Originally Posted by
Spitoon
...
There are rules that we have to follow, lest we live in anarchy. Take a look at the rules that apply here - you can start with those in the CAA's CAP168, CAP670 and no doubt others.
We all understand that rules are for a purpose! I (and more importantly the management of the airport) have read the CAAs rules and have asked the question (getting the answer I quoted earlier).
I have also tried to find the relevant radio regulations, and the summary OFCOM documents indicate they have pretty much delegated everything to do with these frequencies to the CAA and international agreements.
The broad existence of PCL outside the UK seems to support my view that their is no intrinsic international restriction against using these frequencies for this purpose. Hence the people with a proper big picture -- rather than a little island picture seem to support this application.
The only reference provided to support your position that OFCOM (and or WT Act, ITU, etc. ) have a position is the argument that the frequency is only approved for specific data and voice - and that keying the mic while not talking is signalling (a prohibited activity). It seems a very weak argument to pin your position that it is OFCOM/WT Act/ITU that is preventing this usage rather than simply the CAA choosing to not allow PCL at licensed airports (which as someone already said, they are perfectly entitled to do as it is their train set).
Originally Posted by
Spitoon
...The rules have been put there by people who see the big picture rather than one small and insignificant corner of one's own world. Sometimes those rules become outdated. If you think the rules are wrong then put your argument to rulemakers - but make it an argument instead of simply saying you don't like the rules or you don't see why the rules are the way they are.
If one wants to make a case, as a start, you need to know who to speak with and their concerns. Going to OFCOM with a technical argument for why this is a legitimate use of spectrum with no adverse impact on other users when it is a CAA safety based decision would be a bit daft.
If you have a more specific reference of why the radio regulators (either locally or internationally) have a view on this use I would love to see it.
As it stands, I remain convinced the originator of the rule is the CAA and the context is provided by Chapter 6 of CAP 168 (a concern about the monitoring and integrity of lighting used at licensed aerodromes and nothing at all to do with your 'an aviation station licence prohibits this use' position).