The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules affecting the aviation industry. Proposed changes aim to generate new operational bandwidths and support the growing advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, most specifically Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, while simultaneously ensuring efficient spectrum use and minimizing interference with any existing spectrum services.

The FCC has announced proposed changes to rules surrounding three spectrums for UAS in several key proposals in a recent NPRM:

• Opening the 450 MHz band for aeronautical command and control operations with a single, nationwide licensing framework
• Creating flexible licensing, operating, and technical rules to enable robust operations at various altitudes while minimizing interference
• Expanding radiolocation operations in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band specifically for detecting UAS
• Modernizing power regulations for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands used for in-flight connectivity

Public comments are due by April 16, 2025.