[BC] FAA RF rulemaking

[Dave Dunsmoor]

> Agreed....  FAA should properly regulate the air space and aircraft and
the
> FCC and NTIA regulate spectrum.
>
> MM


I thought I might inject my perspective here. We broadcasters light and
paint towers because it's safer for all that fly for us to do so.

Also, the FAA would like the communications and navigation frequencies to
contain only NAV and comm signals because it's safer for all that fly for
this to be so as well. It's been my experience that NAV and Comm frequencies
are not bothered by "overload" so much but by RFI from transmitters outside
the NAV/COMM frequency bands. Specifically FM transmitters, and they do
generate spurs occasionally.

And it makes little, if any, difference that aircraft NAV and COMM radio
gear uses AM vs FM. (actually, FM wouldn't work). If an AM or FM clockradio
in the kitchen or in the car experiences some noise from some outside
source, it's (relatively) no big deal. If the same interference is generated
in an ILS or VOR receiver, then it can be a big deal, and that's why the FAA
is so protective of their spectrum. It's a matter of safety, and can be a
life and death situation.

And that's my view. I'm not in the rulemaking business, not in the
enforcement business, no the inspection business, I just keep the stuff on
the ground working correctly.

Dave Dunsmoor