Draft revision to CAR Section 9 Series D Part VI - Aeronautical Telecommunications – Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA OFFICE OF DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION TECHNICAL CENTRE, OPP SAFDARJANG AIRPORT, NEW DELHI CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 – AIR SPACE AND AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SERIES 'D' PART VI ISSUE IV,01st SEP 2022 EFFECTIVE: FORTHWITH F. No. AV27088/06/2015-ANS Subject: Aeronautical Telecommunications – Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization INTRODUCTION In pursuant to Article 28 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation each contracting State undertakes to provide in its territory, air navigation facilities to facilitate air navigation and also adopt and put into operation the appropriate standard systems for communication procedures, codes, markings, signals etc., in accordance with standards which may be recommended or established from time to time, pursuant to the Convention. International Civil Aviation Organization adopts and amends from time to time, as may be necessary, international standards and recommended practices and procedures for Aeronautical Telecommunications – Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization in Annex 10 Volume V. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE This CAR is issued under the provisions of Rule 29C and Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. This CAR is applicable for air navigation service provider for the requirements to be followed in respect of Aeronautical Telecommunications – Aeronautical Radio Frequency Spectrum Utilization. This CAR is issued in supersession of CAR Section 4 Series D Part VI, Issue I dated 24th July 2006. 1CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 1. DEFINITIONS When the following terms are used in this CAR, they have the following meanings: Alternative means of communication. A means of communication provided with equal status, and in addition to the primary means. C2 Link. The data link between the remotely piloted aircraft and the remote pilot station for the purposes of managing the flight. Double channel simplex. Simplex using two frequency channels, one in each direction. Duplex. A method in which telecommunication between two stations can take place in both directions simultaneously. Frequency channel. A continuous portion of the frequency spectrum appropriate for a transmission utilizing a specified class of emission. Note.— The classification of emissions and information relevant to the portion of the frequency spectrum appropriate for a given type of transmission (bandwidths) are specified in the Radio Regulations, Article 2 and Appendix 1.Offset frequency simplex. A variation of single channel simplex wherein telecommunication between two stations is effected by using in each direction frequencies that are intentionally slightly different but contained within a portion of the spectrum allotted for the operation. Operational control communications. Communications required for the exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of a flight. Primary means of communication. The means of communication to be adopted normally by aircraft and ground stations as a first choice where alternative means of communication exist. Remote pilot station (RPS). The component of the remotely piloted aircraft system containing the equipment used to pilot the remotely piloted aircraft. Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). An unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station. Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). A remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required C2 Link(s) and any other component as specified in the type design. Simplex. A method in which telecommunication between two stations takes place in one direction at a time. Single channel simplex. Simplex using the same frequency channel in each direction. VHF digital link (VDL). A constituent mobile subnetwork of the aeronautical telecommunication network (ATN), operating in the aeronautical mobile VHF frequency band. In addition, the VDL may provide non-ATN functions such as, for instance, digitized voice. 2CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 2. Distress Frequencies 2.1 Frequencies for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) for search and rescue 2.1.1 Intentionally left blank 2.1.2 Intentionally left blank 2.2 Search and rescue frequencies 2.2.1 Where there is a requirement for the use of high frequencies for search and rescue scene of action coordination purposes, the frequencies 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz shall be employed. 2.2.2 Where specific frequencies are required for communication between rescue coordination centres and aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations, they should be selected regionally from the appropriate aeronautical mobile frequency bands in light of the nature of the provisions made for the establishment of search and rescue aircraft. Note.— Where civil commercial aircraft take part in search and rescue operations, they will normally communicate on the appropriate en-route channels with the flight information centre associated with the rescue coordination centre concerned. 3. Utilization of Frequencies below 30 MHz 3.1 Method of operations 3.1.1 In the aeronautical mobile service, single channel simplex shall be used in radiotelephone communications utilizing radio frequencies below 30 MHz in the bands allocated exclusively to the aeronautical mobile (R) service. 3.1.2 Assignment of single sideband channels 3.1.2.1 Single sideband channels shall be assigned in accordance with CAR Section 4Series ‘D’ Part IV, Para 2.4 of Part II (Voice Communication Systems). 3CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 3.1.2.2 For the operational use of the channels, the provisions of 27/19 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-Radio Regulations. 3.1.2.3 The use of aeronautical mobile (R) frequencies below 30 MHz for international operations should be coordinated as specified in Appendix 27 of the ITU Radio Regulations as follows. 27/19 The ICAO co-ordinates radiocommunications of the aeronautical mobile (R) service with international aeronautical operations and this Organization should be consulted in all appropriate cases in the operational use of the frequencies in the Plan. 3.1.2.4 Where international operating requirements for HF communications cannot be satisfied by the Frequency Allotment Plan to the Radio Regulations, an appropriate frequency may be assigned by the application of the following provisions (of the ITU- Radio Regulations): 27/20 It is recognized that not all the sharing possibilities have been exhausted in the Allotment Plan contained in this Appendix. Therefore, in order to satisfy particular operational requirements which are not otherwise met by this Allotment Plan, administrations may assign frequencies from the aeronautical mobile (R) bands in areas other than those to which they are allotted in this Plan. However, the use of the frequencies so assigned must not reduce the protection to the same frequencies in the areas where they are allotted by the Plan below that determined by the application of the procedure defined in Part I, Section II B of this Appendix. 27/21 When necessary to satisfy the needs of international air operations administrations may adapt the allotment procedure for the assignment of aeronautical mobile (R)frequencies, which assignments shall then be the subject of prior agreement between administrations affected. 27/22 The co-ordination described in No. 27/19 shall be effected where appropriate and desirable for the efficient utilization of the frequencies in question, and especially when the procedures of No. 27/21 are unsatisfactory. 3.1.2.5 The use of classes of emission J7B and J9B shall be subject to the following provisions (of the ITU-Radio Regulations): 27/12 For radiotelephone emissions the audio frequencies will be limited to between 300 and 2 700 Hz and the occupied bandwidth of other authorized emissions will 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. 4CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 27/14 On account of the possibility of interference, a given channel should not be used in the same allotment area for radiotelephony and data transmissions. 27/15 The use of channels derived from the frequencies indicated in 27/18 for the various classes of emissions other than J3E and H2B will be subject to special arrangements by the administrations concerned and affected in order to avoid harmful interference which may result from the simultaneous use of the same channel for several classes of emission. 3.1.3 Assignment of frequencies for aeronautical operational control communications 3.1.3.1 Worldwide frequencies for aeronautical operational control communications are required to enable aircraft operating agencies to meet the requirements prescribed in CAR Section 2 Series ‘O’ Part II. Assignment of these frequencies shall be in accordance with the following provisions: 27/9 A world-wide allotment area is one in which frequencies are allotted to provide long distance communications between an aeronautical station within that allotment area and aircraft operating anywhere in the world. 27/217 The world-wide frequency allotments appearing in the tables at No. 27/213 and Nos. 27/218 to 27/231, except for carrier (reference) frequencies 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz, are reserved for assignment by administrations to stations operating under authority granted by the administration concerned for the purpose of serving one or more aircraft operating agencies. Such assignments are to provide communications between an appropriate aeronautical station and an aircraft station anywhere in the world for exercising control over regularity of flight and for safety of aircraft. World-wide frequencies are not to be assigned by administrations for MWARA, RDARA and VOLMET purposes. Where the operational area of an aircraft lies wholly within a RDARA or sub-RDARA boundary, frequencies allotted to those RDARAs and sub-RDARAs shall be used. 5CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 3.2 NDB frequency management 3.2.1 NDB frequency management should take into account the following: a) the interference protection required at the edge of the rated coverage; b) the application of the figures shown for typical ADF equipment; c) the geographical spacings and the respective rated coverages; d) the possibility of interference from spurious radiation generated by non- aeronautical sources (e.g. electric power services, power line communication systems, industrial radiation, etc.). 3.2.2 To alleviate frequency congestion problems at locations where two separate ILS facilities serve opposite ends of a single runway, the assignment of a common frequency to both of the outer locators should be permitted, and the assignment of a common frequency to both of the inner locators should be permitted, provided that: a) the operational circumstances permit; b) each locator is assigned a different identification signal; and c) arrangements are made whereby locators using the same frequency cannot radiate simultaneously. 4. Utilization of Frequencies above 30 MHz 4.1 Utilization in the frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz Note1.— The plan includes a general Allotment Table that subdivides the complete frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz, the chief subdivisions being the frequency bands allocated to both national and international services, and the frequency bands allocated to national services. Observance of this general subdivision should keep to a minimum the problem of coordinating national and international application. Note 2.— As of 26 November 2026, subject to the conditions stated in 5.2.1, the frequency 136.925 MHz may be used for the provision of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) C2 Link communication services described in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part VI, Para 5. The guidelines regarding selection of particular frequencies for various aeronautical purposes are as follows: 4.1.1 General allotment of frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz 4.1.1.1 The block allotment of the frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz shall be as shown in Table 4-1. 6CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 Table 4-1. Allotment table 7CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 Block allotment of Worldwide utilization Remarks Frequencies (MHz) a) 118.000 - 121.450 International and Specific international allotments will be inclusive National Aeronautical determined in the light of regional Mobile Services agreement. National assignments are covered by the provisions in 4.1.4.8 and 4.1.4.9. b) 121.500 Emergency frequency See 4.1.3.1. In order to provide a guard band for the protection of the aeronautical emergency frequency, the nearest assignable frequencies on either side of 121.500 MHz are 121.450 MHz and 121.550 MHz. c) 121.550 - 121.9917 International and Reserved for ground movement, pre- inclusive National Aerodrome flight checking, air traffic services Surface Communications clearances, and associated operations. National Aeronautical Reserved for national allotments. d) 122.000 - 123.050 Mobile Services National assignments are covered by the inclusive provisions of 4.1.4.8 and 4.1.4.9. e) 123.100 Auxiliary frequency See 4.1.3.4. In order to provide a guard SAR band for the protection of the aeronautical auxiliary frequency, the nearest assignable frequencies on either side of 123.100 MHz are 123.050 MHz and 123.150 MHz. f) 123.150- 123.6917 National Aeronautical Reserved for national allotments, with inclusive Mobile Services the exception of 123.450 MHz which is also used as the an air-to-air communications channel (see g). National assignments are covered by the provisions of 4.1.4.8 and 4.1.4.9. g) 123.450 Air-to-air Designated for use as provided for in communications 4.1.3.2. h) 123.700- 129.6917 International and Specific international allotments will be inclusive National Aeronautical determined in light of regional Mobile Services agreement. National assignments are covered by the provisions in 4.1.4.8 and 4.1.4.9. 8CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 National Aeronautical Reserved for national allotments but may i) 129.700 - 130.8917 Mobile Services be used in whole or in part, subject to inclusive regional agreement, to meet the requirements mentioned in 4.1.6.1.3. Specific international allotments will be International and determined in light of regional j) 130.900 - 136.875 National Aeronautical agreement. National assignments are inclusive Mobile Services covered by the provisions in 4.1.4.8 and 4.1.4.9. Reserved for VHF air-ground data link International and communications. k) 136.900 - 136.975 National Aeronautical inclusive Mobile Services Note 1: Due care shall be taken in the utilization of the band 136 – 137 MHz band because of the possibility of harmful radio interference from non-aeronautical sources of radio frequency energy. 4.1.2 Frequency separation and limits of assignable frequencies Note.— In the following text the channel spacing for 8.33 kHz channel assignments is defined as 25 kHz divided by 3 which is 8.333 ... kHz. 4.1.2.1 In the frequency band 117.975 - 137.000 MHz, the lowest assignable frequency shall be 118.000 MHz and the highest 136.975 MHz. 4.1.2.2 The minimum separation between assignable frequencies in the aeronautical mobile (R) services shall be 8.33 kHz. Note- It is recognized that in some regions or areas, 25 kHz channel spacing provides an adequate number of frequencies suitable related to international and national air services and that equipment designed specifically for 25 kHz channel spacing will remain adequate for services operating within such regions or areas. It is further recognized that assignments based on 25 kHz channel spacing as well as 8.33 kHz channel spacing may co-exist within one region or area. 4.1.2.3 Requirements for mandatory carriage of equipment specifically designed for 8.33 kHz channel spacing shall be made on the basis of regional air navigation agreements which specify the airspace of operation and the implementation timescales for the carriage of equipment, including the appropriate lead time. Note: No changes will be required to aircraft systems or ground systems operating solely in regions not using 8.33 kHz channel spacing. 9CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.1.2.4 Requirements for mandatory carriage of equipment specifically designed for VDL Mode 2, VDL Mode 3 and VDL Mode 4 shall be made on the basis of regional air navigation agreements which specify the airspace of operation and the implementation timescales for the carriage of equipment, including the appropriate lead time. 4.1.2.4.1 The agreement indicated in 4.1.2.4 shall provide at least two years’ notice of mandatory carriage of airborne systems. 4.1.2.5 Where 25 kHz channel spacing (DSBAM and VHF digital link (VDL)) and 8.33 kHz DSB-AM channel spacing are in operation, the publication of the assigned frequency or channel of operation shall conform to the channel contained in Table 4-1 (bis). 10CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 11CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.1.3 Frequencies used for particular functions 4.1.3.1 Emergency channel 4.1.3.1.1 The emergency channel (121.500 MHz) shall be used only for genuine emergency purposes, as broadly out-lined in the following: a) to provide a clear channel between aircraft in distress or emergency and a ground station when the normal channels are being utilized for other aircraft; b) to provide a VHF communication channel between aircraft and aerodromes, not normally used by international air services, in case of an emergency condition arising; c) to provide a common VHF communication channel between aircraft, either civil or military, and between such aircraft, and surface services, involved in common search and rescue operations, prior to changing when necessary to the appropriate frequency; d) to provide air-ground communication with aircraft when airborne equipment failure prevents the use of the regular channels; e) to provide a channel for the operation of emergency locator transmitters (ELTs), and for communication between survival craft and aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations; f) to provide a common VHF channel for communication between civil aircraft and intercepting aircraft or intercept control units and between civil or intercepting aircraft and air traffic services units in the event of interception of the civil aircraft. Note 1.— The use of the frequency 121.500 MHz for the purpose outlined in c) is to be avoided if it interferes in any way with the efficient handling of distress traffic. 4.1.3.1.2 The frequency 121.500 MHz shall be provided at: a) all area control centres and flight information centres; b) aerodrome control towers and approach control offices serving international aerodromes and international alternate aerodromes; and 12CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 c) any additional location designated by the appropriate ATS authority, where the provision of that frequency is considered necessary to ensure immediate reception of distress calls or to serve the purposes specified in 4.1.3.1.1. Note: Where two or more of the above facilities are collocated, provision of 121.500 MHz at one would meet the requirement. 4.1.3.1.3 The frequency 121.500 MHz shall be available to intercept control units where considered necessary for the purpose specified in 4.1.3.1.1 f). 4.1.3.1.4 The emergency channel shall be guarded continuously during the hours of service of the units at which it is installed. 4.1.3.1.5 The emergency channel shall be guarded on a single channel simplex operation basis. 4.1.3.1.6 The emergency channel (121.500 MHz) shall be available only with the characteristics as contained in CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part IV, Para 2 of Part II (Voice Communication Systems) (25 kHz). 4.1.3.2 Air-to-air communications channel 4.1.3.2.1 An air-to-air VHF communications channel on the frequency of 123.450 MHz shall be designated to enable aircraft engaged in flights over remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations to exchange necessary operational information and to facilitate the resolution of operational problems. 4.1.3.2.2 In remote and oceanic areas out of range of VHF ground stations, the air- to-air VHF communications channel on the frequency 123.450 MHz shall be available only with the characteristics as contained in CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part IV, Para 2 of Part II (Voice Communication Systems). 4.1.3.3 Common signalling channels for VDL 4.1.3.3.1 Common signalling channel VDL Mode 2. The frequency 136.975 MHz is reserved on a worldwide basis to provide a common signalling channel (CSC) to the VHF digital link Mode 2 (VDL Mode 2). This CSC uses the Mode 2 VDL modulation scheme and carrier sense multiple access (CSMA). 4.1.3.3.2 Common signalling channels VDL Mode 4. In areas where VDL Mode 4 is implemented, the frequencies 136.925 MHz and 113.250 MHz shall be provided as common signalling channels (CSC) to the VHF Digital Link Mode 4 (VDL Mode 4). These CSCs use the VDL Mode 4 modulation scheme. 13CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.1.3.4 Auxiliary frequencies for search and rescue operations 4.1.3.4.1 Where a requirement is established for the use of a frequency auxiliary to 121.500 MHz, as described in 4.1.3.1.1 c), the frequency 123.100 MHz shall be used. 4.1.3.4.2 The auxiliary search and rescue channel (123.100 MHz) shall be available only with the characteristics as contained in CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part IV, Para 2 of Part II (Voice Communication Systems) (25 kHz). Note — The ITU Radio Regulations (RR 5.200) permit the use of the aeronautical auxiliary frequency 123.100 MHz by mobile stations of the maritime mobile service under the conditions laid down in Article 31 of the Radio Regulations for distress and safety purposes with stations of the aeronautical mobile service. 4.1.4 Provisions concerning the deployment of VHF frequencies and the avoidance of harmful interference Note.— Protection of facilities’ service volumes in this section is meant in the sense of avoidance of harmful interference. 4.1.4.1 The geographical separation between facilities operating on the same frequency shall, except where there is an operational requirement for the use of common frequencies for groups of facilities, be such that the protected service volume of each facility is separated from the protected service volume of the other facility by a distance not less than that required to provide a desired to undesired signal ratio of 20 dB or by a separation distance not less than the sum of the distances to associated radio horizon of each service volume, whichever is smaller. 4.1.4.2 For areas where frequency assignment congestion is severe or is anticipated to become severe, the geographical separation between facilities operating on the same frequency shall, except where there is an operational requirement for the use of common frequencies for groups of facilities, be such that the protected service volume of each facility is separated from the protected service volume of the other facility by a distance not less than that required to provide a desired to undesired signal ratio of 14 dB or by a separation distance not less than the sum of the distances to the associated radio horizon of each service volume, whichever is smaller. This provision shall be implemented on the basis of a regional air navigation agreement. Note 1.— Guidance material relating to the establishment of the minimum separation distance based on the desired to undesired signal protection ratio of 20 dB or 14 dB and radio line-of-sight is contained in Part II of the Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation including Statement of Approved ICAO Policies (Doc 9718). 14CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 Note 2.— The application of the minimum separation distance based on the sum of the radio horizon distance of each facility assumes that it is highly unlikely that two aircraft will be at the closest points between and at the maximum altitude of the protected service volume of each facility. Note 3.— The distance to the radio horizon from a station in an aircraft is normally given by the formula: D = K √ h where D = distance in nautical miles; h = height of the aircraft station above earth; K = (corresponding to an effective earth’s radius of 4/3 of the actual radius); = 2.22 when h is expressed in metres; and = 1.23 when h is expressed in feet. Note 4.— In calculating the radio line-of-sight distance between a ground station and an aircraft station, the distance from the radio horizon of the aircraft station computed from Note 1 must be added to the distance from the radio horizon of the ground station. In calculating the latter the same formula is employed, taking for h the height of the ground station transmitting antenna. Note 5.— The criteria contained in 4.1.4.1 and 4.4.1.2 are applicable in establishing minimum geographical separation between VHF facilities, with the object of avoiding co- channel air-to-air interference. Guidance material relating to the establishment of separation distances between ground stations and between aircraft and ground stations for co-channel operations is contained in the ICAO Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation including Statement of Approved ICAO Policies (Doc 9718). 4.1.4.3 The geographical separation between facilities operating on adjacent channels shall be such that points at the edge of the protected service volume of each facility are separated by a distance sufficient to ensure operations free from harmful interference. 4.1.4.4 The protection height shall be a height above a specified datum associated with a particular facility, such that below it harmful interference is improbable. 15CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.1.4.5 The protection height to be applied to functions or to specific facilities shall be determined regionally, taking into consideration the following factors: a) the nature of the service to be provided; b) the air traffic pattern involved; c) the distribution of communication traffic; d) the availability of frequency channels in airborne equipment; e) probable future developments. 4.1.4.6 Where the protected service volume is less than operationally desirable, separation between facilities operating on the same frequency should not be less than that necessary to ensure that an aircraft at the upper edge of the operational service volume of one facility does not come above the radio horizon with respect to emissions belonging to the service of adjacent facilities. Note.— The effect of this recommendation is to establish a geographical separation distance below which harmful interference is probable. 4.1.4.7 The geographical separation between VHF VOLMET stations shall be determined regionally and, shall be such that operations free from harmful interference are secured throughout the protected service volume of each VOLMET station. 4.1.4.8 In the frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz, the frequencies used for National Aeronautical Mobile Services, unless worldwide or regionally allotted to this specific purpose, shall be so deployed that no harmful interference is caused to facilities in the International Aeronautical Mobile Services. 4.1.4.9 The problem of inter-State interference should be resolved by consultation between the States concerned. 4.1.4.10 The communication coverage provided by a VHF ground transmitter shall, in order to avoid harmful interference to other stations, be kept to the minimum consistent with the operational requirement for the function. 4.1.5 Method of operation 4.1.5.1 Single channel simplex operation shall be used in the frequency band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz at all stations providing service for aircraft engaged in international air navigation. 16CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.1.5.2 In addition to the above, the ground-to-air voice channel associated with an ICAO standard radio navigational aid may be used, subject to regional agreement, for broadcast or communication purposes or both. 4.1.6 Plan of assignable VHF radio frequencies for use in the international aeronautical mobile service 4.1.6.1 The frequencies in the band 117.975 – 137.000 MHz for use in the aeronautical mobile (R) service shall be selected from the lists in 4.1.6.1.1. Note 1.- The frequencies 136.500-136.975 MHz inclusive are not available for assignment to channels of less than 25 kHz width. Note 2.- Services that continue operation using 25kHz assignments will be protected in regions implementing 8.33 kHz channel spacing. 4.1.6.1.1 List of assignable frequencies List A - assignable frequencies in regions or areas where 25 kHz frequency assignments are deployed 118.000 - 121.450 MHz in 25 kHz steps 121.550 - 123.050 MHz in 25 kHz steps 123.150 - 136.975 MHz in 25 kHz steps List B - assignable frequencies in regions or areas where 8.33 kHz frequency assignments are deployed 118.000 - 121.450 MHz in 8.33 kHz steps 121.550 - 123.050 MHz in 8.33 kHz steps 123.150 - 136.475 MHz in 8.33 kHz steps 4.1.6.1.2 Frequencies for operational control communications should be selected from a dedicated band which is determined regionally. 4.1.6.2 The frequencies that may be allotted for use in the aeronautical mobile (R) service in a particular region shall be limited to the number determined as being necessary for operational needs in the region. 4.2 Utilization in the band 108 - 117.975 MHz 4.2.1 The block allotment of the frequency band 108 - 117.975 MHz shall be as follows: - Band 108 - 111.975 MHz: a) ILS in accordance with 4.2.2 and CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part II Para 3.1.3; 17CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 b) VOR provided that: 1) no harmful adjacent channel interference is caused to ILS; 2) only frequencies ending in either even tenths or even tenths plus a twentieth of a megahertz are used. c) GNSS ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) in accordance with CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part II Para 3.7.3.5, provided that no harmful interference is caused to ILS and VOR. Band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz: a) VOR; b) GNSS ground-based augmentation system (GBAS) in accordance with CAR Section 4 Series ‘D’ Part II Para 3.7.3.5, provided that no harmful interference is caused to VOR. Note- As of 26 November 2026, subject to the conditions stated in 5.2.1, the frequency 113.250 MHz may be used for the provision of RPAS C2 Link communication services described in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part VI, Para 5 4.2.2 For regional assignment planning, the frequencies for ILS facilities shall be selected in the following order: a) localizer channels ending in odd tenths of a megahertz and their associated glide path channels; b) localizer channels ending in odd tenths plus a twentieth of a megahertz and their associated glide path channels. 4.2.2.1 ILS channels identified by localizer frequencies ending in an odd tenth plus one twentieth of a megahertz in the band 108 - 111.975 MHz shall be permitted to be utilized on the basis of regional agreement when they become applicable in accordance with the following: a) for restricted use commencing 1 January 1973; b) for general use on or after 1 January 1976. 4.2.3 For regional assignment planning, the frequencies for VOR facilities shall be selected in the following order: a) frequencies ending in odd tenths of a megahertz in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz; 18CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 b) frequencies ending in even tenths of a megahertz in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz; 19CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 c) frequencies ending in even tenths of a megahertz in the band 108 - 111.975MHz; d) frequencies ending in 50 kHz in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz, except as provided in 4.2.3.1; e) frequencies ending in even tenths plus a twentieth of a megahertz in the band 108 - 111.975 MHz except as provided in 4.2.3.1. 4.2.3.1 Frequencies for VOR facilities ending in even tenths plus a twentieth of a megahertz in the band 108 - 111.975 MHz and all frequencies ending in 50 kHz in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz shall be permitted to be utilized on the basis of a regional agreement when they have become applicable in accordance with the following: a) in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz for restricted use; b) for general use in the band 111.975 - 117.975 MHz at a date fixed by the Council but at least one year after the approval of the regional agreement concerned; c) for general use in the band 108 - 111.975 MHz at a date fixed by the Council but giving a period of two years or more after the approval of the regional agreement concerned. 4.2.4 Intentionally Left Blank 4.2.5 Frequency deployment. The geographical separation between facilities operating on the same and adjacent frequencies shall be determined regionally and shall be based on the following criteria: a) the required functional service radii of the facilities; b) the maximum flight altitude of the aircraft using the facilities; c) the desirability of keeping the minimum IFR altitude as low as the terrain will permit. 20CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 4.2.6 Intentionally Left Blank 4.3 Utilization in the band 960 - 1 215 MHz for DME Note.- As of 26 November 2026, subject to the conditions stated in 5.2.1, the frequency band 960- 1164 MHz may be shared with RPAS C2 Link communication services described in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part VI, Para 5 4.3.1 DME operating channels bearing the suffix “X” or “Y” in Table A, CAR Section 9 Series ‘D’ Part II, Para 3 shall be chosen on a general basis without restriction. 4.3.2 Intentionally left blank 4.3.3 Intentionally left blank 4.3.3.1 Intentionally left blank 4.3.3.2 Intentionally left blank 4.3.4 Coordination of regional DME channel assignments should be effected through ICAO. 4.4 Utilization in the band 5 030.4 - 5 150.0 MHz Note.- As of 26 November 2026, subject to the conditions stated in 5.2.1, the frequency band 5030.4 - 5091 MHz may be shared with RPAS C2 Link communication services described in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part VI, Para 5. 4.4.1 Intentionally left blank 4.4.2 Intentionally left blank 4.4.3 Intentionally left blank 5. UTILIZATION OF FREQUENCIES FOR RPAS C2 LINK COMMUNICATION SERVICES (Applicable as of 26 November 2026) 5.1 Satellite – based C2 Link systems 5.1.1 Satellite-based RPAS C2 Link systems shall operate in the following frequency bands: a) frequency bands with an appropriate allocation to aeronautical safety services under the aeronautical mobile-satellite (route) service (AMS(R)S). Frequency bands that meet these criteria and can be used for RPAS C2 Links, subject to the conditions associated with the allocations are: 1610 – 1626.5 MHz and 5000 – 5150 MHz; 21CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 Note.—The SARPs contained in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part IV, Para 4 and Part V, Para 2 address requirements for ATC communications. b) frequency bands with an allocation to aeronautical safety services under the mobile- satellite service (MSS) where AMS(R)S operations have priority access. Frequency bands that meet these criteria and can be used for RPASC2 Links are: 1545 – 1555 MHz and 1646.5 – 1656.5 MHz; Note.—The SARPs contained in CAR Section 9, Series D, Part IV, Para 4 and Part V, Para 2 address requirements for ATC communications. c) frequency bands with an allocation to the fixed satellite service (FSS) where the conditions in ITU Resolution 155 (WRC-15) are met. Frequency bands in which this resolution applies are: - 10.95 – 11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth); - 11.45 – 11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth); - 11.7 -- 12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Region 2; - 12.2 -- 12.5 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Region 3; - 12.5 -- 12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Regions 1 and 3; - 19.7 –20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth); - 14.0 – 14.47 GHz (Earth-to-space); and - 29.5 – 30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space) with an ITU satellite earth station class of “UG”. Note 1.- UG is an earth station on board an unmanned aircraft communicating with a space station of a geostationary-satellite network in the fixed-satellite service for the control and non-payload communications of unmanned aircraft systems in non- segregated airspaces in the frequency bands listed under resolves 1 of ITU Resolution 155 (WRC-15). Note 2.- Particular note needs to be taken of the timing and order of functions as delineated in ITU Resolution 155 (WRC-15), and in particular the references to necessary actions. 5.1.2 Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and remote pilot station (RPS) earth stations shall operate within the notified and recorded technical parameters of the associated satellite network, including specific or typical earth stations as published by the ITU. 5.1.3 RPA and RPS earth stations operating in accordance with 5.1.1 c) shall use FSS assignments that have been successfully coordinated under Article 9 of the ITU Radio Regulations and recorded in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR) with a favourable finding under Article 11 of the ITU Radio Regulations including Nos. 11.31, 11.32 or 11.32A where applicable, and except those assignments that have not successfully completed coordination procedures under No. 11.32 by applying Appendix 5 paragraph 6.d.i of the ITU Radio Regulations. 5.2 Terrestrial C2 Link communication systems 22CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 5.2.1 Terrestrial RPAS C2 Link systems shall operate in bands allocated to the Aeronautical Mobile (Route) Service (AM(R)S). Frequency bands with such allocations include 113.250 MHz and 136.925 MHz (common signalling channels for VDL Mode 4), 960-1164 MHz and 5030-5091 MHz. The operation of the C2 Link within any of these bands shall be implemented so as to be compatible with the systems currently using these allocations. Compatibility shall be ensured through the development and application of necessary SARPs and determined on the basis of regional air navigation agreements. (ARUN KUMAR) Director General of Civil Aviation 23CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 24CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 9 SERIES D PART VI 1st SEP. 2022 * * * 25