PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 11-1403 Released: August 16, 2011 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ANNOUNCES THAT UNIVERSAL LICENSING SYSTEM IS READY TO ACCEPT CERTAIN PART 87 AVIATION RADIO SERVICE APPLICATIONS By this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) announces that the Universal Licensing System (ULS) is now ready to accept applications for new or modified aeronautical enroute and flight test stations for authorization to operate with 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing, and applications to assign or transfer aircraft station licenses. These changes were made to implement rules adopted by the Commission in the Third Report and Order in WT Docket No. 01-289.1 8.33 Kilohertz Channel Spacing. In the Third Report and Order, the Commission amended its Part 87 rules to permit aeronautical enroute and flight test stations to use 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing, in order to migrate voluntarily from 25 kilohertz channel spacing.2 It concluded that the permissive introduction of 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing in the aeronautical enroute service would provide the aviation industry with the ability to greatly enhance spectrum efficiency and alleviate congestion, while avoiding the imposition of the significant compliance burdens that could result from a mandatory narrowbanding transition. It also concluded that narrowbanding would benefit flight test stations, which likewise face increasing frequency congestion in U.S. airspace. The Commission directed the Bureau to issue a public notice to alert applicants when the Bureau was ready to begin accepting applications for 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing. The necessary modifications to ULS have been implemented. Aeronautical enroute stations (station class code FA) and flight test stations (station class code FAT) may now apply for VHF channels with 8.33 kilohertz spacing. Specifically, applications may be filed for the following aeronautical enroute frequencies in the 128.825-132.000 MHz and 136.500-137.000 MHz bands: the end frequencies, frequencies within those bands separated from the end frequencies by a multiple of 25 kilohertz (“channels with 25 kilohertz spacing”), and interstitial frequencies separated by 8.33 kilohertz from channels with 25 kilohertz spacing (“channels with 8.33 kilohertz spacing”). Flight test stations may apply for the VHF frequencies listed in Section 87.303 of the Commission’s Rules,3 and frequencies in the 123.125-123.575 MHz band separated by 8.33 kilohertz from the VHF frequencies listed in Section 87.303. The authorized bandwidth for channels with 8.33 kilohertz channel spacing is 8.33 kilohertz; for channels with 25 kilohertz channel spacing, applicants may request an authorized bandwidth of either 8.33 kilohertz or 25 kilohertz. Assignment and Transfer of Aircraft Station Licenses. In the Third Report and Order, the Commission also removed the prohibition on the assignment or transfer of aircraft station licenses.4 It 1 Review of Part 87 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning the Aviation Radio Service, Third Report and Order, WT Docket No. 01-289, 25 FCC Rcd 7610 (2010) (Part 87 3rd R&O). 2 Id. at 7614-15 ¶¶ 7-8. 3 See 47 C.F.R. § 87.303. 4 See Part 87 3rd R&O, 25 FCC Rcd at 7619 ¶ 15. 2 concluded that permitting the assignment and transfer of aircraft station licenses would be more administratively efficient than maintaining the prohibition, and would reduce transactional costs for aircraft station licensees. The Commission directed the Bureau to issue a public notice to alert applicants when the Bureau was ready to begin accepting applications to assign or transfer aircraft station licenses. The necessary modifications to ULS have been implemented. Licensees may now include aircraft station licenses on assignment of authorization or transfer of control applications. Aircraft station licensees and potential licensees are cautioned that failure to obtain prior Commission approval for an assignment or transfer of control of an aircraft station license may result in enforcement action. Further Information. For additional ULS information or assistance, go to http://esupport.fcc.gov. You may also call the FCC Support Center at (877) 480-3201 (TTY (717) 338-2824) and Select Option #2, Forms or Licensing Assistance. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). To provide quality service and ensure security, all telephone calls are recorded. By the Deputy Chief, Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. – FCC –