ABOUT AFTRCC
To advance the arts and sciences of radio communications, and the efficient allocation and utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum, in connection with the flight testing of aircraft, missiles and major components thereof.
To protect and promote the interests of the aerospace manufacturing industry in the availability of suitable radio frequency resources, and in the formulation of rules and policies relating to the usage of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Meetings and Other Council Activities
AFTRCC’s affairs are conducted by its President, its Secretary and its Treasurer, and a Board of Directors. All officers and board members are full time employees of their companies elected to their positions by the members.
Meetings are held semi-annually. One meeting each year is held in Washington, D.C. or vicinity to facilitate communications with government decision-makers in the spectrum management field. The other meeting is generally held near one of the member company locations. At least one of the meetings is a joint session with representatives from the Frequency Management Group (“FMG”), an organization of DOD Test Range Frequency Managers.
AFTRCC meetings provide the only industry forum at which Radio Frequency Management Representatives of member companies can meet for discussion of matters of common professional interest. The direct exchange of information through agenda presentations and related discussions is invaluable to the members.
Radio Frequency Management Representatives from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), DoD Military Departments (Army, Air Force and Navy), FAA, FCC, NASA and other agencies actively participate in AFTRCC meetings. Their presentations cover the entire range of radio frequency management subjects. The opportunity for AFTRCC members to meet with their Government counterparts provides an invaluable benefit since, in many cases, it is these same Government representatives with whom member companies must coordinate and schedule their flight tests.
AFTRCC is recognized by the FCC and NTIA as the non-government coordinator for assignment of flight test frequencies (by the FCC in the case of HF and VHF voice frequencies and by the FCC and NTIA in the case of the telemetry frequencies, 1435-1535 MHz, 2360-2395 MHz and 2345-2360 MHz on a secondary basis).
AFTRCC member representatives and AFTRCC’s Washington counsel review and comment on proposed rulemakings pertaining to use of radio frequencies with a view toward protecting of the radio spectrum allocated for flight test purposes. In addition, through Washington counsel member companies are kept apprised of developments in the rapidly-changing world of radio regulation.
Eligibility for Membership
The following criteria for membership is taken from AFTRCC’s ByLaws:
MEMBER shall be organizations possessing or operating under an instrument of authorization. An instrument of authorization is a U.S. Government Agency frequency assignment or an FCC radio station license issued by an authorized agency of the United States Government for the purpose of in-flight evaluation of aerospace vehicles or the major components thereof.
An ASSOCIATE MEMBER shall be organizations interested in the objectives of the organization and actively engaged in the development, design, manufacture, evaluation, utilization or maintenance of radio equipment or in evaluation, coordination, or dissemination of technical data, all as related to flight test radio communications and control activities.
Dues and Fees
AFTRCC is a non-profit organization. Current annual dues are $3,000.00 for Member Companies and $1000.00 for Associate Member Companies. A meeting registration fee (currently $150.00) is collected from each Member and Associate Member attendee at each meeting. Meeting registration fees are used to defray the costs for meeting space and related, miscellaneous expenses.
