Purchasing, Installing, & Operating Non-federally Owned Systems

Airport Sponsors (Owners): The FAA will not let you operate a newly-installed non-federal system until it has been commissioned by the Non-federal Program. The system must, among other things, meet the minimum requirements set forth in Title 14 CFR Part 171 and the Non-federal Program’s policy.

  • Until the Non-federal Program commissions your new system, it will not appear on pilots' sectional charts, nor the FAA's Digital - Chart Supplement (d-CS) [formerly titled the "Airport/Facility Directory" (A/FD)].

Commissioning Requirements

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • You may only install a NavAid, AWOS, or other system that has received FAA approval for non-federal use in the National Airspace System.
  • You must hire a non-federal maintenance technician who may obtain FAA-issued verification authority.
  • You must agree to follow Non-federal Program operations and maintenance practices.
  • You must agree to allow the Non-federal Program to conduct regular inspections of the system.
  • The system must pass a Non-federal Program commissioning inspection.

Avoid costly mistakes: contact a Non-federal Program Liaison before:

  • Purchasing, installing, or operating a new non-federal system.
  • Moving/relocating, upgrading, or replacing an existing non-federal system.
  • Planning a runway relocation project that will impact federally-owned systems.

Prior to contacting your Non-federal Program Liaison:

After contacting your Non-federal Program Liaison, you may be asked to use these FAA resources:

  • Owners of new and/or existing non-federal systems must submit their projects for an Obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis. Contact your Non-federal Program Liaison for assistance.
  • Spectrum "WebFCR" Tool - The "Frequency-Coordination Request" (FCR) tool allows owners of new and/or existing non-federal systems to:
    • Request information from the FAA, to support your FCC application for a new radio-frequency license.
    • Request FAA validation of an existing radio frequency that has expired.
    • Alert FAA to the change in system location, which may affect its radio signal.
  • FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) - Owners can use this site to apply for a new facility license, renew or modify an existing license, manage licenses and applications -- and more.
  • Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP)
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Last updated: Thursday, February 27, 2025