.400 MHz................  O.....................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      25 kHz channel spacing.
                                                              RCO, RPC.

[[Page 19145]]

 
121.500 MHz........................  G, H, I, J, K, M, O...  MA, FAU, FAE, FAT,      Emergency and distress.
                                                              FAS, FAC, FAM, FAP.
121.600-121.925 MHz................  O, L, Q...............  MA, FAC, MOU, RLT,      25 kHz channel spacing.
                                                              GCO, RCO, RPC.
121.950 MHz........................  K.....................  FAS...................
121.975 MHz........................  F.....................  MA2, FAW, FAC, MOU....  Air traffic control
                                                                                      operations.
122.000 MHz........................  F.....................  MA, FAC, MOU..........  Air carrier and private
                                                                                      aircraft enroute flight
                                                                                      advisory service provided
                                                                                      by FAA.
122.025 MHz........................  F.....................  MA2, FAW, FAC, MOU MA,  Air traffic control
                                                              FAC, MOU.               operations.
122.050 MHz........................  F.....................  MA, FAC, MOU..........  Air traffic control
                                                                                      operations.
D122.075 MHz.......................  F.....................  MA2, FAW, FAC, MOU....  Air traffic control
                                                                                      operations.
122.100 MHz........................  F, O..................  MA, FAC, MOU..........  Air traffic control
                                                                                      operations.
122.125-122.675 MHz................  F.....................  MA2, FAC, MOU.........  Air traffic control
                                                                                      operations; 25 kHz
                                                                                      spacing.
122.700 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
122.725 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
122.750 MHz........................  F.....................  MA2...................  Private fixed wing aircraft
                                                                                      air- to-air
                                                                                      communications.
122.775 MHz........................  K.....................  MA, FAS...............
122.800 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
122.825 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic VHF.
122.850 MHz........................  H, K..................  MA, FAM, FAS..........
122.875 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic VHF.
122.900 MHz........................  F, H, L, M............  MA, FAR, FAM, MOU.....
122.925 MHz........................  H.....................  MA2, FAM..............
122.950 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
122.975 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
123.000 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
123.025 MHz........................  F.....................  MA2...................  Helicopter air-to-air
                                                                                      communications; Air
                                                                                      traffic control
                                                                                      operations.
123.050 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
123.075 MHz........................  G, L..................  MA, FAU, MOU..........  Unicom at airports with no
                                                                                      control tower;
                                                                                      Aeronautical utility
                                                                                      stations.
123.100 MHz........................  M, O..................  MA, FAC, FAR..........
123.125 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Itinerant.
123.150 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Itinerant.
123.175 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Itinerant.
123.200 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.225 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.250 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.275 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.300 MHz........................  K.....................  MA, FAS...............
123.325 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.350 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.375 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.400 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Itinerant.
123.425 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.450 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.475 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.500 MHz........................  K.....................  MA, FAS...............
123.525 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.550 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.575 MHz........................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............
123.6-128.8 MHz....................  O.....................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      25 kHz channel spacing.
                                                              RCO, RPC.
128.825-132.000 MHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic VHF; 25 kHz
                                                                                      channel spacing.
132.025-135.975 MHz................  O.....................  MA, FAC, MHz FAW, GCO,  25 kHz channel spacing.
                                                              RCO, RPC.
136.000-136.400 MHz................  O, S..................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      Air traffic control
                                                              RCO, RPC.               operations; 25 kHz channel
                                                                                      spacing.
136.425 MHz........................  O, S..................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      Air traffic control
                                                              RCO, RPC.               operations.

[[Page 19146]]

 
136.450 MHz........................  O, S..................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      Air traffic control
                                                              RCO, RPC.               operations.
136.475 MHz........................  O, S..................  MA, FAC, FAW, GCO,      Air traffic control
                                                              RCO, RPC.               operations.
136.500-136.875 MHz................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  Domestic VHF; 25 kHz
                                                                                      channel spacing.
136.900 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International and domestic
                                                                                      VHF.
136.925 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International and domestic
                                                                                      VHF.
136.950 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International and domestic
                                                                                      VHF.
136.975 MHz........................  I.....................  MA, FAE...............  International and domestic
                                                                                      VHF.
156.300 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
156.375 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions; Not
                                                                                      authorized in New Orleans
                                                                                      Vessel traffic service
                                                                                      area.
156.400 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
156.425 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
156.450 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
156.625 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
156.800 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  Distress, safety and
                                                                                      calling frequency; For
                                                                                      communications with ship
                                                                                      stations under specific
                                                                                      conditions.
156.900 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      ship stations under
                                                                                      specific conditions.
157.425 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  For communications with
                                                                                      commercial fishing vessels
                                                                                      under specific conditions
                                                                                      except in Great Lakes and
                                                                                      St. Lawrence Seaway Areas.
243.000 MHz........................  F.....................  MA....................  Emergency and distress
                                                                                      frequency for use of
                                                                                      survival craft and
                                                                                      emergency locator
                                                                                      transmitters.
328.600-335.400 MHz................  Q.....................  RLG...................  ILS glide path.
334.550 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
334.700 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
406-406.1 MHz......................  F, G, H, I, J, K, M, O  MA, FAU, FAE, FAT,      Emergency and distress.
                                                              FAS, FAC, FAM, FAP.
960-1215 MHz.......................  F, Q..................  MA, RL, RNV...........  Electronic aids to air
                                                                                      navigation.
978.000 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
979.000 MHz........................  Q.....................  RLT...................
1030.000 MHz.......................  Q.....................  RLT...................
1104.000 MHz.......................  Q.....................  RLT...................
1300-1350 MHz......................  F, Q..................  MA, RLS...............  Surveillance radars and
                                                                                      transponders.
1435-1535 MHz......................  F, J..................  MA, FAT...............  Aeronautical telemetry and
                                                                                      telecommand operations.
1559-1610 MHz......................  Q.....................  DGP...................  Differential GPS.
1559-1626.5 MHz....................  F, Q..................  MA, RL................  Aeronautical
                                                                                      radionavigation.
1646.5-1660.5 MHz..................  F.....................  TJ....................  Aeronautical Mobile-
                                                                                      Satellite (R).
2310-2390 MHz......................  J.....................  MA, FAT...............  Aeronautical telemetry and
                                                                                      telecommand operations.
2700-2900 MHz......................  Q.....................  RLS, RLD..............  Airport surveillance and
                                                                                      weather radar.
4200-4400 MHz......................  F.....................  MA....................  Radio altimeters.
5000-5250 MHz......................  Q.....................  MA, RLW...............  Microwave landing systems.
5031.000 MHz.......................  Q.....................  RLT...................
5350-5470 MHz......................  F.....................  MA....................  Airborne radars and
                                                                                      associated airborne
                                                                                      beacons.
8750-8850 MHz......................  F.....................  MA....................  Airborne doppler radar.
9000-9200 MHz......................  Q.....................  RLS, RLD..............  Land-based radar.
9300-9500 MHz......................  F, Q..................  MA....................  Airborne radars and
                                                                                      associated airborne
                                                                                      beacons.
13250-13400 MHz....................  F.....................  MA....................  Airborne doppler radar.
15400-15700 MHz....................  Q.....................  RL....................  Aeronautical
                                                                                      radionavigation.
24750-25050 MHz....................  F, Q..................  MA, RL................  Aeronautical
                                                                                      radionavigation.
32300-33400 MHz....................  F, Q..................  MA, RL................  Aeronautical
                                                                                      radionavigation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    7. Section 87.187 is amended by revising paragraph (x) and adding 
paragraph (ee) to read as follows:


Sec.  87.187  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (x) The frequency bands 24250-24450 MH, 24650-24750 MHz and 32300-

[[Page 19147]]

33400 MHz are available for airborne radionavigation devices.
* * * * *
    (ee) The frequency 978 MHz is authorized for Universal Access 
Transceiver data transmission.
    8. Section 87.263 is amended by revising introductory paragraphs 
(d) and (e) and adding paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  87.263  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (d) International HF Service. High frequencies for enroute stations 
serving international flight operations on the Major World Air Route 
Areas (MWARAs), as defined in the international Radio Regulations and 
the ICAO Assignment Plan, may be authorized in accordance with Appendix 
S27 to the Radio Regulations.
* * * * *
    (e) Long distance operational control. Long distance operational 
control frequencies provide communications between aeronautical enroute 
stations and aircraft stations anywhere in the world for control of the 
regularity and efficiency of flight and safety of aircraft. World-wide 
frequencies are not assigned by administrations for MWARA and Regional 
and Domestic Air Route Area (RDARA). Long distance operational control 
frequencies will be authorized in accordance with Appendix S27 of the 
international Radio Regulations.
* * * * *
    (g) The frequency 978 MHz is authorized for Universal Access 
Transceiver data transmission.
    9. Section 87.345 is amended by adding paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.345  Scope of service.

* * * * *
    (f) Transmissions by aeronautical utility mobile stations for 
Universal Access Transceiver service are authorized.
    10. Section 87.349 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.349  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (e) The frequency 978.0 MHz is authorized for Universal Access 
Transceiver data transmission.
    11. Section 87.375 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.375  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (e) The frequency 978.0 MHz is authorized for Universal Access 
Transceiver data transmission.
    12. Section 87.417 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.417  Scope of service.

* * * * *
    (c) The frequency 978.0 MHz is authorized for Universal Access 
Transceiver data transmission.
    13. Section 87.421 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  87.421  Frequencies.

* * * * *
    (c) Frequencies in the bands 118.000-121.400 MHz, 121.600-121.925 
MHz, 123.600-128.800 MHz, and 132.025-135.975 MHz are available to 
control towers and RCOs for communications with ground vehicles and 
aircraft on the ground. The antenna heights shall be restricted to the 
minimum necessary to achieve the required coverage. Channel spacing is 
25 kHz.
* * * * *
    14. Section 87.475 is amended by adding paragraphs (b)(9) through 
(b)(15) and revising paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  87.475  Frequencies.

    (b) * * *
    (9) 2700-2900 MHz: Non-Government land-based radars may be 
licensed. U.S. Government coordination is required. Applicants must 
demonstrate a need for the service which the Government is not prepared 
to render.
    (10) 5000-5250 MHz: This band is to be used for the operation of 
the international standard system (microwave landing system).
    (11) 9000-9200 MHz: This band is available to land-based radars. 
Stations operating in this band may receive interference from stations 
operating in the radiolocation service.
    (12) 14,000-14,400 MHz: This band is available for use in the 
aeronautical radionavigation service.
    (13) 15,400-15,700 MHz: This band is available for use of land 
stations associated with airborne electronic aids to air navigation.
    (14) 24,250-25,250, 31.800-33.400 MHz: In these bands, land-based 
radionavigation aids are permitted where they operate with airborne 
radionavigation devices.
    (15) 978.0 MHz is authorized for Universal Access Transceiver 
service.
    (c) Frequencies available for radionavigation land test stations. 
(1) The frequencies set forth in Sec.  87.187(c), (e) through (j), (r), 
(t), and (ee) and Sec.  87.475(b)(6) through (10) and (12) may be 
assigned to radionavigation land test stations for the testing of 
aircraft transmitting equipment that normally operates on these 
frequencies and for the testing of land-based receiving equipment that 
operates with airborne radionavigation equipment.
    (2) The frequencies available for assignment to radionavigation 
land test stations for the testing of airborne receiving equipment are 
108.000 and 108.050 MHz for VHF omni-range; 108.100 and 108.150 MHz for 
localizer; 334.550 and 334.700 MHz for glide slope; 978 and 979 MHz (X 
channel)/1104 MHz (Y channel) for DME; 978 MHz for Universal Access 
Transceiver; 1030 MHz for air traffic control radar beacon 
transponders; and 5031.0 MHz for microwave landing systems. 
Additionally, the frequencies in paragraph (b) of this section may be 
assigned to radionavigation land test stations after coordination with 
the FAA. The following conditions apply:
    (i) The maximum power authorized on the frequencies 108.150 and 
334.550 MHz is 1 milliwatt. The maximum power authorized on all other 
frequencies is one watt.
    (ii) The pulse repetition rate (PRR) of the 1030 MHz ATC radar 
beacon test set will be 235 pulses per second (pps) 5pps.
    (iii) The assignment of 108.000 MHz is subject to the condition 
that no interference will be caused to the reception of FM broadcasting 
stations and stations using the frequency are not protected against 
interference from FM broadcasting stations.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 04-8121 Filed 4-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P