Regulations last checked for updates: Oct 17, 2024

Title 47 - Telecommunication last revised: Oct 11, 2024
§ 87.131 - Power and emissions.

The following table lists authorized emissions and maximum power. Power must be determined by direct measurement.

Class of station Frequency band/frequency Authorized emission(s) 9 Maximum power 1
Aeronautical advisoryVHFA3E10 watts. 10
Aeronautical multicomVHFA3E10 watts.
Aeronautical enroute and aeronautical fixedHFR3E, H3E, J3E, J7B, H2B, J2D6 kw.
HFA1A, F1B, J2A, J2B1.5 kw.
VHFA3E, A9W G1D, A2D
Aeronautical search and rescueVHF
HF
A3E
R3E, H3E, J3E
10 watts.
100 watts.
Operational fixedVHFG3E, F2D30 watts.
Flight test landVHFA3E200 watts.
UHFF2D, F9D, F7D25 watts. 3
HFH2B, J3E, J7D, J9W6.0 kw.
Aviation supportVHFA3E50 watts.
Airport control towerVHFA3E, G1D, G7D50 watts.
Below 400 kHzA3E15 watts.
Aeronautical utility mobileVHFA3E10 watts.
1090 MHzM1D20 watts.
Aircraft data link land test131.450 MHz, 131.550 MHz, 131.725 MHz, 131.825 MHz, 136.850 MHzA2D100 microwatts.
136.900 MHz, 136.925 MHz, 136.950 MHz, 136.975 MHzG1D100 microwatts.
Radionavigation land test108.150 MHzA9W1 milliwatt.
334.550 MHzA1N1 milliwatt.
Other VHFM1A, XXA, A1A, A1N, A2A, A2D, A9W1 watt.
Other UHFM1A, XXA, A1A, A1N, A2A, A2D, A9W1 watt.
5031.0 MHzF7D1 watt.
Radionavigation landVarious 4Various 4Various. 4
Aeronautical Frequencies
Aircraft (Communication)UHFF2D, F9D, F7D25 watts.
VHFA3E, A9W, G1D, G7D, A2D55 watts.
HFR3E, H3E, J3E, J7B, H2B, J7D, J9W400 watts.
HFA1A, F1B, J2A, J2B100 watts.
Marine Frequencies 5
156.300 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.375 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.400 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.425 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.450 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.625 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.800 MHzG3E5 watts.
156.900 MHzG3E5 watts.
157.425 MHzG3E5 watts.
HF 6R3E, H3E, J3E, J2B, F1B, A3E1000 watts.
250 watts.
MF 6R3E, H3E, J3E, J2B, F1B1000 watts.
HF 6A3E250 watts.
(Radionavigation)Various 7Various 7Various. 7
Aircraft earthUHFG1D, G1E, G1W60 watts. 8
Differential GPSVHFG7DVarious. 2

1 The power is measured at the transmitter output terminals and the type of power is determined according to the emission designator as follows:

(i) Mean power (pY) for amplitude modulated emissions and transmitting both sidebands using unmodulated full carrier.

(ii) Peak envelope power (pX) for all emission designators other than those referred to in paragraph (i) of this note.

2 Power and antenna height are restricted to the minimum necessary to achieve the required service.

3 Transmitter power may be increased to overcome line and duplexer losses but must not exceed 25 watts delivered to the antenna.

4 Frequency, emission, and maximum power will be determined after coordination with appropriate Government agencies.

5 To be used with airborne marine equipment certificated for part 80 (ship) and used in accordance with part 87.

6 Applicable onIy to marine frequencies used for public correspondence.

7 Frequency, emission, and maximum power will be determined by appropriate standards during the certification process.

8 Power may not exceed 60 watts per carrier, as measured at the input of the antenna subsystem, including any installed diplexer. The maximum EIRP may not exceed 2000 watts per carrier.

9 Excludes automatic link establishment.

10 Power is limited to 0.5 watt, but may not exceed 2 watts when station is used in an automatic unattended mode.

[54 FR 11720, Mar. 22, 1989, as amended at 57 FR 45749, Oct. 5, 1992; 62 FR 40308, July 28, 1997; 63 FR 36607, July 7, 1998; 64 FR 27474, May 20, 1999; 66 FR 26798, May 15, 2001; 69 FR 32880, June 14, 2004; 78 FR 61205, Oct. 3, 2013]
§ 87.133 - Frequency stability.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (c), (d), (f), and (g) of this section, the carrier frequency of each station must be maintained within these tolerances:

Frequency band (lower limit exclusive, upper limit inclusive), and categories of stations Tolerance 1 Tolerance 2
(1) Band-9 to 535 kHz:
Aeronautical stations100100
Aircraft stations200100
Survival craft stations on 500 kHz5,00020 Hz 3
Radionavigation stations100100
(2) Band-1605 to 4000 kHz:
Aeronautical fixed stations:
Power 200 W or less100100 8
Power above 200 W5050 8
Aeronautical stations:
Power 200 W or less100 7100 7 8
Power above 200 W50 750 7 8
Aircraft stations100 7100 7
Survival craft stations on 2182 kHz20020 Hz 3
(3) Band-4 to 29.7 MHz:
Aeronautical fixed stations:
Power 500 W or less50
Power above 500 W15
Single-sideband and Independent-sideband emission:
Power 500 W or less50 Hz
Power above 500 W20 Hz
Class F1B emissions10 Hz
Other classes of emission:
Power 500 W or less20
Power above 500 W10
Aeronautical stations:
Power 500 W or less 7 100100 7
Power above 500 W 7 5050 7
Aircraft stations 7 100100 7
Survival craft stations on 8364 kHz20050 Hz 3
(4) Band-29.7 to 100 MHz:
Aeronautical fixed stations:
Power 200 W or less50
Power above 200 W30
Power 50 W or less30
Power above 50 W20
Operational fixed stations:
73-74.6 MHz (Power 50 W or less)5030
73-74.6 MHz (Power above 50 W)2020
72-73.0 MHz and 75.4-76.0 MHz55
Radionavigation stations10050
(5) Band-108 to 137 MHz:
Aeronautical stations 4 50 12 20
Emergency locator transmitter test stations5050
Survival craft stations on 121.5 MHz5050
Emergency locator stations5050
Aircraft and other mobile stations in the Aviation Services 5 50 13 30
Radionavigation stations2020
Differential GPS 2
(6) Band-137 to 470MHz:
Aeronautical stations5020
Survival craft stations on 243 MHz5050
Aircraft stations50 530 10
Radionavigation stations5050
Emergency locator transmitters on 406 MHzN/A5
(7) Band-470 to 2450 MHz:
Aeronautical stations10020
Aircraft stations10020
Aircraft earth station 320 Hz 11
Aeronautical utility mobile stations on 1090 MHz10001000
Radionavigation stations:
470-960 MHz500500
960-1215 MHz2020
1215-2450 MHz500500
(8) Band-2450 to 10500 MHz:
Radionavigation stations 6 9 12501250 6 9
(9) Band-10.5 GHz to 40 GHz:
Radionavigation stations50005000

1 This tolerance is the maximum permitted until January 1, 1990, for transmitters installed before January 2, 1985, and used at the same installation. Tolerance is indicated in parts in 10 6 unless shown as Hertz (Hz).

2 This tolerance is the maximum permitted after January 1, 1985 for new and replacement transmitters and to all transmitters after January 1, 1990. Tolerance is indicated in parts in 10 6 unless shown as Hertz (Hz).

3 For transmitters first approved after November 30, 1977.

4 The tolerance for transmitters approved between January 1, 1966, and January 1, 1974, is 30 parts in 10 6. The tolerance for transmitters approved after January 1, 1974, and stations using offset carrier techniques is 20 parts in 10 6.

5 The tolerance for transmitters approved after January 1, 1974, is 30 parts in 10 6.

6 In the 5000 to 5250 MHz band, the FAA requires a tolerance of ±10 kHz for Microwave Landing System stations which are to be a part of the National Airspace System (FAR 171).

7 For single-sideband transmitters operating in the frequency bands 1605-4000 kHz and 4-29.7 MHz which are allocated exclusively to the Aeronautical Mobile (R) Service, the tolerance is: Aeronautical stations, 10 Hz; aircraft stations, 20 Hz.

8 For single-sideband radiotelephone transmitters the tolerance is: In the bands 1605-4000 kHz and 4-29.7 MHz for peak envelope powers of 200 W or less and 500 W or less, respectively, 50 Hz; in the bands 1605-4000 kHz and 4-29.7 MHz for peak envelope powers above 200 W and 500 W, respectively, 20 Hz.

9 Where specific frequencies are not assigned to radar stations, the bandwidth occupied by the emissions of such stations must be maintained within the band allocated to the service and the indicated tolerance does not apply.

10 Until January 1, 1997, the maximum frequency tolerance for transmitters with 50 kHz channel spacing installed before January 2, 1985, is 50 parts in 10 6.

11 For purposes of certification, a tolerance of 160 Hz applies to the reference oscillator of the AES transmitter. This is a bench test.

12 For emissions G1D and G7D, the tolerance is 2 parts per 10 6.

13 For emissions G1D and G7D, the tolerance is 5 parts per 10 6.

(b) The power shown in paragraph (a) of this section is the peak envelope power for single-sideband transmitters and the mean power for all other transmitters.

(c) For single-sideband transmitters, the tolerance is:

(1) All aeronautical stations on land—10 Hz.

(2) All aircraft stations—20 Hz.

(d) For radar transmitters, except non-pulse signal radio altimeters, the frequency at which maximum emission occurs must be within the authorized frequency band and must not be closer than 1.5/T MHz to the upper and lower limits of the authorized bandwidth, where T is the pulse duration in microseconds.

(e) The Commission may authorize tolerances other than those specified in this section upon a satisfactory showing of need.

(f) The carrier frequency tolerance of all transmitters that operate in the 1435-1525 MHz or 2345-2395 MHz band is 0.002 percent. The carrier frequency tolerance of all transmitters that operate in the 5091-5150 MHz band is 0.005 percent.

(g) Any aeronautical enroute service transmitter operating in U.S. controlled airspace with 8.33 kHz channel spacing (except equipment being tested by avionics equipment manufacturers and flight test stations prior to delivery to their customers for use outside U.S. controlled airspace) must achieve 0.0005% frequency stability when operating in that mode.

[53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988, as amended at 56 FR 38084, Aug. 12, 1991; 57 FR 45749, Oct. 5, 1992; 58 FR 31027, May 26, 1993; 63 FR 36607, July 7, 1998; 64 FR 27474, May 20, 1999; 66 FR 26799, May 15, 2001; 69 FR 32880, June 14, 2004; 76 FR 17350, Mar. 29, 2011; 78 FR 61205, Oct. 3, 2013; 80 FR 38909, July 7, 2015]
§ 87.135 - Bandwidth of emission.

(a) Occupied bandwidth is the width of a frequency band such that, below the lower and above the upper frequency limits, the mean powers emitted are each equal to 0.5 percent of the total mean power of a given emission.

(b) The authorized bandwidth is the maximum occupied bandwidth authorized to be used by a station.

(c) The necessary bandwidth for a given class of emission is the width of the frequency band which is just sufficient to ensure the transmission of information at the rate and with the quality required under specified conditions.

§ 87.137 - Types of emission.

(a) The assignable emissions, corresponding emission designators and authorized bandwidths are as follows:

Class of emission Emission designator Authorized bandwidth (kilohertz)
Below 50 MHz Above 50 MHz Frequency deviation
A1A 1100HA1A0.25
A1N300HA1N 0.75
A2A2K04A2A2.7450
A2D6K0A2D 50
A2D 513K0A2D 50
A3E 26K00A3E50 3
A3E5K6A3E8.33 kHz 17
A3X 43K20A3X 25
A9W 513K0A9W 25
F1B 11K70F1B1.7
F1B 12K40F1B2.5
F1D 181M30F1D1300 kHz312.5 kHz
F2D5M0F2D ( 9)
F3E 616K0F3E 205
F3E 736K0F3E 4015
F7D 85M0F7D 9
F9D5M0F9D 9
G1D16K0G1D20 kHz
G1D 1621K0G1D 25
G1D14K0G1D25
F9D5M0F9D 9
G1D16K0G1D20 kHz
G3E 616K0G3E 205
G7D14K0G7D 25
H2B 10 112K80H2B3.0
H3E 11 122K80H3E3.0
J2A 1100HJ2A0.25
J2B 11K70J2B1.7
2K40J2B2.5
J3E 11 122K80J3E3.0
J7B 112K80J7B3.0
J7D5M0J7D 9
J9W 112K80J9W3.0
M1A620HM1A
M1D14M0M1D14.0
NONNON None 15
PON 13 9 9
R3E 11 122K80R3E3.0
XXA 141K12XXA2.74

Notes:

1 A1A, F1B, J2A and J2B are permitted provided they do not cause harmful interference to H2B, J3E, J7B and J9W.

2 For use with an authorized bandwidth of 8.0 kilohertz at radiobeacon stations. A3E will not be authorized:

(i) At existing radiobeacon stations that are not authorized to use A3 and at new radiobeacon stations unless specifically recommended by the FAA for safety purposes.

(ii) At existing radiobeacon stations currently authorized to use A3, subsequent to January 1, 1990, unless specifically recommended by the FAA for safety purposes.

3 In the band 117.975-136 MHz, the authorized bandwidth is 25 kHz for transmitters approved after January 1, 1974.

4 Applicable only to Survival Craft Stations and to the emergency locator transmitters and emergency locator transmitter test stations employing modulation in accordance with that specified in § 87.141 of the Rules. The specified bandwidth and modulation requirements shall apply to emergency locator transmitters for which approval is granted after October 21, 1973.

5 This emission may be authorized for audio frequency shift keying and phase shift keying for digital data links on any frequency listed in § 87.263(a)(1), § 87.263(a)(3) or § 87.263(a)(5). 13K0A2D emission may be authorized on frequencies not used for voice communications. If the channel is used for voice communications, 13K0A9W emission may be authorized, provided the data is multiplexed on the voice carrier without derogating voice communications.

6 Applicable to operational fixed stations in the bands 72.0-73.0 MHz and 75.4-76.0 MHz and to CAP stations using F3 on 143.900 MHz and 148.150 MHz.

7 Applicable to operational fixed stations presently authorized in the band 73.0-74.6 MHz.

8 The authorized bandwidth is equal to the necessary bandwidth for frequency or digitally modulated transmitters used in aeronautical telemetering and associated aeronautical telemetry or telecommand stations that operate in the 1435-1525 MHz, 2345-2395 MHz, or 5091-5150 MHz band. The necessary bandwidth must be computed in accordance with part 2 of this chapter.

9 To be specified on license.

10 H2B must be used by stations employing digital selective calling.

11 For A1A, F1B and single sideband emissions, except H2B, the assigned frequency must be 1400 Hz above the carrier frequency.

12 R3E, H3E, and J3E will be authorized only below 25000 kHz. Only H2B, J3E, J7B, and J9W are authorized, except that A3E and H3E may be used only on 3023 kHz and 5680 kHz for search and rescue operations.

13 The letters “K, L, M, Q, V, W, and X” may also be used in place of the letter “P” for pulsed radars.

14 Authorized for use at radiobeacon stations.

15 Applicable only to transmitters of survival craft stations, emergency locator transmitter stations and emergency locator transmitter test stations approved after October 21, 1973.

16 Authorized for use by aircraft earth stations. Lower values of necessary and authorized bandwidth are permitted.

17 In the band 117.975-137 MHz, the Commission will not authorize any 8.33 kHz channel spaced transmissions or the use of their associated emission designator within the U.S. National Airspace System, except, on an optional basis, by Aeronautical Enroute Stations and Flight Test Stations, or by avionics equipment manufacturers which are required to perform installation and checkout of such radio systems prior to delivery to their customers. For transmitters certificated to tune to 8.33 kHz channel spacing as well as 25 kHz channel spacing, the authorized bandwidth is 8.33 kHz when tuned to an 8.33 kHz channel.

18 Authorized only for Universal Access Transceiver use at 978 MHz.

(b) For other emissions, an applicant must determine the emission designator by using part 2 of this chapter.

(c) A license to use radiotelephony includes the use of tone signals or signaling devices whose sole function is to establish or maintain voice communications.

[53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 87.137, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.
§ 87.139 - Emission limitations.

(a) Except for ELTs and when using single sideband (R3E, H3E, J3E), or frequency modulation (F9) or digital modulation (F9Y) for telemetry or telecommand in the 1435-1525 MHz, 2345-2395 MHz, or 5091-5150 MHz band or digital modulation (G7D) for differential GPS, the mean power of any emissions must be attenuated below the mean power of the transmitter (pY) as follows:

(1) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth the attenuation must be at least 25 dB;

(2) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth the attenuation must be at least 35 dB.

(3) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth the attenuation for aircraft station transmitters must be at least 40 dB; and the attenuation for aeronautical station transmitters must be at least 43 + 10 log10 pY dB.

(b) For aircraft station transmitters and for aeronautical station transmitters first installed before February 1, 1983, and using H2B, H3E, J3E, J7B or J9W, the mean power of any emissions must be attenuated below the mean power of the transmitter (pY) as follows:

(1) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 150 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 4.0 kHz, the attenuation must be at least 25 dB.

(2) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 150 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 4.0 kHz, the attenuation must be at least 35 dB.

(3) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 4.0 kHz for aircraft station transmitters the attenuation must be at least 40 dB; and for aeronautical station transmitters the attenuation must be at least 43 + 10 log10 pY dB.

(c) For aircraft station transmitters first installed after February 1, 1983, and for aeronautical station transmitters in use after February 1, 1983, and using H2B, H3E, J3E, J7B or J9W, the peak envelope power of any emissions must be attenuated below the peak envelope power of the transmitter (pX) as follows:

(1) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 150 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 3.0 kHz, the attenuation must be at least 30 dB.

(2) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 150 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 3.0 kHz, the attenuation must be at least 38 dB.

(3) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth of 3.0 kHz for aircraft transmitters the attenuation must be at least 43 dB. For aeronautical station transmitters with transmitter power up to and including 50 watts the attenuation must be at least 43 + 10 log10 pX dB and with transmitter power more than 50 watts the attenuation must be at least 60 dB.

(d) Except for telemetry in the 1435-1525 MHz band, when the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth for aircraft stations above 30 MHz and all ground stations the attenuation must be at least 43 + 10 log10pY dB.

(e) When using frequency modulation or digital modulation for telemetry or telecommand in the 1435-1525 MHz, 2345-2395 MHz, or 5091-5150 MHz band with an authorized bandwidth equal to or less than 1 MHz the emissions must be attenuated as follows:

(1) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth up to and including 100 percent plus 0.5 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 60 dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth. This signal need not be attenuated more than 25 dB below 1 milliwatt.

(2) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 0.5 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 55 + 10 log10 pY dB when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth.

(f) When using frequency modulation or digital modulation for telemetry or telecommand in the 1435-1525 MHz, 2345-2395 MHz, or 5091-5150 MHz band with an authorized bandwidth greater than 1 MHz, the emissions must be attenuated as follows:

(1) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 0.5 MHz up to and including 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 1.0 MHz, the attenuation must be 60 dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth. The signal need not be attenuated more than 25 dB below 1 milliwatt.

(2) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent of the authorized bandwidth plus 1.0 MHz, the attenuation must be at least 55 + 10 log10 pY dB, when measured in a 3.0 kHz bandwidth.

(g) The requirements of paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section apply to transmitters approved after January 1, 1977, and to all transmitters first installed after January 1, 1983.

(h) For ELTs operating on 121.500 MHz, 243.000 MHz and 406.0-406.1 MHz the mean power of any emission must be attenuated below the mean power of the transmitter (pY) as follows:

(1) When the frequency is moved from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth the attenuation must be at least 25 dB;

(2) When the frequency is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth the attenuation must be at least 30 dB.

(i) In case of conflict with other provisions of § 87.139, the provisions of this paragraph shall govern for aircraft earth stations. When using G1D, G1E, or G1W emissions in the 1646.5-1660.5 MHz frequency band, the emissions must be attenuated as shown below.

(1) At rated output power, while transmitting a modulated single carrier, the composite spurious and noise output shall be attenuated by at least:

Frequency (MHz) Attenuation (dB) 1
0.01 to 1525−135 dB/4 kHz
1525 to 1559−203 dB/4 kHz
1559 to 1585−155 dB/MHz
1585 to 1605−143 dB/MHz
1605 to 1610−117 dB/MHz
1610 to 1610.6−95 dB/MHz
1610.6 to 1613.8−80 dBW/MHz 3
1613.8 to 1614−95 dB/MHz
1614 to 1626.5−70 dB/4 kHz
1626.5 to 1660−70 dB/4 kHz 2 3 4
1660 to 1670−49.5 dBW/20 kHz 2 3 4
1670 to 1735−60 dB/4 kHz
1735 to 12000−105 dB/4 kHz
12000 to 18000−70 dB/4 kHz

1 These values are expressed in dB referenced to the carrier for the bandwidth indicated, and relative to the maximum emission envelope level, except where the attenuation is shown in dBW, the attenuation is expressed in terms of absolute power referenced to the bandwidth indicated.

2 Attenuation measured within the transmit band excludes the band ±35 kHz of the carrier frequency.

3 This level is not applicable for intermodulation products.

4 The upper limit for the excess power for any narrow-band spurious emission (excluding intermodulation products within a 30 kHz measurement bandwidth) shall be 10 dB above the power limit in this table.

(2) The transmitter emission limit is a function of the modulation type and symbol rate (SR). Symbol Rate is expressed in symbols per second.

(3) While transmitting a single modulated signal at the rated output power of the transmitter, the emissions must be attenuated below the maximum emission level by at least:

Frequency Offset (normalized to SR) Attenuation (dB)
±0.75 × SR0
±1.40 × SR20
±2.95 × SR40
Where: SR = Symbol Rate, SR = 1 × channel rate for BPSK, SR = 0.5 × channel rate for QPSK.

The mask shall be defined by drawing straight lines through the above points.

(j) When using G7D for differential GPS in the 112-118 MHz band, the amount of power during transmission under all operating conditions when measured over a 25 kHz bandwidth centered on either of the second adjacent channels shall not exceed −25 dBm and shall decrease 5 dB per octave until −52 dBm.

(k) For VHF aeronautical stations and aircraft stations operating with G1D or G7D emissions:

(1) The amount of power measured across either first adjacent 25 kHz channel shall not exceed 2 dBm.

(2) For stations first installed before January 1, 2002, the amount of power measured across either second adjacent channel shall be less than −25 dBm and the power measured in any other adjacent 25 kHz channels shall monotonically decrease at a rate of at least 5 dB per octave to a maximum value of −52 dBm. For stations first installed on or after January 1, 2002,

(i) The amount of power measured across either second adjacent 25 kHz channel shall be less than −28 dBm;

(ii) The amount of power measured across either fourth adjacent 25 kHz channel shall be less than −38 dBm; and

(iii) From thereon the power measured in any other adjacent 25 kHz channel shall monotonically decrease at a rate of at least 5 dB per octave to a maximum value of −53 dBm.

(3) The amount of power measured over a 16 kHz channel bandwidth centered on the first adjacent 25 kHz channel shall not exceed −18 dBm.

(l)(1) For Universal Access Transceiver transmitters, the average emissions measured in a 100 kHz bandwidth must be attenuated below the maximum emission level contained within the authorized bandwidth by at least:

Frequency (MHz) Attenuation
(dB)
±0.50
±1.018
±2.2550
±3.2560

(2) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters with an output power of 5 Watts or more must limit their emissions by at least 43 + 10 log (P) dB on any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth. Those emissions shall be measured with a bandwidth of 100 kHz. P in the above equation is the average transmitter power measured within the occupied bandwidth in Watts.

(3) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters with less than 5 Watts of output power must limit their emissions by at least 40 dB relative to the carrier peak on any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth. Those emissions shall be measured with a bandwidth of 100 kHz.

(m) In the 1435-1452 MHz band, operators of aeronautical telemetry stations are encouraged to take all reasonable steps to ensure that unwanted emissions power does not exceed −28 dBW/27 MHz in the 1400-1427 MHz band. Operators of aeronautical telemetry stations that do not meet this limit shall first attempt to operate in the 1452-1525 MHz band prior to operating in the 1435-1452 MHz band.

[53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 87.139, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.
§ 87.141 - Modulation requirements.

(a) When A3E emission is used, the modulation percentage must not exceed 100 percent. This requirement does not apply to emergency locator transmitters or survival craft transmitters.

(b) A double sideband full carrier amplitude modulated radiotelephone transmitter with rated carrier power output exceeding 10 watts must be capable of automatically preventing modulation in excess of 100 percent.

(c) If any licensed radiotelephone transmitter causes harmful interference to any authorized radio service because of excessive modulation, the Commission will require the use of the transmitter to be discontinued until it is rendered capable of automatically preventing modulation in excess of 100 percent.

(d) Single sideband transmitters must be able to operate in the following modes:

Carrier mode Level N(dB) of the carrier with respect to peak envelope power
Full carrier (H3E)O>N>−6.
Suppressed carrier (J3E)Aircraft stations N<−26;
Aeronautical stations N<−40.

(e) Each frequency modulated transmitter operating in the band 72.0-76.0 MHz must have a modulation limiter.

(f) Each frequency modulated transmitter equipped with a modulation limiter must have a low pass filter between the modulation limiter and the modulated stage. At audio frequencies between 3 kHz and 15 kHz, the filter must have an attenuation greater than the attenuation at 1 kHz by at least 40 log10 (f/3) db where “f” is the frequency in kilohertz. Above 15 kHz, the attenuation must be at least 28 db greater than the attenuation at 1 kHz.

(g) Except that symmetric side bands are not required, the modulation characteristics for ELTs must be in accordance with specifications contained in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) Document TSO-C91a titled “Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Equipment” dated April 29, 1985. TSO-C91a is incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). TSO-C91a may be obtained from the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Airworthiness, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20591.

(h) ELTs must use A3X emission and may use A3E or NON emissions on an optional basis while transmitting. Each transmission of a synthesized or recorded voice message from an ELT must be preceded by the words “this is a recording”; transmission of A3E or NON emission must not exceed 90 seconds; and any transmission of A3E or NON emissions must be followed by at least three minutes of A3X emission.

(i) ELTs manufactured on or after October 1, 1988, must have a clearly defined carrier frequency distinct from the modulation sidebands for the mandatory emission, A3X, and, if used, the A3E or NON emissions. On 121.500 MHz at least thirty per cent of the total power emitted during any transmission cycle with or without modulation must be contained within plus or minus 30 Hz of the carrier frequency. On 243.000 MHz at least thirty percent of the total power emitted during any transmission cycle with or without modulation must be contained within plus or minus 60 Hz of the carrier frequency. Additionally, if the type of emission is changed during transmission, the carrier frequency must not shift more than plus or minus 30 Hz on 121.500 MHz and not more than plus or minus 60Hz on 243.000 MHz. The long term stability of the carrier frequency must comply with the requirements in § 87.133 of this part.

(j) Transmitters used at Aircraft earth stations must employ BPSK for transmission rates up to and including 2400 bits per second, and QPSK for higher rates.

(k) Universal Access Transceiver transmitters must use F1D modulation without phase discontinuities.

[53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 11721, Mar. 22, 1989; 56 FR 11518, Mar. 19, 1991; 57 FR 45749, Oct. 5, 1992; 71 FR 70676, Dec. 6, 2006]
§ 87.143 - Transmitter control requirements.

(a) Each transmitter must be installed so that it is not accessible to, or capable of being operated by persons other than those authorized by the licensee.

(b) Each station must be provided with a control point at the location of the transmitting equipment, unless otherwise specifically authorized. Except for aeronautical enroute stations governed by paragraph (e) of this section, a control point is the location at which the radio operator is stationed. It is the position at which the transmitter(s) can immediately be turned off.

(c) Applicants for additional control points at aeronautical advisory (unicom) stations must specify the location of each proposed control point.

(d) Except for aeronautical enroute stations governed by paragraph (f) of this section, the control point must have the following facilities installed:

(1) A device that indicates when the transmitter is radiating or when the transmitter control circuits have been switched on. This requirement does not apply to aircraft stations;

(2) Aurally monitoring of all transmissions originating at dispatch points;

(3) A way to disconnect dispatch points from the transmitter; and

(4) A way to turn off the transmitter.

(e) A dispatch point is an operating position subordinate to the control point. Dispatch points may be installed without authorization from the Commission, and dispatch point operators are not required to be licensed.

(f) In the aeronautical enroute service, the control point for an automatically controlled enroute station is the computer facility which controls the transmitter. Any computer controlled transmitter must be equipped to automatically shut down after 3 minutes of continuous transmission of an unmodulated carrier.

§ 87.145 - Acceptability of transmitters for licensing.

(a) Each transmitter must be certificated for use in these services, except as listed in paragraph (c) of this section. However, aircraft stations which transmit on maritime mobile frequencies must use transmitters certificated for use in ship stations in accordance with part 80 of this chapter. Certification under part 80 is not required for aircraft earth stations transmitting on maritime mobile-satellite frequencies. Such stations must be certificated under part 87.

(b) Some radio equipment installed on air carrier aircraft must meet the requirements of the Commission and the requirements of the FAA. The FAA requirements may be obtained from the FAA, Aircraft Maintenance Division, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591.

(c) The equipment listed below is exempted from certification. The operation of transmitters which have not been certificated must not result in harmful interference due to the failure of those transmitters to comply with technical standards of this subpart.

(1) Flight test station transmitters for limited periods where justified.

(2) U.S. Government transmitters furnished in the performance of a U.S. Government contract if the use of certificated equipment would increase the cost of the contract or if the transmitter will be incorporated in the finished product. However, such equipment must meet the technical standards contained in this subpart.

(3) ELTs verified in accordance with § 87.147(e).

(4) Signal generators when used as radionavigation land test stations (MTF).

(d) Aircraft earth stations must correct their transmit frequencies for Doppler effect relative to the satellite. The transmitted signal may not deviate more than 335 Hz from the desired transmit frequency. (This is a root sum square error which assumes zero error for the received ground earth station signal and includes the AES transmit/receive frequency reference error and the AES automatic frequency control residual errors.) The applicant must attest that the equipment provides adequate Doppler effect compensation and where applicable, that measurements have been made that demonstrate compliance. Submission of data demonstrating compliance is not required unless requested by the Commission.

[63 FR 36607, July 7, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 32881, June 14, 2004]
§ 87.147 - Authorization of equipment.

(a) Certification may be requested by following the procedures in part 2 of this chapter. Aircraft transmitters must meet the requirements over an ambient temperature range of −20 degrees to + 50 degrees Celsius.

(b) ELTs manufactured after October 1, 1988, must meet the output power characteristics contained in § 87.141(i). A report of the measurements must be submitted with each application for certification. ELTs that meet the output power characteristics of the section must have a permanent label prominently displayed on the outer casing state, “Meets FCC Rule for improved satellite detection.” This label, however, must not be placed on the equipment without authorization to do so by the Commission. Application for such authorization may be made either by submission of a new application for certification accompanied by the required fee and all information and test data required by parts 2 and 87 of this chapter or, for ELTs approved prior to October 1, 1988, a letter requesting such authorization, including appropriate test data and a showing that all units produced under the original equipment authorization comply with the requirements of this paragraph without change to the original circuitry.

(c) An applicant for a station license may request certification for an individual transmitter by following the procedure in part 2 of this chapter. Such a transmitter will be individually certified and so noted on the station license.

(d) An applicant for certification of equipment intended for transmission in any of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (d)(3) of this section must notify the FAA of the filing of a certification application. The letter of notification must be mailed to: FAA, Office of Spectrum Policy and Management, ASR-1, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591 prior to the filing of the application with the Commission.

(1) The notification must describe the equipment, give the manufacturer's identification, antenna characteristics, rated output power, emission type and characteristics, the frequency or frequencies of operation, and essential receiver characteristics if protection is required.

(2) The certification application must include a copy of the notification letter to the FAA. The Commission will not act until it receives the FAA's determination regarding whether it objects to the application for equipment authorization. The FAA should mail its determination to: Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Authorization and Evaluation Division, 7435 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia, MD 21046. The Commission will consider the FAA determination before taking final action on the application.

(3) The frequency bands are as follows:

90-110 kHz 190-285 kHz 325-435 kHz 74.800 MHz to 75.200 MHz 108.000 MHz to 137.000 MHz 328.600 MHz to 335.400 MHz 960.000 MHz to 1215.000 MHz 1545.000 MHz to 1626.500 MHz 1646.500 MHz to 1660.500 MHz 5000.000 MHz to 5250.000 MHz 14.000 GHz to 14.400 GHz 15.400 GHz to 15.700 GHz 24.250 GHz to 25.250 GHz 31.800 GHz to 33.400 GHz

(e) Supplier's Declaration of Conformity for ELTs capable of operating on the frequency 406.0-406.1 MHz must include sufficient documentation to show that the ELT meets the requirements of § 87.199(a). A letter notifying the FAA of the ELT Supplier's Declaration of Conformity must be mailed to: FAA, Office of Spectrum Policy and Management, ASR-1, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591.

Note 1 to paragraph (e):

The verification procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 of this chapter.

(f) Certification may be requested for equipment that has the capability to transmit in the 138-144 MHz, 148-149.9 MHz, or 150.5-150.8 MHz bands as well as frequency bands set forth in § 87.173. The Commission will only certify this equipment for use in the bands regulated by this part.

[53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988, as amended at 54 FR 11721, Mar. 22, 1989; 56 FR 11518, Mar. 19, 1991; 57 FR 45750, Oct. 5, 1992; 58 FR 30127, May 26, 1993; 58 FR 67696, Dec. 22, 1993; 63 FR 36608, July 7, 1998; 69 FR 32881, June 14, 2004; 82 FR 50837, Nov. 2, 2017; 83 FR 63812, Dec. 12, 2018]
§ 87.149 - Special requirements for automatic link establishment (ALE).

Brief signalling for the purposes of measuring the quality of a radio channel and thereafter establishing communication shall be permitted within the 2 MHz-30 MHz band. Public coast stations licensed under part 80 of this chapter providing high seas service are authorized by rule to use such signalling under the following conditions:

(a) The transmitter power shall not exceed 100 W ERP;

(b) Transmissions must sweep linearly in frequency at a rate of at least 60 kHz per second, occupying any 3 kHz bandwidth for less than 50 milliseconds;

(c) The transmitter shall scan the band no more than four times per hour;

(d) Transmissions within 6 kHz of the following protected frequencies and frequency bands must not exceed 10 µW peak ERP:

(1) Protected frequencies (kHz)

2091.04188.06312.012290.016420.0
2174.54207.58257.012392.016522.0
2182.05000.08291.012520.016695.0
2187.55167.58357.512563.016750.0
2500.05680.08364.012577.016804.5
3023.06215.08375.015000.020000.0
4000.06268.08414.516000.025000.0
4177.56282.010000.0

(2) Protected bands (kHz)

4125.0-4128.0 8376.25-8386.75 13360.0-13410.0 25500.0-25670.0

(e) The instantaneous signal, which refers to the peak power that would be measured with the frequency sweep stopped, along with spurious emissions generated from the sweeping signal, must be attenuated below the peak carrier power (in watts) as follows:

(1) On any frequency more than 5 Hz from the instantaneous carrier frequency, at least 3 dB;

(2) On any frequency more than 250 Hz from the instantaneous carrier frequency, at least 40 dB; and

(3) On any frequency more than 7.5 kHz from the instantaneous carrier frequency, at least 43 + 10log10 (peak power in watts) db.

[62 FR 40308, July 28, 1997]
§ 87.151 - Special requirements for differential GPS receivers.

(a) The receiver shall achieve a message failure rate less than or equal to one failed message per 1000 full-length (222 bytes) application data messages, while operating over a range from −87 dBm to −1 dBm, provided that the variation in the average received signal power between successive bursts in a given time slot shall not exceed 40 dB. Failed messages include those lost by the VHF data receiver system or which do not pass the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) after application of the forward error correction (FEC).

(b) The aircraft receiving antenna can be horizontally or vertically polarized. Due to the difference in the signal strength of horizontally and vertically polarized components of the broadcast signal, the total aircraft implementation loss is limited to 15 dB for horizontally polarized receiving antennas and 11 dB for vertically polarized receiving antennas.

(c) Desensitization. The receiver shall meet the requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section in the presence of VHF-FM broadcast signals in accord with following tables.

(1) Maximum levels of undesired signals.

Frequency 1 Maximum level of undesired signal at the receiver input (dBm)
50 kHz up to 88 MHz−13
88 MHz-107.900 MHz[see paragraph (c)(2)]
108.000 MHz-117.975 MHzexcluded
118MHz−44
118.025 MHz−41
118.050 MHz up to 1660.5 MHz−13

1 The relationship is linear between single adjacent points designated by the above frequencies.

(2) Desensitization frequency and power requirements for the frequencies 108.025 MHz to 111.975 MHz.

Frequency 1 Maximum level of undesired signal at the receiver input (dBm)
88 MHz ≤f ≤102 MHz15
104 MHz10
106 MHz5
107.9 MHz−10

1 The relationship is linear between single adjacent points designated by the above frequencies.

(3) Desensitization frequency and power requirements for the frequencies 112.00 MHz to 117.975 MHz.

Frequency 1 Maximum level of undesired signal at the receiver input (dBm)
88 MHz ≤f ≤104 MHz15
106 MHz10
107 MHz5
107.9 MHz0

1 The relationship is linear between single adjacent points designated by the above frequencies.

(d) Intermodulation immunity. The receiver shall meet the requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section in the presence of interference from two-signal, third order intermodulation products of two VHF-FM broadcast signals having levels in accordance with the following:

(1) 2N1 + N2 + 72 ≤0 for VHF-FM sound broadcasting signals in the range 107.7-108 MHz; and

(2) 2N1 + N2 + 3 (24 −20log delta f/0.4) ≤0 for VHF-FM sound broadcasting signals below 107.7 MHz, where the frequencies of the two VHF-FM sound broadcasting signals produce, within the receiver, a two signal, third-order intermodulation product on the desired VDB frequency.

(3) In the formulas in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section, N1 and N2 are the levels (dBm) of the two VHF FM sound broadcasting signals at the VHF data broadcast (VDB) receiver input. Neither level shall exceed the desensitization criteria set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. Delta f = 108.1 − f1, where f1 is the frequency of N1, the VHF FM sound broadcasting signal closer to 108.1 MHz.

[69 FR 32881, June 14, 2004]
authority: 47 U.S.C. 154,303,unless
source: 53 FR 28940, Aug. 1, 1988, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 47 CFR 87.149