Runway Vehicle Detection and Collision Avoidance on 1090 MHz
On March 11, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FCC 10-37) in WT Docket No. 10-61, RM-11503, and WT Docket No. 09-42 to amend Part 87 rules governing Aviation Service ground station equipment. The primary proposal responds to a petition filed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and supported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow aeronautical utility mobile stations to transmit on 1090 MHz.
Under the current Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X) framework, air traffic control radar screens detect vehicle presence on runway movement areas but cannot identify specific vehicle types or operators. Designating 1090 MHz for vehicle squitters aims to reduce runway incursion risks by broadcasting surface position and identification data directly to air traffic control and aircraft.
The Commission proposes a maximum transmitter power of 20 watts, an authorized emission designator of M1D, a 14 MHz bandwidth, and a frequency stability requirement of 1,000 ppm. Licensing would be restricted to airport authorities or FAA-approved entities, coordinated through the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC), and capped at 200 mobile units per airport. The FCC is also seeking comment on whether operations should transition in the future to 978 MHz, which is also allocated for aeronautical utility mobile stations.
- Authorizes 1090 MHz transmission for ASDE-X vehicle squitters on runway movement areas.
- Proposes standard message broadcast intervals for moving and stationary ground vehicles.
- Establishes a limit of 200 authorized 1090 MHz utility mobile stations per airport location.
Remote Monitoring of Automated Ground Stations
The Commission is also reviewing a proposal from Potomac Aviation Technology Corporation (PATC) regarding Sections 87.71 and 87.73 of the Commission's rules. Current regulations require a holder of a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) to be physically present to supervise transmitter adjustments, tests, and frequency measurements during installation and servicing of land-based Aviation Service stations.
PATC requested an interpretation or rule amendment allowing remote diagnostic monitoring by GROL holders for factory-sealed transceivers lacking user-serviceable components. The FAA Technical Operations Services supported relief for maintenance and measurement under specific conditions, including FAA approval and sealed hardware. The FCC seeks public input on whether to permit remote monitoring in lieu of mandatory on-site technician attendance.
- Evaluates whether remote monitoring satisfies technician supervision requirements under Part 87.
- Addresses compliance burdens for smaller airports lacking on-site GROL technicians.
- Considers FAA technical conditions for sealed, automated Unicom ground stations.
Aircraft Data Link Test Equipment and Technical Rule Restorations
The NPRM proposes to codify the terms of a waiver granted to Aviation Data Systems (Aust) Pty Ltd. (ADS) in WT Docket No. 08-9. The amendment to Section 87.131 would authorize G1D emissions for radionavigation land test (RLT) equipment to test aircraft data link systems, including ACARS and VHF Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL2).
Under the proposed terms, test equipment operations are restricted to the 129.125-136.975 MHz segment with a maximum power output of 100 microwatts on a secondary, licensed basis following prior notification to the local FAA Regional Office. Additionally, the Commission proposes technical corrections to Section 87.475 to restore language authorizing ground testing of Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) on 1090 MHz and reinstate mistakenly omitted rule paragraphs.
- Authorizes G1D emission for radionavigation land test stations in the 129.125-136.975 MHz band.
- Caps data link test transmitter output power at 100 microwatts.
- Restores explicit regulatory language for 1090 MHz TCAS ground testing under Section 87.475.