VAI to FCC: Helicopters shouldn’t receive lesser rebates
In its comments to the Federal Communications Commission on proposed radio altimeter retrofit rebates, the association made clear that the $120,000 proposed by the Joint Aviation Community was meant to cover all aircraft types.
By Amber Harrison
In comments VAI submitted Oct. 26 to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in response to a public notice issued by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, the association argued that radio altimeter retrofit rebates should reflect the actual, reasonable estimated costs to ALL impacted aviation stakeholders.
VAI worked with the Joint Aviation Community, a coalition of aircraft and avionics manufacturers, industry associations, and other aviation stakeholders, to develop comments on the FCC’s proposed Upper C-band rebate framework. VAI then prepared additional comments focused on rotorcraft.
VAI’s comments center around three priorities:
• Reconsider the FCC’s proposed $40,000 rotorcraft rebate. The Joint Aviation Community’s earlier, $120,000 replacement estimate was aircraft agnostic and intended to include rotorcraft, not establish a lower rotorcraft amount. VAI advocates for access to the more accurate $120,000 figure in instances when comparable engineering, approval, installation, and integration work are required.
• Make retrofit categories clear and technically grounded. Consistent rotorcraft terminology should be used and retrofit categories defined clearly. Rebate eligibility should reflect the approved work required, with appropriate upgrade and replacement options across aircraft categories.
• Keep the claims process straightforward. Existing FAA maintenance and alteration records should be used so as to streamline claims, minimize additional paperwork, and provide predictable eligibility and payment procedures.
VAI thanks the industry colleagues who contributed their expertise to these recommendations.
Read VAI’s comments here: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/26110083735.
Amber Harrison is VAI’s director of regulatory affairs.
