Position Paper
Use of Wireless Devices Aboard General Aviation Aircraft
Mr. Jim Harpring
Principal Investigator
Alaska Aviation Safety Project (AASP)
907.428.7011
jim_harpring@ak-prepared.com

BACKGROUND HISTORY: The State of Alaska, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has been under contract with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) for the previous four years. These contracts were let by NASA to the State in an attempt to decrease the number of aviation related accidents through the use of advanced technologies. Through a series of federal grants overseen by NASA, DMVA has demonstrated that you can use very exacting commercially available remote satellite imaging and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to create three dimensional (3-D) renderings of some of Alaska’s most dangerous aviation mountain passes. These 3-D images are then used by various groups to train general aviation pilots with the overall goal of decreasing the number of aircraft accidents and fatalities. The concept has been well received by the aviation community and the number of aircraft accidents in Alaska is declining.

In order to continue to decrease the number of aircraft accidents in the state, the next element of this NASA research will involve tracking and communicating with in-flight general aviation aircraft using “off-the-shelf” (OTS), unmodified cellular telephones. This element of research will allow the Alaska Air National Guard’s Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) to contact any pilot in the state and, with the pilots permission and on a non-interference basis, track the location of the aircraft. This is possible because of technological advancements associated with the use of cellular phones and wireless devices and the integration of these devices in requesting assistance through the national E-911 program. By applying the technology advancements supporting the wireless E-911 infrastructure to aviation related issues, the general aviation community can be made much safer.

ISSUE: CFR Part 22.925 prohibits the use of cellular telephones aboard airplanes and balloons when they are airborne. The use of cellular telephones while an aircraft is on the ground is subject to FAA regulations. On July 15, 2004 American Airlines demonstrated in a flight between the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and El Paso, Texas that it is technologically possible to incorporate cell phone technology aboard commercial aircraft. However, this test was with the assistance of a single wireless telephone provider and the test only demonstrated the use of this technology aboard a commercial aircraft.

The use of OTS commercial cell phones aboard general aviation aircraft has not been addressed. If private pilots can legally use their cell phones and wireless devices to communicate with ground controllers and rescue personnel and incorporate the use of the imbedded cell phone E-911 technology (re: E-911 Phase II, FCC RO 94-102) to advance flight following, the entire general aviation community and many facets of the support aviation infrastructure would benefit immensely.

REQUEST FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATION: Request legislative consideration to allow the State of Alaska, DMVA to test the use of wireless technology aboard general aviation aircraft in Alaska under the oversight of the Alaska Aviation Safety Project (AASP). The testing window would be for a six year period and be monitored by NASA. The FAA would be advised of all findings. The State would create the necessary partnering arrangements with the Alaskan based commercial wireless licensed providers to advance this concept.