AeroMACS Concerns Raised as FCC Takes Comment on Aviation Rule Changes
Aviation interests raised aeronautical mobile airport communications system (AeroMACS) concerns as the FCC took comment on an NPRM proposing changes to Part 87 aviation radio service rules. Reply comments were due Wednesday in docket RM-11793 on the NPRM, which also…
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proposes rules for AeroMACS, which would enable broadband communications capability for airport surface operations (see 1906060056). The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) said it “generally supports the FCC’s proposed rules for implementing a broadband communications system to support airport surface operations in the United States, as well as the proposal to permit expanded use of a type of mobile station that helps reduce collisions between aircraft and airport ground vehicles.” But the group suggested improving the rules by saying airports shouldn’t be responsible for deciding whether non-aircraft AeroMACS licenses should be allowed to use the system. The proposed rule changes as a whole are positive, but the FCC needs to rethink the AeroMACS proposal, Boeing said. The FCC should ensure “any service rules properly take into account key limitations on the purpose and value of AeroMACS,” Boeing commented. It should impose “proper qualifications for non-aircraft licensees” and designate a “qualified frequency coordinator,” Boeing said: Preclude AeroMACS deployment “at certain airports with significant flight testing operations.” Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council also raised AeroMACS concerns at the airports collocated with aerospace manufacturing plants. The council questioned whether airlines are ready to lay out the money to pay for the service: “The concerned government agencies should consult with industry stakeholders to establish a reasonable sharing criteria, and this should be accomplished prior to any AeroMACS deployment at these airports and any others added on a case-by-case basis.” GE Aviation's AiRXOS urged the FCC to use the rulemaking to address “critical issues for the burgeoning” unmanned aircraft systems industry. “Adopt an interim regulatory regime that permits near-term commercial operations for UAS systems, which cannot rely on the Commission’s current regulatory mechanisms to secure FAA approval,” AiRXOS said.