Antenna Structure Registration

Most antenna structures in the US that are taller than 60.96 meters (200 feet) above ground level or that may interfere with the flight path of a nearby airport must be cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).These Antenna Structure Registration rules are contained in Part 17 of the Commission's Rules (47 C.F.R. 17).
In a Report and Order released November 30, 1995, the Commission adopted rules designed to streamline the registration process and began requiring antenna structure owners (instead of licensees) to register these structures with the Commission. In a Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration released March 8, 2000, the Commission clarified several registration requirements. All registrations are filed via FCC Form 854 .
Antenna Structure Definition
The FCC Rules specifically define the term "antenna structures" as "he radiating and/or receive system, its supporting structures and any appurtenances mounted thereon." In practical terms, an antenna structure could be a free standing structure, built specifically to support or act as an antenna, or it could be a structure mounted on some other man-made object (such as a building or bridge).
Criteria
Unless specifically exempted, FAA notification and FCC registration are required for :
*Any construction or alteration of more than 60.96 meters (200 feet) in height above ground level at its site.
*Any construction or alteration of greater height than an imaginary surface extending outward and upward at one of the following slopes:
:: 100 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 6.10 kilometers (20,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each specified airport with at least one runway more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports;
::50 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 3.05 kilometers (10,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest runway of each specified airport with its longest runway no more than 0.98 kilometers (3,200 feet) in actual length, excluding heliports; and,
::25 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 1.52 kilometers (5,000 feet) from the nearest point of the nearest landing and takeoff area of each heliport at a specified airport.
*Any construction or alteration that would be in an instrument approach area and available information indicates it might exceed an obstruction standard of the FAA.
*Any construction or alteration on a specified airport.
Exemptions
The following types of antenna structures are exempt from the FAA notification requirements and FCC registration requirements :
*Any antenna structure that would be shielded by existing structures of a permanent and substantial character or by natural terrain or topographic features of equal or greater height, and would be located in the congested area of a city, town or settlement where it is evident beyond all reasonable doubt that the structure so shielded will not adversely affect safety in air navigation.
*Any antenna structure of 6.10 meters (20 feet) or less in height except one that would increase the height of another antenna structure.
*Any air navigation facility, airport visual approach or landing aid, aircraft arresting device, or meteorological device, of a type approved by the FAA, the location and height of which is fixed by its function
Obligations
Owners
The owner of each antenna structure meeting the registration criteria must:
*Register each proposed antenna structure with the FCC and obtain a Registration Number prior to construction.
*Amend the registration information as necessary.
*Maintain the antenna structure in accordance with the specifications and conditions found on the structure's Registration (FCC Form 854R). Owners must repair light outages and malfunctions and repaint the tower as often as necessary to maintain good visibility.
*Immediately upon receipt of FCC Form 854R, provide a copy to each FCC licensee using the antenna structure. Also, provide a copy to any additional licensee that uses the structure.
*Display the Registration Number in a conspicuous place so that it is readily visible near the base of the antenna structure.
*File an "Ownership Change" on FCC Form 854 if you have acquired an existing, registered antenna structure.
*Notify the Commission within 24 hours of completion of construction or cancellation of the project. See the "Construction Notification Requirements" topic for further details.
*Observe obstruction lighting at least every 24 hours in order to detect any outages or malfunctions, and inspect lighting equipment, indicators, and associated devices at least once every three months.
*Report outages and malfunctions to the FAA.
Licensee
*Each FCC licensee using a registered antenna structure should be familiar with the requirements set forth on FCC Form 854R. In the event that the structure owner is unable to maintain the prescribed painting or lighting, e.g., in cases including but not limited to abandonment, negligence, or bankruptcy, the FCC would require that each tenant licensee on the structure undertake efforts to maintain painting and/or lighting upon request by the FCC. Additionally, if a licensee has reason to believe that the structure is not in compliance or that the owner is not carrying out its responsibility to maintain the structure, the licensee must immediately notify the owner, notify the site management company (if applicable), notify the FCC, and make a diligent effort to ensure that the antenna structure is brought into compliance.
*A licensee who does not own a structure is not required to independently monitor that antenna structure's lighting unless it specifically directed to do so by the Commission.
*A licensee proposing to site on an antenna structure that requires registration must first verify that the structure is registered
Databases
The Universal Licensing System (ULS) database downloads for specific wireless radio services are available to the public as zip files which are updated weekly. These files contain application data or license data for a specific radio service, and contains all the licenses or applications that exist for that radio service.

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