Technical Standards for

Aeronautical Mobile
Service

May 27th, 2008

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY COMMISSION

SAINT LUCIA
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1
2.0 SCOPE ....................................................................................................................... 1
3.0 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................ 2
4.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS ...................................................................................... 2
5.0 ROLE OF THE COMMISSION ............................................................................. 8
6.0 ACCEPTIBILITY OF EQUIPMENT .................................................................... 8
7.0 REGULATION OF THE AERONAUTICAL MOBILE SERVICE ..................... 9
8.0 UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES BELOW 30 MHZ ..................................... 9
8.1 FREQUENCY ALLOTMENT PLAN FOR THE AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (OR)
SERVICE ........................................................................................................................... 9
8.2 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) SERVICE ................................................................... 11

9.0 UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES ABOVE 30 MHZ .................................... 15

9.1 THE AMS(R) VHF FREQUENCY ALLOTMENT PLAN .............................................. 15
9.2 CLASS OF EMISSION AND MODULATION CHARACTERISTICS .......................... 15
9.3 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSMITTER............................................... 15
9.4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF RECEIVER .......................................................... 19

ANNEX A PART I ............................................................................................................. i

ANNEX A PART II ......................................................................................................... iv
ANNEX B .......................................................................................................................... vi
ANNEX C ........................................................................................................................ vii
OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISITICS OF AMS ................................................................ vii
TRANSMITTER CONTROL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... vii
SPECIAL RULES RELATING TO THE USE OF FREQUENCIES ..................................... viii

i
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.0.1 As a holistic approach to the radio spectrum management process, the National
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission has developed radio
communications standards to assist in ensuring that the various radio services
operate compatibly in the same environment without unacceptable levels of radio
frequency interference.

1.0.2 The aeronautical mobile service is part of the frequency band allocations that
provide radio communications within the aeronautical sector. The aeronautical
mobile service covers the radio communications for commercial and general
aviation, air traffic control and other uses.

1.0.3 The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission was created under the
Telecommunications Act 2000 to oversee the telecommunications sector in Saint
Lucia. It is therefore responsible for ensuring adherence to the legislation by
service providers and other telecommunications users, including aeronautical
mobile radio operators. In its functions the Commission has the mandate to
establish national technical standards, and in keeping with this mandate the
Commission has compiled this document, which attempts to provide a guideline
for the technical standards applicable to aeronautical mobile radio
communications in Saint Lucia.

2.0 SCOPE
2.0.1 This document sets out the technical standards for radio transmitters and receivers
at both ground-based and aircraft aeronautical stations operating in the
Aeronautical Mobile Services (AMS) in Saint Lucia. These standards are
industry standards applicable to equipment which are intended for use in Saint
Lucia.

2.0.2 The technical standards include acceptability of equipment, frequency band

assignments, frequency separation, emission classes, modulation, transmitter
power output, bandwidth limitations and specific characteristics of AMS
receivers. Stipulations of the general control parameters for ground-based stations
and general guidance rules for the use of frequency within AMS are also included.

2.0.3 In the event of any inconsistencies between this document and the Act or
Regulations, the provisions of the Act or applicable Regulations shall take
precedence.

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3.0 RESOURCES

3.0.1 Material from the following sources was used to compile this document:
The Telecommunications Act 2000;
The Telecommunications (Terminal Equipment and Public Networks)
Regulations, 2002;
The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Procedures
Manual;
The International Telecommunications Union, Radio Regulations
(Appendix 26 and 27; Article 43; RESOLUTION 413);
Aeronautical Telecommunications of ICAO (Annex 10, Vol. I);
The Code of Federal Regulations ( Title 47, Part 87); and
Radio Spectrum Management David Withers.

4.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Act: The Telecommunications Act [No. 27 of 2000] in the jurisdiction of Saint
Lucia.

ACARS: An acronym for Aeronautical Communications Addressing and Report

System. ACARS is a digital data link system for transmission of small messages
between aircraft and ground stations via radio or satellite.

AES: An abbreviation for Aircraft Earth Station.

Aerodrome: Any area of land, water (including the frozen surface thereof) or
other supporting surface used, designed, prepared, equipped or set apart for use,
either in whole or in part, for the arrival, departure, movement or servicing of
aircraft. This includes any buildings, installations and equipment situated thereon
or associated therewith.

Aerodrome Control Service: Air traffic control service for aerodrome traffic.

Aeronautical advisory station (unicom):

An aeronautical station used for advisory and civil defence communications
primarily with private aircraft stations.

Aeronautical enroute station: An aeronautical station which communicates with

aircraft stations in flight status or with other aeronautical enroute stations.

Aeronautical fixed service: A radio communication service between specified

fixed points provided primarily for the safety of air navigation and for the regular,
efficient and economical operation of air transport. A station in this service is an
aeronautical fixed station.

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Aeronautical Mobile Off-Route (OR) Service: An aeronautical mobile service
intended for communications, including those relating to flight coordination,
primarily outside national or international civil air routes.

Aeronautical Mobile Route (R) Service: An aeronautical mobile service reserved

for communications relating to safety and regularity of flight, primarily along
national or international civil air routes.

Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Off-Route (OR) Service: An aeronautical mobile

satellite service intended for communications, including those relating to flight
coordination, primarily outside national and international civil air routes.

Aircraft Station: A mobile station in the aeronautical mobile service, other than a
survival craft station, located on board an aircraft.

AF: An abbreviation for Audio Frequency.

Applicant: A person applying for a licence or a frequency authorisation under the

Act.

Application: An application for a licence or frequency authorisation, including a

modification or renewal of a licence or frequency authorisation under the Act.

ARNS: An abbreviation for Aeronautical Radio Navigation Service.

ATC: An abbreviation for air traffic control.

Authorized bandwidth: The maximum permissible bandwidth of a transmission.

Band: A range of frequencies.

Bandwidth: The width of a frequency band (outside of which the mean power of
the transmitted signal is attenuated at least 26 dB below the mean power if the
transmitted signal is within the band).

Beacon: A station transmitting communications for the purposes of observation,

propagation and reception or other related experimental activities.

Broadcasting: The transmission intended for reception by the general public,

either direct or relayed.

Commission: The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission,

established under section 8 of the Act.

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Control Zone: An area designated as such by Civil Aviation Authorities, and
where this is not so designated, it means a distance of no more than 25 nautical
miles from the air traffic control tower.

DSB: Double Side Band Modulation.

DME: An abbreviation for Distance Measuring Equipment. It is a transponder-

based radio navigation technology that measures distance by timing the
propagation delay of VHF or UHF radio signals.

ECTEL: Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority.

Emergency communications: Communications that take place during situations

where there is danger to lives and/or property.

E.R.P. : An abbreviation for Effective Radiated Power. The product of the power
supplied to the antenna and its gain relative to a half-wave dipole in a given
direction.

FM: Abbreviation for frequency modulation. It is form of modulation that

conveys information over a carrier wave by varying its frequency.

Frequency Allocation Plan: A Plan which shows the frequencies to be used in

particular areas without specifying the stations to which the frequencies are to be
assigned.

Frequency Authorisation: Means an authorisation granted by the Minister under

section 36 to use radio frequencies in connection with the operation of a network
or the provision of services under an individual licence or class licence or
otherwise.

Ground station: Aeronautical station equipment on ground for use with an

external antenna and intended for use at a fixed location.

Harmful interference: Any radiation or induction which endangers the

functioning of radio navigation service or of a safety service or obstructs or
repeatedly interrupts a radio service operating in accordance with the approved
Table of Frequency Allocation and with the Telecommunications (Spectrum
Management) Regulations, 2002.

HF : An abbreviation for High Frequency. Refers to the band of frequencies that

range from 3 MHz to 30 MHz.

ICAO: The International Civil Aviation Organization is an agency of the United

Nations, that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation

4
and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure
safe and orderly functioning.

ILS: An abbreviation for Instrument Landing System. It is an instrument

approach system which provides precise guidance to an aircraft approaching a
runway and in the case of one type of Category III approach; it also provides
guidance along the runway surface.

Licence: Means an individual or a class licence.

Limiter: Is a circuit that allows signals below a set value to pass unaffected, as in
a Class A amplifier, and clips off the peaks of higher signals that exceed this set
value, as in a Class C amplifier.

Minister: Minister responsible for Telecommunications.

MF: An abbreviation for Medium Frequency. Refers to the band of frequencies

that range from 300 kHz to 3000 kHz.

MLS: An abbreviation for Microwave Landing System is an all-weather,

precision landing system originally intended to replace or supplement the
Instrument Landing System (ILS).

MWARA: Major World Air Route Areas.

NDB: An abbreviation for Non-Directional Beacon. It is a radio broadcast station

in a known location, used as an aviation or marine navigational aid.

Out-of-band emission: Emission on a frequency or frequencies immediately

outside the necessary bandwidth which results from the modulation process, but
excluding spurious emissions.

Passband: Is the portion of spectrum, between limiting frequencies that is

transmitted with minimum relative loss or maximum relative gain by a filtering
device.

PEP: An abbreviation for Peak Envelope Power. The average power supplied to
the antenna transmission line by a transmitter during one RF cycle at the crest of
the modulation envelope taken under normal operating conditions.

Plan: Frequency Allocation Plan.

ppm: An abbreviation for parts per million.

RADAR: Radio Detection and Ranging is a system that uses radio waves to
identify the location, direction, and/or speed of both moving and fixed objects
such as aircraft, ships, motor vehicles and weather formations.

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Regional and Domestic Air Route: are all those using the Aeronautical
Mobile (R) Service not covered by the definition of a Major World Air Route.

Regulations: Refers to the Regulations that have been made under the
Telecommunications Act, No 27 of 2000 in the jurisdiction of Saint Lucia.

RDARA: An abbreviation for Regional and Domestic Air Route Area. RDARA is
an area embracing a certain number of the air routes.

RMS: An abbreviation for Root Mean Square.

SHF: An abbreviation for Super High Frequency. Refers to the band of

frequencies that range from 3 GHz to 30 GHz.

SINAD: is the abbreviation for signal-plus-noise-plus-distortion to noise-plus-

distortion ratio. This is calculated as one of:

1. The ratio of (a) total received power, i.e., the received signal-plus-noise-
plus-distortion power to (b) the received noise-plus-distortion power.
2. The ratio of (a) the recovered audio power, i.e., the original modulating
audio signal plus noise plus distortion powers from a modulated radio
frequency carrier to (b) the residual audio power, i.e., noise-plus-distortion
powers remaining after the original modulating audio signal is removed.

The SINAD is usually expressed in dB.

Spurious Emission: Emission on a frequency or frequencies which are outside

the necessary bandwidth and the level of which may be reduced without affecting
the corresponding transmission of information. Spurious emissions include
harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions, intermodulation products and frequency
conversion products, but exclude out-of-band emissions.

SSB: Single Side Band Modulation is a refinement of the technique of amplitude

modulation designed to be more efficient in its use of electrical power and
bandwidth.

Telecommunications: Any form of transmission, emission or reception of signs,

texts, images and sounds or other intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical
or other electromagnetic means.

Telemetry: A one-way transmission of measurements at a distance from the

measuring instrument.

TFTS: An abbreviation for Terrestrial Flight Telecommunications System.

6
Transmitter: Any apparatus that converts electrical energy received from a source
into radio frequency energy capable of being emitted.

UHF: An abbreviation for Ultra High Frequency. Refers to the band of

frequencies that range from 300 MHz to 3000 MHz.

Unicom: Universal Integrated Communication is a ground to air radio

communication facility operated by private agency to provide private advisory
station service at uncontrolled aerodromes and airports with no Air Traffic
Control air to ground communication facility.

Unwanted emissions: Spurious emissions and out-of-band emissions as defined

in this section.

VHF: An abbreviation for Very High Frequency. Refers to the band of

frequencies that range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz.

VOLMET Allotment Area: is an area encompassing all points where an HF

broadcast facility might be required to operate on a family of frequencies common
to the area.

VOLMET Reception Area: is an area within which aircraft should be able to

receive broadcasts from one or more stations in the associated VOLMET
Allotment Area.

VOR: An abbreviation for VHF Omni-directional Radio Range. It is a type of

radio navigation equipment for aircrafts.

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5.0 ROLE OF THE COMMISSION

5.0.1 The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) was

established under the Telecommunications Act 2000 to regulate the
telecommunications sector in Saint Lucia. Based on the functions of the
Commission as outlined in section 12 of the Act, and relevant to the aeronautical
mobile service, the Commission is required to:
(i) be responsible for technical regulations and the setting of technical
standards of telecommunications and ensure compatibility with
international standards;
(ii) plan, supervise and manage the use of the radio frequency spectrum in
conjunction with ECTEL, including the assignment and registration of
radio frequencies to be used by all stations operating in St. Lucia or on any
ship, aircraft or other floating or airborne contrivance or spacecraft
registered in Saint Lucia;
(iii) Receive and review applications for licences and advise the Minister
accordingly.

5.0.2 The Commission is therefore keen that persons comply with the
telecommunications legislation. The Act does not apply to programme content
and scheduling, and so the Commission has no jurisdiction in respect of the
information conveyed via telecommunications networks and operations. In sum,
the Commissions responsibility is to ensure that the legal and technical
requirements for the establishment of telecommunications networks and the
provision of telecommunications services are satisfied.

6.0 ACCEPTIBILITY OF EQUIPMENT

6.0.1 The telecommunications equipment intended for use in the aeronautical mobile
service must be granted Type Approval certification by the Commission and must
meet the requisite technical standards established for operation in Saint Lucia.

8
7.0 REGULATION OF THE AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
SERVICE

7.0.1 Two types of aeronautical mobile service are defined in this document:
Aeronautical mobile (R) service: An aeronautical mobile service reserved for
communications relating to safety and regularity of flight primarily along
national or international civil air routes.
Aeronautical mobile (OR) service: An aeronautical mobile service intended
for communications, including those relating to flight coordination,
primarily outside national or international civil air routes.

7.0.2 These two categories of the aeronautical mobile service are governed by distinct
procedures, in particular the aeronautical mobile (R) service, in which frequency
assignments in the bands that are used globally for communication with civil
airliners and air traffic control (ATC), are managed by the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO).

8.0 UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES BELOW 30 MHz

8.1 FREQUENCY ALLOTMENT PLAN FOR THE AERONAUTICAL

MOBILE (OR) SERVICE

8.1.1 CHANNELLING ARRANGEMENTS

8.1.1.1 The channelling arrangements for the carrier frequencies which are used by
aeronautical stations in the AMS (OR) are in the frequency bands between 3 025
kHz to 18 030 kHz. With the exception of the carrier (reference) frequencies
3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz one or more frequencies may be assigned to any
aeronautical station and/or aircraft station, in accordance with the Frequency
Allotment Plan, as contained in Annex B.

8.1.2 Emission Bandwidth

8.1.2.1 Bandwidth of up to 2.8 kHz, situated wholly within frequency channel concerned.
For the aeronautical radiotelephone stations the upper sideband shall be
employed, and the assigned frequency shall be 1 400 Hz higher than the carrier
(reference) frequency.

8.1.3 Classes of Emission

8.1.3.1 The following are the classes of emission permitted:

(i) Radio telephony

The aeronautical radiotelephone stations shall use only single-sideband
emissions (J3E). The upper sideband shall be employed, and the assigned
frequency shall be 1400 Hz higher than the carrier (reference) frequency.

9
 (ii) Telegraphy (including automatic data transmission)
A1A, A1B, F1B;
(A,H)2(A,B);
(R,J)2(A,B,D);
J(7,9)(B,D,X).
In the AMS (OR) the use of other emission is permissible but subjected to certain
compliances stipulated by appendix 26 of Radio Regulations of the ITU-R.

8.1.4 TRANSMITTER POWER OUTPUT

8.1.4.1 In table 8.1.4 shows the general power limits (power supplied to an antenna) that
shall be applied:

Emission Class Power Limit Values (peak envelope power supplied to the antenna)

AERONAUTICAL STATION/ dBW AIRCRAFT STATION/dBW

J3E 36 23

A1A, A1B 30 17

F1B 30 17

A2A, A2B 32 19

H2A, H2B 33 20

(RJ)2(A,B,D) 36 23

J(7,9)(B,D,X) 36 23

Table 8.1.4: Peak power for AMS (OR) emissions class

10
8.2 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) SERVICE
8.2.1 CHANNELLING ARRANGEMENTS

8.2.1.1 The channelling arrangements for the carrier frequencies which are used by
aeronautical stations in the AMS (R) are in the frequency bands between 2 850
kHz to 22 000 kHz. One or more frequencies may be assigned to any aeronautical
station and/or aircraft station, in accordance with the Frequency Allotment Plan,
as contained in Annex A Part II. The Plan is presented as an allotment plan in
numerical order of frequencies.

8.2.2 METHOD OF OPERATION

8.2.2.1 Annex 10 of the ICAO specifies that in AMS(R), radiotelephone communications
should utilize single, simplex channels in the frequency bands 2 850 kHz to 22
000 kHz.

8.2.3 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS USED IN THE PLAN

8.2.3.1The Plan is based on the following technical characteristics:

(i). The frequency separation between carrier (reference) frequencies shall be 3 kHz.
The carrier (reference) frequency of the channels in the Plan shall be an integral
multiple of 1 kHz.

(ii). For radiotelephone emissions the audio frequencies are limited to between 300 Hz
and 2 700 Hz and the occupied bandwidth of other authorized emissions do not
exceed the upper limit of J3E emissions. In specifying these limits, however, no
restriction in their extension is implied in so far as emissions other than J3E are
concerned, provided that the limits of unwanted emissions are met.

(iii). The emissions used for telephony are J3E (on any plan frequency) and A3E, H3E
(on frequencies 3 023 kHz and 5680 1 kHz). Classes of emission used for
telegraphy including automatic data transmission are A1A; A1B; F1B; H2B and
any SSB (suppressed carrier) class of emission (e.g., J2B, J2D, J7B, J7D, J9B,
J9D).

8.2.4 CLASSES OF EMISSION

8.2.4.1 In the AMS (R) the use of emissions such as those listed below is permissible
subject to compliance with the special provisions applicable to each case and

1 The carrier frequencies 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz are intended for common use on a world -wide basis.

11
 provided that such use does not cause harmful interference to other users of the
channel concerned.

Radio telephony- Amplitude Modulation:

double sideband A3E 2
single sideband, full carrier H3E 2

single sideband, suppressed carrier J3E

Telegraphy (including automatic data transmission):

Amplitude modulation
telegraphy without the use of a modulating audio frequency
(by on-off keying) A1A, A1B 3

telegraphy by the on-off keying of an amplitude modulating audio frequency or audio

frequencies or by the on-off keying of the modulated emission and including selective
calling, single sideband full carrier. H2B

multi-channel voice frequency telegraphy, single sideband, suppressed carrier J7B

other transmissions such as automatic data transmission, single sideband, suppressed

carrier JXX

Frequency Modulation:

Telegraphy by frequency shift keying without the use of a modulating audio frequency,
one of two frequencies being emitted at any instant. F1B3

8.2.5 TRANSMITTER POWER OUTPUT

8.2.5.1 The peak envelope power supplied to the antenna transmission line must not
exceed the maximum values indicated in the table below; the corresponding peak
effective radiated power being assumed to be equal to two-thirds of these values.
It is recognized that the power employed by aircraft transmitters may, in practice,
exceed the limits specified in the table 8.2.5. However, the use of such increased
power (which normally should not exceed 600 W PEP) shall not cause harmful
interference to stations using frequencies in accordance with the technical
principles on which the allocation Plan is based.

Class of emission Stations Maximum peak envelope

power

2 A3E and H3E to be used on 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz.

3A1A, A1B and F1B are permitted provided they do not cause harmful interference to classes of emission
H2B, J3E, J7B and JXX.

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 H2B, J3E, J7B, JXX Aeronautical stations 6 kW
A3E*, H3E* Aircraft stations 400 W
(100% modulation)

Other emissions such as Aeronautical stations 1.5 kW

A1A, A1B, F1B Aircraft stations 100 W

* A3E and H3E to be used only on 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz.

Table 8.2.5: Maximum peak power for stations

8.2.6 TECHNICAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF SINGLE-SIDEBAND EMISSIONS

Definitions carrier modes:

Carrier mode Level N (dB) of the carrier with
respect to peak envelope power

Full carrier (for example H2B) 0 N 6

Suppressed carrier (for example J3E) Aircraft stations N 26

Aeronautical stations N 40

Table 8.2.6

8.2.6.1 TOLERANCE FOR LEVELS OF EMISSION OUTSIDE THE NECESSARY BAND-WIDTH

In a single-sideband transmission, the mean power of any emission supplied to the

antenna transmission line of an aeronautical or aircraft station on any discrete frequency
shall be less than the mean power (PY) of the transmitter in accordance with Table
8.2.6.1A.

For aircraft station transmitter types first installed before 1 February 1983:
Frequency separation Minimum attenuation
from the assigned frequency below mean power (PY)
(kHz) (dB)

2 6 25

6 10 35

Aircraft stations: 40
10
Aeronautical stations: 43 10 log10 (PY) (W)

Table 8.2.6.1 A

NOTE All transmitters first placed in operation after 1 February 1983 shall comply with the
specifications contained in table 8.2.6.1B.

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In a single-sideband transmission, the peak envelope power (PEP) of any emission
supplied to the antenna transmission line of an aeronautical or aircraft station on any
discrete frequency shall be less than the peak envelope power of the transmitter in
accordance with the Table 8.2.6.1 B.

For aircraft station transmitters first installed after 1 February 1983 and for aeronautical
station transmitters in use after 1 February 1983:

Frequency separation Minimum attenuation

from the assigned frequency below peak envelope power (PX)
(kHz) (dB)

1.5 4.5 30

4.5 7.5 38

Aircraft stations: 43
7.5
Aeronautical stations: *

Table 8.2.6.1 B

8.2.6.2 OTHER TECHNICAL PROVISIONS

Assigned frequencies

For single-sideband emissions, except the class of emission H2B, the assigned frequency
shall be at a value 1 400 Hz above the carrier (reference) frequency.

For aeronautical stations equipped with selective calling systems, the class of emission
shall be H2B and the emission designator shall be 2K80H2B.

For classes of emission A1A, A1B and F1B the assigned frequency are chosen in
accordance with a given formula 4.

The assigned frequency of a station employing double sideband emissions (A3E) shall be
at the carrier (reference) frequency.

4 For transmitter power up to and including 50 W: 43 10 log10 (PX) (W). For transmitter powers more
than 50 W, the attenuation shall be at least 60 dB.

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9.0 UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES ABOVE 30 MHZ

9.1 THE AMS(R) VHF FREQUENCY ALLOCATION PLAN

9.1.1 The frequency band 117.975 to 137 MHz is allocated for the AMS(R). The ICAO
has established a frequency allocation plan for this band and has incorporated it
into its basic instrument, the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The
plan is based on the use of AM telephony with DSB modulation. Originally the
channel bandwidth was 100 KHz. As receivers of improved selectivity have been
taken into use, the plan has been modified; in particular the channel bandwidth
has been reduced by stages to allow more channels to be provided. Currently
allowances are made for a channel bandwidth of 8.33 kHz, although 25 kHz
channel bandwidth is readily thought to be the default used in Saint Lucia. The
8.33 kHz channels are suited for short distance links, typically for ATC of aircraft
en route but within range of VHF aeronautical stations and for the approach
phase, landing and takeoff at airports.

9.2 EMISSION CLASSES AND MODULATION CHARACTERISTICS

9.2.1 The equipment uses Double Side Band (DSB) Amplitude Modulation (AM) full
carrier, (6K80A3EJN for 25 kHz, 5K00A3EJN for 8.33 kHz), for speech and
13k0A2D for data. The equipment must be designed to operate satisfactorily with
a channel separation of 8.33 kHz or 25 kHz.

9.3 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSMITTER

9.3.1 FREQUENCY ERROR

9 .3 .1 Frequency error is the difference between the measured carrier frequency
and its nominal value. Frequency error shall be within the requirements of
the table 9 .3 .1 .

15
 Frequency Error Temperature Range
0 O C to 4 0 O C
8 .3 3 kHz fixed Base 1 ppm
8 .3 3 kHz Mobile/ portable 1 ppm
8 .3 3 kHz Hand held 1 ppm
2 5 kHz Fixed Base 1 ppm
2 5 kHz Mobile/ portable < < 1 ppm
2 5 kHz hand held < < 1 ppm
2 -/ 3 - carrier offset system 5 ppm
4 -carrier offset system 3 .8 ppm
5 -carrier offset system 0 .3 ppm

Table 9.3.1: Accepted Frequency Error Limits

9.3.2 CARRIER POWER

Definitions
The carrier power is the mean power delivered to the coaxial termination during
transmission in the absence of modulation. The technical requirements of the present
document shall be met for all power output levels at which the transmitter is intended to
operate into 50 .

Tolerances
The carrier power measured under normal operations with the output power adjusted to
maximum, shall not vary by more than 1.5 dB from the rated maximum output power.

Extreme test conditions

The carrier power measured under extreme test conditions with the output adjusted to
maximum rated power, shall not vary by more than +1.5 dB and -3 dB from the rated
maximum output power.

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9.3.3 AMPLITUDE MODULATION CHARACTERISTIC
Modulation depth (speech)

Definitions
Amplitude modulation depth:
The amplitude modulation depth is the fractional ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the
difference and the sum of the numerical values of the largest and smallest amplitudes
encountered in one cycle of the modulating waveform.

Limits
The amplitude modulation depth shall be at least 85 % under normal temperature
conditions and at least 80 % for extreme temperature measurements.

9.3.4 MODULATION DEPTH (DATA MODE)

Limits
The amplitude modulation depth shall be 85 % under normal temperature conditions for
an input signal of 0 dBm at the data input.

9.3.5 AMPLITUDE MODULATION DISTORTION

Definition
The amplitude modulation distortion is the ratio of the total rms voltage of all the
harmonics of the modulated waveform to the total rms voltage.

Limits
The amplitude modulation distortion shall be less than 10 %.

9.3.6 AUDIO FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Definition
The audio frequency response expresses the ability of the transmitter to operate without
excessive degradation of its frequency response as a function of the modulation
frequency.

Limits 8.33 kHz channel spacing

The ratio of the maximum and minimum modulation depth as measured over the AF
modulating frequency range of 350 Hz to 2.5 kHz shall be less than +2 dB and -4 dB
(referred to 1 kHz). At 3.2 kHz the ratio shall be at least -25 dB referred to 1 kHz.

Limits 25 kHz channel spacing

The ratio of the maximum and minimum modulation depth as measured over the AF
modulating frequency range of 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz shall be less than +2 dB and -4 dB
(referred to 1 kHz). The necessary AF test range for mobile, portable and handheld
equipment can be reduced to 350 Hz to 2.5 kHz. At 5 kHz the ratio shall be at least -25
dB referred to 1 kHz. For data operation, the ratio of the maximum and minimum
modulation depth as measured over the AF modulating frequency range of 1.2 kHz to
2.4 kHz shall be less than 3 dB.

17
9.3.7 ADJACENT CHANNEL POWER

Definition

The adjacent channel power is that part of the total power output of a transmitter under
defined conditions of modulation, which falls within a specified passband centered on the
nominal frequency of either of the adjacent channels. This power is the sum of the mean
power produced by the transmitter.

Limits
The adjacent channel power shall not exceed the following values below the carrier
power of the transmitter:
8.33 kHz Channel spacing: 50 dB;
25 kHz Channel spacing: 60 dB.

9.3.8 CONDUCTED SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

Definition
Conducted spurious emissions are RF emissions appearing at the RF output port on a
frequency or frequencies which are outside the necessary bandwidth and the level of
which may be reduced without affecting the corresponding transmission of information.
Conducted spurious emissions include harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions,
intermodulation products and frequency conversion products, but exclude out of band
emissions.

Frequency Range Test Limits Test Limits Reference Bandwidth

Tx Standby Tx active mode
9 kHz to 150 kHz -57 dBm -46 dBm B= 1 kHz
> 150 kHz to 30 MHz -57 dBm -46 dBm B= 9 kHz to 10 kHz
> 30 MHz to 1 GHz -57 dBm -36 dBm for B= 10 kHz
harmonics,
-46 dBm for non-
harmonic spurious
> 1 GHz to 4 GHz -47 dBm -30 dBm for B= 10 kHz
harmonics
-40 dBm for no-
harmonic spurious

Table 9.3.8: Limits of conducted spurious emissions

18
9.4 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF RECEIVERS
9.4.1 RECEIVER SENSITIVITY.

Definition
The sensitivity of the receiver is the level of the signal at the nominal frequency of the
receiver which, when applied to the receiver input produces:

(i). in all cases, an audio frequency output power not less than 50 % of the rated
output power; and
(ii). a SINAD ratio of 12 dB.

Limits
The maximum sensitivity shall not exceed -101 dBm under normal test conditions and
-95 dBm under extended or extreme test conditions as applicable.

9.4.2 EFFECTIVE ACCEPTANCE BANDWIDTH

Definition
The effective acceptance bandwidth is the frequency range over which an applied signal
shall not be rejected by the receiver. In 25 kHz spaced channels this bandwidth allows the
reception of offset carriers.

Limits
The SINAD ratio shall be > 12 dB. The test signal frequency shall be at least 8.5 kHz
for 25 kHz receivers and 2.8 kHz for 8.33 kHz receivers from the nominal carrier
frequency.

NOTE: For receivers intended for use with 3, 4 and 5 offset channels a 6 dB point of 11
kHz is recommended.

9.4.3 SPURIOUS RESPONSE REJECTION

The spurious response rejection is a measure of the capability of the receiver to
discriminate between the wanted modulated signal at the nominal frequency and an
unwanted signal at any other frequency at which a response is obtained.

Limit
At any frequency separated from the nominal frequency of the receiver by more than two
channels, the spurious response rejection ratio shall be not less than 70 dB.

19
9.4.4 CONDUCTED SPURIOUS EMISSIONS

Conducted spurious emissions from the receiver are signals at any frequency, emitted
from the antenna port. The level of spurious radiation shall be measured by their power
level at the antenna connector.

Limits
The power of any conducted spurious emission shall not exceed the values given in table
9.4.4.
Frequency Range Test Limits Test Limits Reference Bandwidth
Rx Rx
9 kHz to 150 kHz -57 dBm -46 dBm B= 1 kHz
> 150 kHz to 30 MHz -57 dBm -46 dBm B= 9 kHz to 10 kHz
> 30 MHz to 1 GHz -57 dBm * -36 dBm for B= 100 kHz to 120
harmonics, kHz
-46 dBm for non-
harmonic spurious
> 1 GHz to 4 GHz -47 dBm -30 dBm for B= 1 MHz
harmonics
-40 dBm for no-
harmonic spurious
* Spurious limit -81 dBm, with a reference bandwidth of 10 kHz, for ground base station equipment in the band 118
MHz to 136.975 MHz.

Table 9.4.4: conducted Spurious Emissions for Receivers

9.4.5 Cross modulation rejection

Definition
Cross modulation is the transposition of the AM component from a strong unwanted
signal to the wanted signal. Cross modulation rejection is the level difference between an
unwanted signal and the maximum sensitivity level at the point where the audio
component due to cross modulation tone reduces the SINAD ratio of the wanted signal to
20 dB.

Limits
The cross modulation rejection ratio shall be at least 80 dB for base station equipment
and 70 dB for mobile portable and handheld equipment.

9.4.6 Receiver dynamic range

Definition
The receiver dynamic range expresses the capability of the receiver to limit the resulting
audio output as a function of varying input signal levels.

Limit
The RF automatic gain control shall process an input level change of 100 dB with respect
to the limit of the maximum sensitivity level to less than 6 dB resulting audio output
power changes.

20
 ANNEX A PART I

The following is an extract from ECTEL Table of Frequency Allocations listing the
frequency bands allocated to the aeronautical mobile service. Footnotes pertaining to
these allocations have not been included in the table. Primary allocation status is
indicated in capital letters, secondary allocation status is indicated in normal characters,
and permitted allocation is indicated in capital letters between oblique strokes.

LF and MF Radio Communications

Frequency Band (kHz) Services Details
190-200 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
200-285 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
Aeronautical Mobile
285-300 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION Radiobeacons
325-335 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION Radiobeacons
335-405 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
Aeronautical Mobile
415-495 MARITIME MOBILE Non-directional
Aeronautical Radio navigation beacons not using
voice transmission.
510-525 MARITIME RADIONAVIGATION
Aeronautical Radio navigation
1705-1800 FIXED
MOBILE
RADIOLOCATION
AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION

Table of Frequency Allotment for AMS in LF and MF bands

i
HF Radio Communications
The table below shows the frequency allocation in the bands 2850 kHz to 23 350 kHz.
All emissions are transmitted in the single-sideband suppressed carrier mode. The
frequency assignments are normally for communications between aircrafts and ground
stations.

Frequency Band (kHz) Services Details

2850 - 3025 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
3025 - 3155 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
3400- 3500 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
4650- 4700 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
4700 - 4750 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
5450- 5730 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) Transoceanic Flights
6525-6685 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(R)
6685 - 6765 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
8815-8965 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
8965 - 9040 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
10 005 - 10 100 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
11 275 - 11 400 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
13 200 - 13 260 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
13 260 - 13 360 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
15 010 - 15 100 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
17 900- 17 970 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)
17 970 - 18 030 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
(OR)
21 924- 22 000 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R)

Table of Frequency Allocation for aeronautical service (including navigational aids) in HF bands

VHF Radio communications

Frequency Band (MHz) Services Details
74.8 - 75.2 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION Marker beacons and used
in conjunction with ILS
108 - 117.975 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION VOR systems. The
frequencies 108.1 to
111.975 MHz are used
for terminal VOR. The
frequencies 112.1 to
117.9 MHz are used for
en-route VOR.

ii
 118 -127 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) Reserved for
Radiotelephony for ATC
127 - 137 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE (R) Reserved for
radiotelephony for non-
ATC communications

Table of Frequency Allocation for aeronautical service (including navigational aids) in VHF bands

UHF and SHF Radio communications

Frequency Band (MHz) Services Details
328.6 - 335.4 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
960 - 1215 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION DME and aircraft
transponders
1300 - 1350 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION Reserved for Primary Radar
1559- 1610 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
4200-4400 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
5000 - 5091 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
5250 - 5350 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
8750- 8850 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
13 250 - 13 400 AERONAUTICAL RADIONAVIGATION
Table of Frequency Allocation for Aeronautical (including navigational aids) in UHF and SHF bands

iii
 Annex A Part II

Frequencies allocated
The list of carrier (reference) frequencies allocated in the bands allocated exclusively to
the AMS (R), on the basis of the frequency separation provided for the Caribbean region.

Frequency Authorized Area of Use Remarks

(kHz)
2 887 M CAR CC 2A2B 3A
R 2A 2B 3A 7E 13I 14C C001/2A 2B 3A
3 455 M CAR CWP CC 2A 2C
R 2A 2C 7B 13H
3 494 W WORLDWIDE C100/II
3 497 W WORLDWIDE C100/II
4 654 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
4 687 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
III
5 520 M CAR CC 2B 2C 3B
R 2B 2C 3B 6D 7E
5 529 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
5 544 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
5 550 M CAR CC 2B 2C 3B
R 2B 2C 3B 5D 6C 6E 14G
5 680 W WORLDWIDE See Part II, Section II, Article 3
(R) and (OR)
6 577 M CAR CC 2B 2C 3B
R 2B 2C 3B 4B 6D 13E
6 637 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
III
6 640 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
6 646 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
8 846 M CAR CC 2 3
R 2 3 7F 9
8 927 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
8 933 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
8 936 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
10 027 W WORLDWIDE C100/I II
10 033 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
10 075 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
11 342 W WORLDWIDE C100/II III
11 348 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V

iv
 11 354 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
11 396 M CAR EA SEA CC EA SEA
13 297 M CAR EA SAM CC CAR SAM
17 907 M CAR EA SAM SEA CC CAR SAM
CC EA SEA
17 919 W WORLDWIDE C100/II IV
17 925 W WORLDWIDE C100/II V
17 934 W WORLDWIDE C100/II III
17 940 W WORLDWIDE C100/II III
21 964 W WORLDWIDE C100/II
21 985 W WORLDWIDE C100/II

ITUs Frequency allocated in the AMS for the Caribbean Area

Explanation of symbols and abbreviations
Column 2
M MWARA
R RDARA
V VO LMET
W worldwide
Column 3
CC = common channel to
C0 0 1 / ... Restricted to daytime only, in the area indicated after the slant stroke
C1 0 0 / ... Worldwide Allotment Area is indicated after the symbol.

v
 ANNEX B

The channelling arrangement for the AMS (O R) between the frequencies 3 0 2 5

kHz and 1 8 0 3 0 kHz as indicated in the table below.

Frequency band 3 025 - 3 155 kHz: 43 + 1 channels

1
3 023 3 026 3 029 3 032 3 035 3 038 3 041 3 044 3 047 3 050
3 053 3 056 3 059 3 062 3 065 3 068 3 071 3 074 3 077 3 080
3 083 3 086 3 089 3 092 3 095 3 098 3 101 3 104 3 107 3 110
3 113 3 116 3 119 3 122 3 125 3 128 3 131 3 134 3 137 3 140
3 143 3 146 3 149 3 152

Frequency band 4 700 - 4 750 kHz: 16 channels

4 700 4 703 4 706 4 709 4 712 4 715 4 718 4 721 4 724 4 727
4 730 4 733 4 736 4 739 4 742 4 745

Frequency band 6 685 - 6 765 KHz: 26 channels

6 685 6 688 6 691 6 694 6 697 6 700 6 703 6 706 6 709 6 712
6 715 6 718 6 721 6 724 6 727 6 730 6 733 6 736 6 73 9 6742
6 745 6748 6751 6754 6757 6760

Frequency band 8 965 - 9 040 kHz: 25 channels

8 965 8 968 8 971 8 974 8 977 8 980 8 983 8 986 8 989 8992
8 995 8 998 9 001 9 004 9 007 9 010 9 013 9 016 9 019 9022
9 025 9 028 9 031 9 034 9 037

Frequency band 11 175 - 11 275 kHz: 33 channels

11 175 11 178 11 181 11 184 11 187 11 190 11 193 11 196 11 199 11 202
11 205 11 208 11 211 11 214 11 217 11 220 11 223 11 226 11 229 11 232
11 235 11 238 11 241 11 244 11 247 11 250 11 253 11 256 11 259 11 262
11 265 11 268 11 271

Frequency band 13 200 - 13 260 kHz: 20 channels

13 200 13 203 13 206 13 209 13 212 13 215 13 218 13 221 13 224 13 227
13 230 13 233 13236 13 239 13 242 13 245 13 248 13 251 13 254 13 257

Frequency band 15 010 - 15 100 kHz: 30 channels

15 010 15 013 15 016 15 019 15 022 15 025 15 028 15 031 15 034 15 037
15 040 15 043 15 046 15 049 15 052 15 055 15 058 15 061 15 064 15 067
15 070 15 073 15 076 15 079 15 082 15 085 15 088 15 091 15 094 15 097

Frequency band 17 970 - 18 030 kHz: 20 channels

17 970 17 973 17 976 17 979 17 982 17 985 17 988 17 991 17 994 17 997
18 000 18 003 18 006 18 009 18 012 18 015 18 018 18 021 18 024 18 027

Table of Channelling arrangement for AMS(O R) service

1
For use of the carrier (reference) frequencies 3 0 2 3 kHz and 5 6 8 0 kHz, intended for worldwide communications.

vi
 ANNEX C

OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISITICS OF AMS

The AMS operational characteristics focus on the general requirements for ground station
and provide an outline for the use of frequencies.

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. 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 section f within this section, the
following are necessary:
(i) 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;
(ii) Aurally monitoring of all transmissions originating at dispatch points;
(iii) A way to disconnect dispatch points from the transmitter;
and
(iv) 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.

vii
SPECIAL RULES RELATING TO THE USE OF FREQUENCIES

Frequencies in any band allocated to the aeronautical mobile (R) service and the
aeronautical mobile-satellite (R) service are reserved for communications relating to
safety and regularity of flight between any aircraft and those aeronautical stations and
aeronautical earth stations primarily concerned with flight along national or international
civil air routes.

Frequencies in any band allocated to the aeronautical mobile (OR) service and the
aeronautical mobile-satellite (OR) service are reserved for communications between any
aircraft and aeronautical stations and aeronautical earth stations other than those
primarily concerned with flight along national or international civil air routes.

No public nor private communications shall be permitted in the frequency bands

allocated exclusively to aeronautical mobile service or to the aeronautical mobile-satellite
service.

In order to reduce interference, aircraft stations shall, within the means at their disposal,
endeavour to select for calling the band with the most favourable propagational
characteristics for effecting reliable communication. In the absence of more precise data,
an aircraft station shall, before making a call, listen for the signals of the station with
which it desires to communicate. The strength and intelligibility of such signals are useful
as a guide to propagational conditions and indicate which of the bands is the preferable
one for calling.

viii