Airport Owners: The FAA will not let you operate a newly-installed non-Federal NavAid or AWOS until it's been commissioned by the NFP. The system must, among other things, meet the minimum requirements set forth in Title 14 CFR Part 171, and/or the latest version of AC 150/5220-16, Non-Federal AWOS.
- 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 (PDF), AWOS (PDF), or other system that has received FAA approval for non-Federal use in the National Airspace System.
- You must hire an FAA-approved non-Federal technician to maintain the system.
- 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 (PDF) before:
- Purchasing, installing, or operating a new non-Federal system.
- Moving/relocating an existing non-Federal system.
- Planning a runway relocation project that will impact Federally-owned systems.
Prior to contacting your NFP Liaison:
- You can learn more about the technical requirements for non-Federal systems by reviewing relevant regulations, advisory circular(s), and policy.
- You may also find helpful information in our FAQ section.
After contacting your NFP Liaison, you may be asked to use these FAA resources:
- OE/AAA Portal - Owners of new and/or existing non-Federal systems can use the "Obstruction Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis" (OE/AAA) portal to electronically file the FAA's Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, and FAA Form 7460-2, Supplemental Notice (if necessary).
- 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 exisiting radio frequency that has exipired.
- 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.