Operation of Certain Domestic Ship and Aircraft Radio Stations Without Individual Licenses

Résumé

Pursuant to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, this NPRM proposes to amend the Commission's rules regarding ship and aircraft radio stations, to remove the individual radio licensing requirement and to authorize by rule the operation of radio equipment on recreational vessels and aircraft. The Federal Communications Commission (``Commission'') tentatively concludes that individual licenses are unnecessary for either the safety or operational requirements of these vessels and aircraft. It also tentatively concludes that individual licensing is unnecessary to meet its regulatory and spectrum management responsibilities with regard to these services, and that eliminating the individual licensing requirement will remove an unnecessary regulatory burden on the public. This proposed rule is being considered with the adoption of interim rules published concurrently in the Federal Register.