Devices Making Runways Safer Would Use Congested Spectrum, Boeing Warns
Boeing urged caution as the FCC takes up a July NTIA petition asking that 1090 MHz be allocated to runway-vehicle identification and collision avoidance. Air traffic controllers already use the technology to manage aircraft, but other vehicles, including snowplows, emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles, that operate near or on the runway don’t get similar monitoring, according to a November FCC notice seeking comment on the proposal.
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“Boeing supports the initiation of a rulemaking proceeding and will participate in the proceeding,” the company said. “Boeing also supports the FAA’s introduction and roll out of the Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X system and the use of 1090 MHz to expedite the development and deployment of identification capabilities on the ground at airports.”
But Boeing asked the FCC to proceed with caution to avoid unintended consequences. It said the band is used for testing and certification of Traffic Collision Avoidance System and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast devices. “There are already substantial difficulties and delays associated with securing radio-navigation land test and experimental licenses necessary to conduct installation and checkout testing of new TCAS and IFF systems due to congestion in the 1090 MHz frequency segment,” the company said. “Adding additional users to the already crowded 1090 MHz spectrum could lead to further delays and difficulties in conducting these important pre-delivery tests of the functions of these safety-of-life testing systems.”
Comments were due in the proceeding Monday. The only other posted by the FCC by Wednesday afternoon was from Sensis, the lead contractor and design agent for the ASDE-X system. “Without exception, Sensis has observed overwhelming support by airports and airlines for capabilities that enhance the ASDE-X system’s ability to identify snowplows, emergency vehicles and maintenance vehicles that operate in the movement area,” Sensis said. “This Amendment would facilitate both vendor and user support for these capabilities.”
NTIA said in its July petition that the rule change also has strong support from the Federal Aviation Administration.