NATA joined the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure part 91 and part 135 aircraft operators remain eligible for timely reimbursement when installing next-generation radio altimeters.
The associations’ July 15 filing opposes a proposal that could delay reimbursement for operators subject to the Federal Aviation Administration’s second retrofit deadline. Such a restriction could discourage early compliance and create unnecessary pressure on the limited network of avionics repair stations and maintenance providers serving the Part 91 and Part 135 community.
The associations emphasized that operators may need to schedule installations well ahead of federal deadlines to avoid equipment shortages, scheduling constraints, and installation backlogs.
“The Commission’s rebate framework should encourage, rather than discourage, the earliest practicable installation of next-generation radio altimeters,” the associations stated.
NATA, GAMA, and NBAA asked the FCC to permit reimbursement upon completion of any otherwise eligible installation, helping distribute retrofit activity over a longer period and supporting a safe, efficient Upper C-Band spectrum transition.
