[Scan-DC] ULS is now ready to accept applications for aeronautical enroute stations using 8.33 kHz channel spacing

[Clegg, Andrew W.]

A question for the aeronautical experts out there:  Would this be the
first use of 8.33 kHz channel spacing for aeronautical comms in the
U.S.? The Order referenced in the Public Notice notes that some parts of
Europe are already using 8.33 kHz spacing.

Cheers,
Andy

Public Notice:
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1403A1.pdf

Third Report and Order referenced in Public Notice:
http://www.aerosupavionics.com/document/FCC-10-103A1.pdf


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.