[Federal Register: December 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 250)]
[Notices]
[Page 75713]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31de03-181]
[[Page 75713]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
TSO-C163, VDL Mode 3 Communications Equipment Operating Within
the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of availability and requests for public comment.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of, and request
comments, on a proposed Technical Standard order (TSO) for VDL Mode 3
Communications Equipment Operating within the Frequency Range 117.975
to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz). The proposed TSO tells manufacturers
seeking TSO authorization or letter of design approval what minimum
performance standard (MPS) their VDL Mode 3 Communications Equipment
Operating within the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 MHz must first
meet to obtain approval and identification with the applicable TSO
markings. Note that this proposed VDL Mode 3 TSO is drafted to
recognize RTCA document (RTCA/DO)--271A, Minimum Operational
Performance Standards (MOPS) for Aircraft VDL Mode 3 Transceiver
Operating in the Frequency Range 117.975 to 137.000 Megahertz (MHz).
DATES: Comments must identify the TSO and arrived by February 5, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Send all comments on the proposed TSO to: Federal Aviation
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering
Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, Room 815, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Mr. Gregory Frye, AIR-130. Or,
you may deliver comments to: Federal Aviation Administration, Room 815,
800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Frye, Federal Aviation
Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Aircraft Engineering
Division, Avionic Systems Branch, AIR-130, Room 815, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, Telephone (202) 385-4649, FAX (202)
385-4651. E-mail gregory.e.frye@FAA.GOV.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
You may comment on the proposed TSO listed in this notice by
sending such written data, views, or arguments to the above listed
address. You may also examine comments received on the proposed TSO,
before and after the comment closing date, in Room 815, FAA
Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20591, weekdays except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. The Director of the Aircraft Certification Service will consider
all communications received by the closing date before issuing the
final TSO.
Background
The steady growth of aviation has brought about the corresponding
growth in air/ground communications requirements. Further, the growing
diversity of air traffic has resulted in an increasing complex air
traffic control environment, which adds to the demand for spectrum
efficiency, necessitates the impending relief granted with the usage of
this VDL Mode 3 communication enhancement.
The current Very High Frequency (VHF) air/ground communications
system lacks the channel capacity for future air traffic integrated
voice and data communications demands. Deficiencies in the existing
communication system includes:
[sbull] Lack of additional channels for voice services.
[sbull] Lack of integrated data link capacity.
[sbull] Insufficient ability to significantly improve NAS safety
and efficiency.
[sbull] Increase radio frequency interference susceptibility.
[sbull] Outdated equipment and infrastructure.
[sbull] System maintenance concerns.
The VDL Mode 3 system is designed to address deficiencies in the
current air traffic management system as well as utilizing
technological advances in communications equipment design in order to
meet future air traffic system voice and data demands.
How To Get Copies
You may get a copy of the proposed TSO from the Internet at http://av-info.faa.gov/tso/Tsoro/Proposed.htm
, or by contacting the person
listed in the section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. You may
inspect the RTCA document at the FAA office listed under ADDRESSES.
Because RTCA documents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced
without the written consent of RTCA, Inc., you may purchase a copy of
RTCA/DO-271A from: RTCA Inc., 1828 L Street, NW., Suite 807,
Washington, DC 20036.
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2003.
Susan J.M. Cabler,
Assistant Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-32088 Filed 12-30-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M