FCC Proposes Rule Changes for UAS and AAM Operations

The FCC is proposing modifications to its service rules in three different spectrum bands to facilitate the deployment of Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS), that is, drone, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released on January 17, 2025, the FCC proposed to change its service rules for air-ground communications in the 450 MHz band (at 454.6625-454.9875 MHz and 459.6625-459.9875 MHz) to consolidate the existing site-based licenses for this service – all of which are held by AURA Network Systems – into a single nationwide license, and to update its rules for the band “with the aim of enabling expanded UAS operations at a range of altitudes, including lower altitudes, by allowing use of the band for control and non-payload communications of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS CNPC).”

The FCC is also proposing to permit radiolocation operations in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band to detect UAS without using that information for navigation purposes. According to the NPRM, the FCC’s goal is to enable UAS detection around sensitive sites such as stadiums, prisons, international borders, and critical infrastructure, like utilities.

Finally, the FCC is proposing to modernize its rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851/894-896 MHz band operated by Gogo Business Aviation LLC, which is the sole nationwide licensee in this band. The FCC proposes to allow Gogo to measure and regulate the effective radiated power of its operations according to their average power rather than their peak power, and to revise other technical rules for the band to harmonize them with the rules for similar operations in other bands.

Comments will be due 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register, and reply comments will be due 60 days after Federal Register publication.

If you would like more information about the FCC’s proposals and any potential benefits they may have for your UAS or AAM program, contact an attorney in our Broadband, Spectrum, and Communications Infrastructure or Utilities practice groups.