1. Regulatory considerations for wireless aircraft systems
April 17, 2007
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This presentation will give an overview of regulatory considerations in broadband wireless system design and installation onboard commercial aircraft. Alternative technologies may offer solutions which deliver the promise of an internet in the sky.
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Introduction
Overview to the Wireless Interference Issues
History of PEDs on Commercial Aircraft
Past Regulatory Reviews & Findings
Types of Potential Interference
Theoretical & Practical
Incident Reports & Experience
Industry & Regulatory Activities
Near-Term & Long-Term Outlook
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History of Wireless Interference Issues - Concern Over PEDs on Aircraft Is Not New
1963 – RTCA SC-88, Report DO Dealt with FM Radio Receivers Resulted in FAR controlled use of PEDs. Recommended prohibiting radios in flight
1988 – RTCA SC-156, Report DO Concluded PED EMI Exists but Is Low - Recommended FAA Advisory Circular for PEDs - Recommended FCC change classification for PED RF output
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History of Wireless Interference Issues - Concern Over PEDs on Aircraft Is Not New
1996 – RTCA-177, Report DO Improved Aircraft Path Loss Factor Measurements - Changed FAR to Prohibit PED Use During Critical Flight Phases
2003 – RTCA SC Deals with Wireless RF LANs and Cell Phones (Intentional Tx)
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The U.S. Regulatory Situation
Dual Regulatory Agencies - Cell Phone and Wireless Devices on Aircraft are governed by FCC and FAA Regulations
The FCC and the FAA Are Coordinating their Activities in Examining the Use of Wireless Devices Onboard Aircraft.
The FCC and the FAA Are Seeking Technical Guidance in the Regulatory Process from Various Organizations – Notably NASA and RTCA
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Non-FAA Regulatory Developments in the U.S.
FCC Re-Examining Its Ban on Inflight Cell Phone Use
April 6, 2007 – the U.S. FCC is seeking public comment on whether to permit the airborne operation of "off the shelf" wireless handsets and other devices under the following conditions:
a.) The device operates at its lowest power setting under control of a "pico cell," which is a very small specialized cellular base station installed onboard the aircraft; and
b.) The operation does not interfere with on-ground users.
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Non-FAA Regulatory Developments (Continued)
Good News for U.S. Passengers Demanding
Voice & Data Connectivity (Parity with European
Passengers)
Opposition by Pilot and Flight Attendant Unions
After FCC Comment Period, FCC Likely to Lift Cell Phone Ban Under the Conditions:
a.) Only onboard pico-cell technology allowed
b.) Subject to FAA and Airline approval
Good News for AirCell, the U.S. ATG License Holder
Voice Services Complement to Broadband Service Offering
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Q: Why Is There A Concern?
A: The Potential for Interference In a Growing Variety of PEDs Brought Onboard. Note the Range of Devices for Which Interference Was Reported in a 9/2004 FAA Incident Report Summary Extracted From NASA-ASRS.
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Q: What Systems Are Affected?
A: Many Different Systems Ranging From Non-Essential to Flight Critical, Including Navigational, This FAA Chart Depicts Interference Reports from 1995 to 2002.
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11. NASA ASRS PED Interference Reports 1995-2002
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12. Coupling of PED emissions with avionics antenna
What Causes Interference to Avionics from PEDs and Wireless Devices?
Coupling of PED emissions with avionics antenna
or components acting as an Antenna.
Antennas - Leakage Thru Windows, Doors, Seams
Any Cable (including Seat-to-Seat Cabling)
Power cables
Power Supplies
Poorly Shielded Circuit Board Components
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13. What Causes Interference to Avionics from PEDs and
Wireless Devices (Continued)?
What Are the Factors Affecting Coupling?
Frequency of Emissions
Fundamental Frequencies (including Harmonic Frequencies)
Spurious Frequencies
Power of Emissions
Sensitivity of Avionics Device (Shielding Issue)
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Front-Door Coupling
Aircraft Radio Receiver Antenna
Portable electronic device RF emissions
Radio receiver
Emissions radiated by portable electronic devices can radiate to aircraft antennas through:
Windows
Cargo and passenger door seams
Hatches
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Back-Door Coupling
RF emissions from portable electronic device
Emissions radiated by portable electronic devices can couple directly to aircraft wiring and avionics
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NASA Studies on Cell Phones, PEDs & UWB Devices
Multiple Studies Performed – Bluetooth, , GSM,
CDMA, GMRS and FRS Radios
Cell Phones – Some Small (But Not Zero) Interference
Detected. On/Off Triggered Highest Spurious Emissions
Laptops & PDAs – Emissions Generally Benign But Some
Exceedances of DO160D Category M Emission Limits
For TCAS and DME Bands
GMRS and FRS Radios – Very Noisy – Exceeded Laptops
By As Much As 30dB
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Cabin Wireless LAN (CWLAN) Certification
The FAA Has Issued Several STCs for CWLAN
Systems for:
Gulfstream & Dassault Falcon 2000
Bombardier Global Express
B /300 & B
A330 & A340
B757
B737
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Ground Test & Flight Test Methodologies
Conduct EMI Assessment to Determine if EMI Flight Test Is Required. If Required (Likely)
Perform a front-door and back-door transmission test to Validate intentional system transmission levels.
Identify Average and Maximum Number of PEDs in Use on Aircraft and Associated Operational and Failure Mode Power Levels.
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Ground Test & Flight Test Methodologies (Continued)
All Frequency Bands Used by the CWLAN System Need to Be Evaluated
Aircraft Location Tests Required from various locations in the cabin where PED usage is expected (galley, passenger aisles, etc.).
Verify CWLAN System and PED equipment meets the current edition of RTCA/DO-160E section 21, Category M, emission levels.
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What Should an Airline or System/Component Manufacturer Do to Prevent Wireless Interference?
5 Step Approach
Ensure That All System Components Pass DO-160E,
Category M
Have Experienced Electrical or Systems DER Review
The Aircraft Installation Plan for Potential EMI Issues
Make Sure Aircraft Wiring Diagram and Electrical
Load Analysis are Up-To-Date (Verify Current AC
Configuration)
Consider Existing Aircraft Antennae Wire Routing
Careful Consideration for Component Installation
Location for Potential EMI Issue with Antennas
or Avionics.
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Summary
The FAA Recognizes There Is A Small Risk to Sensitive Radio systems from PEDs.
Intentional Transmitters May Interfere With
Some Aircraft Systems That Are Not Qualified to HIRF Requirements.
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Special Thanks To:
Rolfe Goedecke- Airbus Industrie
Kiko Brenneisen- FAA DER & DAR, Aero Certification
Roger Modeen, FAA DER, Boeing (retired)
Kreg Doerr – Aero Certification
Rich Salter – Lumexis, WAEA TC
Ioan Leuca, Ph.D. – formerly Connexion By Boeing
Bill Straus, Ph.D. – NASA/DOT
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References
“In-Flight Radio Frequency Spectrum Measurements of Commercial Aircraft Cabins,” DOT/FAA/AR-06/41 Office of Aviation Research and Development
Washington, DC 20591, Bill Straus, Ph.D. and M. Granger Morgan, Ph.D.
“Recent Developments in Aircraft Wireless Networks,” Obi Orjih, Washington University, May 9, 2006
“Ultrawideband Electromagnetic Interference To Aircraft Radios,” Ely, Jay (NASA); Fuller (Eagle Wings Inc.); Shaver, Timothy (United Airlines)
“Electromagnetic Interference Assessment of CDMA and GSM Wireless Phones To Aircraft Navigation Radios,” Ely, Jay (NASA), Nguyen, Truong (NASA), Koppen, Sandra (Lockheed Martin), Salud, Theresa (Lockheed Martin)
“Guidance on Allowing Transmitting Portable Electronic Devices (T-PEDs) on Aircraft,” RTCA DO-294, December 13, 2006
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