47 C.F.R. Subpart N—Emergency Communications
Title 47 - Telecommunication
This subpart provides the rules governing operation of stations in the Aviation Services during any national or local emergency situation constituting a threat to national security or safety of life and property. This subpart is consistent with the Aeronautical Emergency Communications System Plan for all Aviation Services licensees of the Commission which was developed pursuant to sections 1, 4(o), 301 and 303 of the Communications Act, and Executive Order 11490, as amended. This Plan provides for emergency communications to meet the requirements of the Plan for the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids (SCATANA), Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF), War Air Service Program (WASP) and, where applicable, State and Regional Disaster Airlift Planning (SARDA). (a) The Plan for the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids (SCATANA) is promulgated in furtherance of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended, the Communications Act and Executive Order 11490, as amended. SCATANA defines the responsibilities of the Commission for the security control of non-Federal air navigation aids. (b) Under the responsibilities defined in SCATANA, an FCC Support Plan for the Security Control of Non-Federal Air Navigation Aids has been developed by the Commission. The FCC Support Plan defines responsibilities, procedures, and instructions in consonance with SCATANA which will effect control of non-Federal air navigation aids when SCATANA is implemented. It permits the use of such navigation aids by aircraft of military and civil agencies when SCATANA is implemented. The FCC Support Plan highlights those parts of SCATANA which deal specifically with non-Federal air navigation aids. SCATANA and the FCC Support Plan apply to radionavigation stations authorized by the Commission in the following manner: (1) All licensees are subject to restrictions imposed by appropriate military authorities pursuant to SCATANA and the FCC Support Plan when an Air Defense Emergency or Defense Emergency exists or is imminent. The restrictions will be imposed through FAA Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs). (2) All licensees of aeronautical radionavigation (VOR/DME, ILS, MLS, LF and MF non-directional beacons) stations will comply with SCATANA implementation instructions from FAA ARTCCs as follows: (i) Shut down the above navigation aids as directed. These instructions will permit time to land or disperse airborne aircraft, and will permit extension of time when the air traffic situation dictates. (ii) Shut down as soon as possible stations which require more than five minutes control time, unless directed otherwise or unless such stations are essential for the handling of existing air traffic. (iii) Operate aeronautical radionavigation stations to ensure that required stations, as indicated in flight plans, will be available for authorized aircraft flights. (3) Licensees of aeronautical radionavigation stations will be notified of the reduction or removal of SCATANA restrictions by FAA ARTCCs when notice of the termination is issued. (4) Licensees of aeronautical radionavigation stations may voluntarily participate in SCATANA tests as requested by an ARTCC. SCATANA testing must not interrupt the normal service of non-Federal air navigation aids. (a) The licensee of any land station in the Aviation services, during a local emergency involving the safety of life and property may communicate in a manner other than that specified in the license (See §87.395). Such emergency operations may include operation at other locations or with equipment not specified in the license or by unlicensed personnel provided that: (1) Such operations are under the control and supervision of the station licensee, (2) The emergency use is discontinued as soon as practicable upon termination of the emergency, (3) In no event shall any station transmit on frequencies other than or with power in excess of that specified in the license, (4) The details of the emergency must be retained with the station license, and (5) At a controlled airport these communications must be coordinated with the FAA. (b) The unicom frequencies listed in subpart G may also be used for communications with private aircraft engaged in organized civil defense activities in preparation for, during an enemy attack or immediately after an enemy attack. When used for these purposes, unicoms may be moved from place to place or operated at unspecified locations, except at landing areas served by other unicoms or control towers. (c) In any case in which a license for unattended operation has been granted, the Commission may at any time, for national defense, modify the license.
Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 87—AVIATION SERVICES
Subpart N—Emergency Communications
§ 87.393 Scope of service.
§ 87.395 Plan for the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids (Short Title: SCATANA).
§ 87.397 Emergency operations.
