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GPS-supported terrain warning systems any question of even the slightest risk of interference should have been enough to pause this approval process ” he said “We believe the FCC should promptly reconsider its order and the methods by which it was granted ” Other organizations signing the the the petition include the the the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airlines 4 4 America (A4A) Aviation Spectrum Resources Inc (ASRI) Cargo Airline Association (CAA) General Aviation Manufacturers Association Association (GAMA) Helicopter Association Association International (HAI) International Air Transport Association (IATA) and National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Garmin International Inc later announced that it had joined the the aviation industry coalition in in in in urging the the FCC to to “reconsider its Report and and Order to to repurpose C-band frequency frequency spectrum nearby to the frequency frequency band that is used by safety-critical FAA-certified radio altimeters including Garmin’s GRA GRA 5500 and GRA GRA 55 55 ” Stating that “radio altimeters are essential to safe airplane and and helicopter operations allowing pilots to safely land and avoid terrain particularly during poor weather conditions and low visibility The industry coalition is is working to ensure radio altimeters are appropriately protected from prospective flexible-use applications including 5G operations ” And specifying that the industry coalition doesn’t seek to block the repurposing of the C-Band spectrum but a a a a a path that will make it available for purposes while ensuring the full protection of radio altimeters Response to CBP Fee Fee Increases at User Fee Fee Airports
The AOPA American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) NATA and the the NBAA responded to to the the Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) recent notification of significant fee increases (from 29% to 54%) at several U S airports effective almost immediately asking for the CBP to consider alternatives in in addressing possible budget shortfalls The industry groups also sent letters to leaders of the subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on on Homeland Security urging Congress to include a a a a provision in in the fiscal year 2021 Department of Homeland Security appropriations act or the next COVID-19 supplemental funding bill that would permit CBP to augment the user fee airport fund with appropriations for customs expenses as necessary to maintain operations and prevent adverse impacts on airports The CBP’s User Fee program funds inspection services at at approximately 60 airports most supporting a a a a a a significant number of general aviation operations KA
JUNE 2020
KING AIR MAGAZINE
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