FCC seeks public input on radio altimeter rebate plan ahead of Upper C-band wireless expansion

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking public input on proposed rebates for aircraft owners and operators required to upgrade radio altimeters ahead of expanded wireless operations in the Upper C-band, after its notice — originally released on Oct. 5 — was published in the Federal Register on Monday (AVweb).

Under the proposal, eligible owners would receive standardised rebates based on aircraft category, the number of installed radio altimeters and the complexity of the required modifications. The FCC chose predetermined payments rather than reimbursing actual expenses, saying the approach would simplify administration and reduce disputes over individual claims. “We seek comment on these draft rebate categories and dollar amounts, as well as the assumptions and methodology underlying these proposals,” the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau said in the notice, also requesting feedback on the documentation owners must submit to prove the work was done. Initial comments are due Oct. 26, with reply comments on Nov. 16 (AVweb).

The rebates are meant to help operators comply with the FAA’s final rule, which requires aircraft in the contiguous United States to use radio altimeters hardened against interference from Upper C-band wireless signals, which sit in the 3.98-4.2 GHz band immediately below altimeter frequencies (AVweb; NBAA). Part 121 airliners must comply by Dec. 30, 2030, with most other altimeter-equipped aircraft — under Parts 91, 125, 133, 135, 136, 137 and 194 — getting until Oct. 31, 2034. An estimated 58,500 radio altimeters will require replacement, and the FAA puts each replacement at $80,000 to $120,000 per aircraft including installation (AVweb; NBAA). The program will be funded by proceeds from the upcoming Upper C-band spectrum auction, but foreign operators will not qualify for rebates (AVweb).

The National Business Aviation Association commended the two agencies for reflecting industry input, calling the rebate “a vital component of any equipage mandate, and a clear win for our members.” NBAA will host a dedicated session on the mandate and the rebate programme at NBAA-BACE on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 2:45 p.m. PT (NBAA).