Sec.  87.189   Requirements for public correspondence equipment and operations.

   (a) Transmitters used for public correspondence by aircraft stations in the
   maritime mobile frequency bands must be authorized by the Commission in
   conformity with part 80 of this chapter.

   (b) Transmitters used for public correspondence by aircraft stations in the
   Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite (R) or Maritime Mobile-Satellite frequencies
   must be certificated by the Commission in conformity with part 87. Aircraft
   earth stations that are required to be commissioned to use a privately owned
   satellite system also must meet the provisions of  Sec. 87.51.

   (c) A continuous watch must be maintained on the frequencies used for safety
   and regularity of flight while public correspondence communications are
   being handled. For aircraft earth stations, this requirement is satisfied by
   compliance  with  the  priority  and preemptive access requirements of
    Sec. 87.187(q).

   (d)  All  communications  in  the  Aeronautical Mobile Service and the
   Aeronautical  Mobile-Satellite  (R)  Service have priority over public
   correspondence.

   (e)  Transmission of public correspondence must be suspended when such
   operation will delay or interfere with message pertaining to safety of life
   and property or regularity of flight, or when ordered by the captain of the
   aircraft.

   [ 53 FR 28940 , Aug. 1, 1988, as amended at  57 FR 45750 , Oct. 5, 1992;  63 FR 36608 , July 7, 1998;  69 FR 32884 , June 14, 2004]