NATA joined Aviation Stakeholders in meetings with FCC last week to address the recently released Draft Upper C-Band Report and Order (Draft R&O) and its implications for the aviation industry. The Aviation Stakeholders noted their appreciation to FCC and its staff for the monumental work in the Draft R&O, highlighting the explicit consideration given to the aviation industry’s long advocated requirements and achievable timelines for accelerated radio altimeter retrofits.
Importantly, the Aviation Stakeholders asked FCC to remove any ambiguity in the text for eligible aircraft between the proposed first and second retrofit deadlines. Since 14 CFR Part 119 covers both Part 121 and Part 135 air carriers, Aviation Stakeholders believe that Part 135 operators and aircraft are covered under the rebate program. However, NATA requested that FCC explicitly include Part 135 aircraft as part of FCC’s rebate program.
In parallel, NATA and NBAA met with FCC separately and recommended (i) the explicit inclusion of FAA Part 135 operations as part of the R&O, (ii) the total rebates available for aircraft operated under FAR Parts 91 and 135 should consider the longer compliance timeline and greater number of total aircraft to ensure rebate funds remain available for retrofit aircraft, and (iii) support from NATA and NBAA with specialized Part 135 insight to ensure the FCC rebate process will work smoothly for these operators.
