Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global Positioning System (GPS) Correction Data and the Use of Hand-Held Transmitters on Frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 17 and 87

[WT Docket No. 96-211, FCC 96-407]

Use of 112-118 MHz for Differential Global Positioning System

(GPS) Correction Data and the Use of Hand-Held Transmitters on

Frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) proposes to amend

the Commission's rules regarding the use of 112-118 MHz for

differential Global Positioning System (GPS) correction data, the use

of hand-held transmitters on frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute

Service, and to update part 17 of our rules to incorporate by reference

two recently revised FAA Advisory Circulars. These proposals were

adopted in response to petitions for rule making filed by the Federal

Aviation Administration and the Aeronautical Radio, Inc. The effect of

these proposals would increase aircraft and airport safety and

facilitate the efficient use of aeronautical radio spectrum.

DATES: Comments are due on or before January 15, 1997. Reply comments

are due on or before January 30, 1997.

ADDRESSES: You must send comments and reply comments to the Office of

the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C.

20554. You may also file informal comments by electronic mail. You

should address informal comments to [email protected]. You must put the

docket number of this proceeding on the subject line (``WT Docket No.

96-211''). You must also include your full name and Postal Service

mailing address in the text of the message.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Shaffer of the Commission's

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680 or via e-mail at

[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's NPRM,

FCC 96-407, adopted October 9, 1996, and released November 21, 1996.

The full text of this NPRM is available for inspection and copying

during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239),

1919 M Street, NW, Washington, DC. The complete text may be purchased

from the Commission's copy contractor, ITS, Inc., 2100 M Street NW,

Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 857-3800.

Summary of NPRM

1. This NPRM proposes to amend part 87 of our rules to permit

aeronautical ground stations to use frequencies in the 112-118 MHz band

to transmit differential Global Positioning System (GPS) information to

aircraft equipped to use advanced landing systems in response to a

petition for rule making filed by the Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA). This NPRM also proposes to allow the use of hand-held radios for

direct communications between ground service personnel and flight crews

on frequencies allocated to the Aeronautical Enroute Service in

response to a petition for rule making filed by Aeronautical Radio,

Inc. (ARINC). Finally, this NPRM proposes to update part 17 of our

rules to incorporate by reference two recently revised FAA Advisory

Circulars. The proposed actions will increase the safety and efficiency

of aircraft navigation and movement of aircraft in and around airports.

Further, adoption of these proposals would promote the use of new radio

technologies beneficial to

[[Page 60674]]

aircraft without allocating additional spectrum.

2. This is a non-restricted notice and comment rule making

proceeding. Ex Parte presentations are permitted, except during the

Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed as provided in

Commission rules. See generally 47 CFR 1.1202, 1.1203, and 1.1206(a).

3. Pursuant to applicable procedures set forth in Sections 1.415

and 1.419 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.419, interested

parties may file comments on or before January 15, 1997, and reply

comments on or before January 30, 1997. To file formally in this

proceeding, you must file an original and four copies of all comments,

reply comments, and supporting comments. If you want each Commissioner

to receive a personal copy of your comments, you must file an original

plus nine copies. You must send comments and reply comments to Office

of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC

20554. You may also file informal comments by electronic mail. You

should address informal comments to [email protected]. You must put the

docket number of the proceeding on the subject line (``WT Docket No.

96-211''). You must also include your full name and Postal Service

mailing address in the text of the message. Formal and informal

comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection

during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center of the

Federal Communications Commission, Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W.,

Washington, DC 20554.

4. Authority for issuance of this NPRM is contained in Sections

4(i) and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47

U.S.C. 154(i) and 303(r).

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 17

Antenna, Radio.

47 CFR Part 87

Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.

William F. Caton,

Acting Secretary.

[FR Doc. 96-30375 Filed 11-27-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-P