AeroMACS Concerns Raised in Reply Comments on Aviation Rulemaking

Aviation Spectrum Resources Inc. (ASRI) said there's general support for FCC-proposed changes to Part 87 aviation radio service rules, in a June NPRM (see 1906060056). Replies posted Tuesday in docket 19-140. Others raised aeronautical mobile airport communication system (AeroMACS) concerns, mirroring initial comments (see 1909040057). “The Data Comm system has already improved the efficiency of ATC [air traffic control] operations resulting in major time savings and the elimination of read-back errors in which pilots and controller repeat spoken messages in order to ensure accuracy,” ASRI said: “Aeronautical enroute stations licensed in the upper half of the 136 MHz band have been utilized for Data Comm operations, but the time is rapidly approaching in which additional spectrum will be needed. Accordingly, ASRI asked the Commission to add aeronautical enroute stations to the list of facilities that may be licensed in the 136-136.475 MHz sub-band.” Federated Wireless said the FCC is correct to try to maximize spectrum efficiency here. It's “an opportunity for the Commission to ensure that the spectrum allocated for operations in the 5000-5030 MHz and 5091-5150 MHz bands … is used as densely and efficiently as possible,” Federated said: Leverage “to the maximum extent possible dynamic coordination and spectrum sharing technologies" and ensure “service rules for the AeroMACS Bands are technologically neutral and allow for the densest possible use of the spectrum at and in the areas surrounding airports.” Adopt service rules for AeroMACS, the WiMax Forum said. “The record confirms the momentum,” the group said: “Commenters of all stripes -- airline, airport, airframe manufacturer, and aeronautical communications network provider stakeholders, among others -- reiterate the benefits of AeroMACS and support the adoption of service rules.” Boeing said the rules need more work. Ensure non-aircraft licensees “have sufficient experience,” designate a frequency coordinator “with appropriate qualifications” and preclude AeroMACS deployments “at airports with significant flight testing activities,” Boeing commented. Lockheed Martin recognizes AeroMACS has priority over aeronautical mobile telemetry “but urges the Commission to establish a sufficiently flexible licensing and operational framework that does not unfairly prejudice [aeronautical mobile telemetry] operations at the manufacturing locations where the subject frequencies would be required for use. Priority should not be construed as a regulatory status to mean exclusivity of operations.”