The FCC changed its rules to authorize the...

rules. The presence of FOD in an airport’s air operations area “poses a significant threat to the safety of air travel,” the order said (http://bit.ly/189Sp5f): “Foreign object debris on taxiways and runways has the potential to damage aircraft during the critical phases of takeoffs and landings, which can lead to catastrophic loss of life and at the very least increased maintenance and operating costs.” In December 2011, the FCC approved a waiver for the use of FOD detection equipment manufactured by San Diego-based Trex Enterprises. Trex explained how its technology works in a 2012 meeting at the FCC (http://bit.ly/15z81z8) and a slide from that presentation shows a Trex detector mounted on the roof of an SUV as it cruises down an airport runway. The band is allocated on a primary basis to federal and non-federal radio astronomy and radiolocation systems. The commission said it may ask more questions in a forthcoming rulemaking. “The Commission may, in rulemaking proceedings regarding other uses of the 78-81 GHz band, consider whether to adopt additional rules governing FOD detection radar in the band (such as the adoption of technical specifications) in order to ensure compatibility between FOD detection radar and other uses ... including those that may operate on an unlicensed basis under Part 15 of the Commission’s rules,” the agency said. “Until such technical specifications or other rules are adopted, we will consider the technical parameters required under the waiver when authorizing FOD equipment. During this period we will also accept applications for equipment authorization for devices using similar or more conservative parameters than those specified in the waiver.”