AURA statement: FCC NPRM for Air-Ground Communications in the 450 MHz Band

AURA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Steen released the following statement regarding the FCC’s release of an NPRM concerning Advanced Air Mobility and the use of the 450 MHz band for command-and-control (C2) services for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS): 

“We commend the FCC for adopting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Advanced Air Mobility, particularly the inclusion of the 450 MHz band for Control Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) services in the next generation of aviation. We find the FCC’s analysis compelling and look forward to working with the Commission and industry stakeholders to advance this proceeding to a final Report and Order.

“While AURA has the authority to provide CNPC services today, the FCC’s action is a crucial step toward achieving the regulatory clarity needed to accelerate transformative UAS technologies, supporting a wide range of applications from air-cargo logistics for both commercial and government markets to enhancing communications capabilities more broadly for the aviation community. This action is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring America’s continued leadership in global aviation. We are pleased to see the FCC acknowledge the importance of the Aeronautical Mobile Route Service designation for the spectrum as well as the importance of moving away from cumbersome site-by-site licensing requirements.”