Regulations on Use of Radio Spectrum for Aeronautical Services Annex

CST issued this annex, which includes regulatory provisions and frameworks specific to the use of radio spectrum for aeronautical services , with the aim of enhancing the optimal use of the spectrum. This ensures its management according to a clear, transparent, and comprehensive mechanism without discrimination. This annex aims at empowering emerging technologies in alignment with relevant stakeholders to effectively meet safety and operational requirements.

The terms and expressions used herein shall have the same meanings as those stated in Telecommunication and Information Technology Act, its Implementing Regulations, and the regulatory decisions of CST, unless the context indicates otherwise. The following terms and expressions, wherever they appear herein, shall have the meanings ascribed thereto, unless the context indicates otherwise:

2-1 Aeronautical Mobile Service: A mobile service between aeronautical stations and aircraft stations, or between aircraft stations, in which survival craft stations may participate; emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service on designated distress and emergency frequencies.

2-2 Aeronautical Mobile (On Route(OR)) Service: An aeronautical mobile service reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of flight, primarily along national or international civil air routes.

2-3 Aeronautical Mobile (Off Route) Service: An aeronautical mobile service intended for communications, including those relating to flight coordination, primarily outside national or international civil air routes.

2-4 Satellite Aeronautical Mobile Service: A mobile-satellite service in which mobile earth stations are located on board aircraft; survival craft stations and emergency position-indicating radiobeacon stations may also participate in this service.

2-5 Aeronautical Mobile-satellite Service (R): An aeronautical mobile-satellite service reserved for communications relating to safety and regularity of flights, primarily along national or international civil air routes.

2-6 Aeronautical Mobile-satellite Service (OR): An aeronautical mobile-satellite service intended for communications, including those relating to flight coordination, primarily outside national and international civil air routes.

2-7 Aeronautical Radio Navigation Service: This is a radio navigation service that meets the needs of aircraft and ensures their operational safety.

2-8 Satellite Aeronautical Radio Navigation Service: This is a satellite radio navigation service where the ground stations are located on board aircraft.

2-9 Satellite Mobile Service: This is a radio communication service provided by one or more space stations, involving communication between ground mobile stations and a single or multiple space stations, or among space stations utilized by this service, or between ground mobile stations. This service may also include the necessary feeder links for its operation.

2-10 Radio Location Service: It is a radio-based service for determining location. The term "radiolocation" refers to determining the location, speed, or other properties of an object, or obtaining information related to these through the propagation characteristics of radio waves.

2-11 Radio Navigation Service: It is a radiodetermination service for radio navigation purposes.

2-12 Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) / Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS): This is an onboard monitoring system that assists pilots in determining the relative altitude and proximity of surrounding aircraft, providing alerts when a collision risk is detected in the air. The term TCAS is used to describe the equipment installed on the aircraft.

2-13 Airborne Weather Radar: This is a safety tool used to detect changing weather conditions from aircraft.

2-14 Airborne Doppler Radar: This is a radar system used for specialized applications, such as continuous determination of ground speed and providing information on the aircraft's flight path angle.

2-15 Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B OUT): This is a surveillance system that provides information about the aircraft's identification and position through a wireless data packet.

2-16 Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE): This is a radar system used by air traffic controllers to assist in the safe movement of aircraft on the ground.

2-17 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME): This is a system that uses radio technology to accurately measure the distance between the aircraft and the ground station.

2-18 Instrument Landing System (ILS): This is a short-range radio guidance system for aircraft that assists in landing and takeoff operations, providing precise navigational guidance to pilots, helping them to land safely on the runway automatically.

2-19 Navigational Beacons: VHF Radio Beacon are used in conjunction with the Instrument Landing System (ILS) to enable pilots to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway.

2-20 Microwave Landing System (MLS): This is a landing system that operates at microwave frequencies, providing precise guidance for measuring the altitude and distance of an aircraft equipped with airborne equipment.

2-21 Non-Directional Beacon (NDB): This is a short to medium-range navigation system that transmits non-directional signals containing the station identifier. These signals are received by the Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) onboard the aircraft, which provides the aircraft's direction relative to the NDB.

2-22 Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR): This is a surveillance system that operates on the principle of processing radio signals reflected from the aircraft to determine its location.

2-23 Radio Altimeter: This is a navigation system used to measure the altitude of the aircraft above the terrain, installed directly beneath the aircraft's structure.

2-24 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): These are flight systems operated without a pilot onboard, where the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a component of the system that includes a ground control unit and a communication system with the UAVs.

2-25 Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR): This is a surveillance system consisting of ground-based radar linked to Air Traffic Control (ATC) onboard the aircraft. This system determines the aircraft's location by analyzing signals and identifies the aircraft through message exchanges.

2-26 Very High Frequency Data Link (VDL Mode 4 & VDL Mode 2): This is a communication protocol operating in the VHF bands that enables aircraft to exchange data with ground stations and other aircraft.

2-27 Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Beacon (VOR): This is an air navigation system that relies on radio signals transmitted from a ground station, measured by the receiver onboard the aircraft to determine its horizontal position relative to the ground station.

2-28 Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS): This consists of ground base stations designed to receive navigation signals and accurately determine location. It provides information about the runway and wind conditions to incoming aircraft using the GBAS for safe guidance and landing at the airport.

2-29 Master International Frequency Register (MIFR): This is a database managed by ITU ‏ ‏ that contains all registered frequency allocations along with their technical specifications.

2-30 Aeronautical Radio Services: These are all radio services defined in Clause (2-1).

2-31 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): This is a general term used to describe any satellite system that provides regional or global positioning, navigation, and timing services.

2-32 High Frequency (HF): This is the frequency range from 3 to 30 megahertz.

2-33 Very High Frequency (VHF): This is the frequency range from 30 to 300 megahertz.

2-34 Marker Beacons: A transmitter in the aeronautical radionavigation service which radiates vertically a distinctive pattern for providing position information to ai   rcraft.

3-1 The provisions hereof apply to users of aeronautical radio services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

3-2 These Regulations specify the frequency bands and govern their use in aeronautical radio services for aircraft stations and ground-based air stations for the purposes of communications, navigation, surveillance, and emergency assistance within KSA.

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4-1 The wireless applications used for various aeronautical purposes are distributed across several aeronautical radio services as outlined in the radio regulations issued by ITU ‏ ‏ and the National Frequency Plan (NFP) of the Kingdom. The services are as follows:

 Aeronautical Mobile Service.

 Aeronautical Mobile Service (R).

 Aeronautical Mobile Service (OR).

 Aeronautical Satellite Mobile Service.

 Aeronautical Satellite Mobile Service (R).

 Aeronautical Satellite Mobile Service (OR).

 Aeronautical Radio Navigation Service.

 Aeronautical Satellite Radio Navigation Service.

4-2 The wireless applications used for various aviation purposes are determined based on the allocated frequency ranges for radio services dedicated to communications, navigation, and surveillance, as outlined in Table (13-1).

4-3 These services utilize specific frequency ranges for aviation radio applications in accordance with the radio regulations issued by ITU and Annex (10) of ICAO Convention. Annex (13-2) details the allocated frequency ranges for radio services in aviation, specifying the uses, channel bands, and international plans for communications, navigation, and surveillance applications.

5-1 The National Frequency Allocation Table specifies the frequency ranges for aviation radio services in KSA, along with the associated national footnotes and the international footnotes issued by ITU, as outlined in the National Frequency Plan, including the aviation services mentioned in this document.

5-2 Frequencies assigned for aeronautical radio services are registered in the National Frequency Distribution Register maintained by CST.

5-3 CST coordinates with relevant entities to establish the procedures for licensing the use of frequencies for earth stations and wireless devices on-board aircraft for aeronautical radio services. ‏ ‏ As for stations on-board civil aircraft, CST will issue the licenses after finalizing the procedure in coordination with the relevant entities.

6-1 CST is responsible for coordinating frequency allocations and entering them into the International Frequency Register (MIFR) in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations.

6-2 The applicant or licensee is required to provide all necessary technical and operational data to CST for international coordination purposes.

6-3 The applicant or licensee shall also provide any required support to CST during the international coordination process, should it be requested.

6-4 Furthermore, the applicant or licensee for frequency allocations shall adhere to the agreed-upon technical and operational conditions once CST has completed the international coordination of those frequency allocations.

6-5 CST coordinates with relevant entities to register frequency allocations for aeronautical services with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

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CST issues frequency usage licenses for aeronautical radio services under four licensing categories, as detailed in the table below. The licensing provisions are published as part of the licensing application procedures, as follows:

Table (1): License Categories for Aeronautical Radio Services

7-1 On-board Station License for Civil Aircraft

7-1-1 An on-board station license allows the licence holder to use all radio equipment specified in the licence, for communications, navigation and surveillance applications, subject to the applicable licence conditions. The license includes the following main wireless systems:

7-1-1-1 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)

7-1-1-2 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)

7-1-1-3 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Transceiver

7-1-1-4 Global Positioning System (GPS)

7-1-1-5 High Frequency (HF) Communications

7-1-1-6 Marker Beacons

7-1-1-7 Radio Altimeter Systems

7-1-1-8 Satellite Communications

7-1-1-9 Airborne Collision Avoidance System / Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

7-1-1-10 High Frequency (VHF) Communications

7-1-1-11 Navigation Receivers (VHF).

7-1-1-12 Portable Radios and Weather Radar (VHF).

7-2 Aeronautical Ground Radio Station License

7-2-1 An aeronautical ground radio station license covers the use of aeronautical radio service frequencies for ground-to-air voice and data communications applications. Each licence also specifies all radio systems used at the ground station. The licence covers the following radio systems:

7-2-1-1 Two-way communications between the ground station and the aircraft, where the ground operator provides the aircraft with information including airport information, weather, aircraft control instructions, etc.

7-2-1-2 Air broadcasting, where a ground station transmits information to the aircraft, for example: Airport or weather information.

7-2-1-3 Data Packages, including: Data links (VHF), aircraft communication addressing, and reporting systems.

7-2-1-4 Emergency communications, including: Fire incidents and Rescue and Intervention Radio Beacons

7-3 Aeronautical Ground Radar Station License

7-3-1 The aeronautical ground radar station license covers reconnaissance applications and includes the use of the following systems:

7-3-1-1 Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) systems.

7-3-1-2 Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems.

7-3-1-3 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B Out) systems.

7-4 Aeronautical ground navigation aid station license

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7-4-1 The aeronautical ground navigation aid station license covers navigation applications, allowing the license holder to use aeronautical navigation aid systems, which include the following:

7-4-1-1 Non-Directional Beacon (NDB).

7-4-1-2 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).

7-4-1-3 VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) – (VHF).

7-4-1-4 Instrument Landing System (ILS).

7-4-1-5 Microwave Landing System (MLS).

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8-1 The following entities are eligible to apply for frequency use licenses for both ground-based aeronautical radio services and aeronautical radio services on-board aircraft, after obtaining the necessary approvals from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to register the aircraft in the national aircraft registry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, provided that their portable equipment meets GACA's requirements:

8-1-1 Government entities and private organizations, as well as citizens and residents of KSA who have a legally registered entity in KSA.

8-1-2 The ‏ ‏   authorized representative of licensed entities providing Saudi air navigation services, airport operators in KSA, and aircraft operators (airlines).

8-1-3 Operators of helicopter landing sites.

8-1-4 Individuals or legal entities that own aircraft for private use.

8-1-5 Authorized representatives from government entities responsible for air operations at government-owned sites.

8-2 Government entities are eligible to apply for frequency use licenses for ground-based aeronautical radio services.

9-1 The duration of the license granted for the use of frequencies for aeronautical radio services ranges from one (1) year to a maximum of five (5) years.
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9-2 The license for the use of frequencies for aeronautical radio services will be automatically renewed before its expiration.

10-1 The holder of the frequency use license or equipment license must submit a request to CST to amend their license details if they wish to make any changes.

10-2 CST will coordinate with the licensee when they submit a request to amend or cancel the frequency use license and provide justifications for the request. The licensee will then be notified of the action taken, considering the overall status of the license.

10-3 Coordination will take place between CST and the GACA regarding frequency use licensing operations to ensure compliance with air navigation and frequency spectrum requirements.
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10-4 The license is considered canceled when the licensee requests its cancellation and CST approves it, and the licensee must not operate the equipment without CST's approval.

10-5 CST has the right to cancel the license application if the payment is not made within sixty (60) days from the date of the invoice issuance.

10-6 CST has the right to cancel frequency use licenses or make amendments for the following reasons:

10-6-1 Compliance with changes to international regulations and decisions issued by regional and international telecommunications organizations.

10-6-2 Inefficient use of the radio spectrum.

10-6-3 Use of radio equipment that has caused harmful interference or the use of unauthorized radio equipment.

10-6-4 Non-compliance with regulations relevant to the KSA.

10-6-5 If it is proven that the information provided in the license application is not accurate.

11-1 Aeronautical radio service licensees shall ensure that all radio systems are included in the issued license and are used only in accordance with the provisions specified in the documents issued by CST and GACA Licensees shall particularly adhere to the following:

11-1-1 Ensure the accuracy of all information provided in the license application.

11-1-2 Utilize the frequencies mentioned in the frequency use license or device licenses in accordance with the technical standards specified in the license.

11-1-3 Do not permit any unauthorized person to use the frequencies specified in the frequency use license or device licenses.

11-1-4 Ensure that the licensed equipment does not cause harmful radio interference and does not disrupt any legally operated station or radio equipment. The licensee shall allow CST and GACA to inspect the licensed devices upon request.

11-1-5 The licensee must keep an updated license for all licensed devices, including the manufacturer, model, serial number, and output power. The license shall be available upon request from relevant authorities.

11-1-6 Disclose any devices not registered in the license before use.

11-1-7 Notify CST and obtain its prior approval before making any proposed changes to the license, and changes can only be implemented after submitting the necessary documents.

11-1-8 Ensure the availability of licensed stations for inspection by CST at all times upon request.

11-1-9 Pay the license fees.

11-1-10 The ownership of licensed devices shall not be transferred without obtaining CST approval.

11-1-11 Comply with any notification issued by CST.

11-1-12 Any action that violates the provisions of the system, regulations, or decisions of the regulatory authority.

11-2 CST shall coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that the frequency allocation process meets requirements for spectrum management and air navigation, and aligns with ITU and ICAO standards.

CST is also responsible for sending the necessary notifications to ITU for registration of wireless stations.

11-3 Users of the radio spectrum for air services shall comply with the international plans mentioned in Appendices (13-2), (13-3), and (13-4).

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fees for Aeronautical service licenses are determined according to "Regulations for Frequency License Fees" published on CST website.

13-1 Aviation Applications:

13-2 Frequency Allocation for Aeronautical Services and Application Specifications for Aeronautical Communications Applications ‏ ‏

Aeronautical radio services use specific frequency bands for aeronautical radio applications in accordance with Radio Regulations issued by the International Telecommunication Union—Annex (10) of ICAO Convention. The Table in this Paragraph illustrates frequency bands allocated for aeronautical radio services, their uses, frequency channel widths, and international plans, specifically for communication applications.

13-3 Frequency bands allocated for aeronautical radio services related to navigation applications.

Aeronautical radio services utilize specific frequency bands for aeronautical radio applications in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations, Annex (10) to ICAO Convention. The Table in this Paragraph illustrates the allocated frequency bands for aeronautical radio services, along with their uses, bands, and international plans for navigation applications.

13-4 Frequency bands allocated for aeronautical radio services specific to surveillance applications.

Aeronautical radio services utilize specific frequency bands for aeronautical radio applications in accordance with ITU Radio Regulations, Annex (10) to ICAO Convention. The Table in this Paragraph illustrates the frequency bands allocated for aeronautical radio services, including their uses, channel bands, and international plans for surveillance applications.

There are several channel plans associated with aeronautical services.

Annex(26) Plan of the ITU Radio Regulations

Allocation Plan covering the off-route aeronautical mobile (OR) service and includes frequency channels (in kHz) assigned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as follows:

Annex(27) Plan of the ITU Radio Regulations

The plan covers the mobile aviation service (R) route and includes frequency assignments for the following geographic areas:

• Major Worldwide Air Routes (MWARA)
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• Regional and Domestic Air Route Area 

• VOLMET assignment and reception areas

• Global assignment areas

The following areas, which fall under each category mentioned above, cover the territory of the KSA either partially or entirely:

• Major World Air Route Areas (MWARA): Middle East (MWARA-MID)
‎ Africa (MWARA-AFI) Indian Ocean (MWARA-INO)

• Regional and Domestic Air Route Areas (RDARA)- 5A and 5C (RDARA-5A and RDARA-5C)

• VOLMET Designation and Reception Areas- Middle East (MID-MET)
‎ Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI-MET)

• Global assignment areas

There are restrictions associated with the use of these frequencies, as the table in Paragraph (27/218) in Annex (27) shall be used. Frequencies 3023 kHz and 5680 kHz are also specified for common use on a global basis, and the provisions relating to the use of these two frequencies are contained in Article (3) of annex (27). The plan also contains frequencies (in kHz) assigned to KSA. The Table shows the relevant frequencies for geographical areas that cover KSA lands either partially or completely.

Table (B.1): Frequencies concerned for geographical areas that cover KSA lands either partially or completely according to Plan of Annex (27).

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Geneva Plan 1985 (GE85-R1-AER Plan )

The Plan covers frequency bands of the aeronautical radionavigation service (in kilohertz), as follows:

ICAO Plans

Requirements for the radio frequency (RF) spectrum for civil aviation are outlined in Guideline Documents from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), specifically "Handbook on RF Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation" and the "Guide for the Management of RF Spectrum in International Civil Aviation." Volume II of this Handbook contains regional assignment plans for the frequency range of 118 - 137 MHz. This document serves as a guiding reference for assessing compatibility between wireless communication and navigation systems in aviation.

The RF spectrum requirements guide includes critical and standard points for the regulation and protection of airborne and ground radio allocations, which are as follows:

• Standards and plans for radio spectrum allocation.

• Protection standards specific to navigation systems.

• Geographical separation distances between navigational devices.

• Requirements for separation between allocated frequencies.

• Regional plans and tables for frequency assignments.

Annex 10 of ICAO outlines the use of wireless navigation aids in Volume I. Additionally, Volume V describes the utilization of the radio spectrum for aviation systems and the relevant standards for appropriate channels used in aviation systems.

Localiser/Glide Path Frequency Pairing

Figure B.1: Frequency Plan for Localizer/Glide Systems

VOR Preferred Order When Making Frequency Assignments.

Table B.2: Frequency Plan for VOR Systems

DME Channeling Arrangement

Figure B.2: DME Frequency Plan

DME Channel Pairing with ILS or VOR

Table B.3: DME Frequency Plan

S SR Frequency Utilization

Figure B.3: SSR Frequency Plan

It is worth noting that there are arrangements for specific channels for other bands in Annex 10 of the ICAO Convention.
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