FCC seeks comment on rebate plan for radio altimeter upgrades

The Federal Communications Commission is taking public comment on a plan to pay aircraft owners and operators a set amount for radio altimeter upgrades, according to a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday. The notice was first released on October 5.

The money would come from holders of wireless spectrum licences. Instead of covering what each operator actually spends, the FCC wants standard payments set by aircraft category, the number of altimeters installed and how involved the modification is. Fixed amounts would be easier to administer and would cut down on disputes over individual claims, the agency said. Its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau asked for feedback on the proposed categories and dollar figures, the assumptions and method behind them, and what paperwork owners would need to show the work is done.

The rebates are meant to help operators meet an FAA final rule issued in the summer. That rule sets new tolerance standards for interference on affected Part 121 airliners and some large aircraft operated abroad, with a deadline of December 30, 2030. Other aircraft carrying radio altimeters, including those under Part 91, have until October 31, 2034. The requirements follow an earlier FAA proposal on possible interference from wireless signals near the frequencies aviation radio altimeters use.

For Part 91 aircraft, the FCC is considering limiting eligibility to US-registered aircraft whose original airworthiness certificates were issued before July 1, 2031.