Sec. 21.44  Forfeiture and termination of station authorization.

    (a) A license shall be automatically forfeited in whole or in part 
without further notice to the licensee upon:
    (1) The expiration of the construction period specified therein, 
where applicable, or after such additional time as may be authorized by 
the Commission, unless within 5 days after that date certification of 
completion of construction has been filed with the Commission pursuant 
to Sec. 21.43;
    (2) The expiration of the license period specified therein, unless 
prior thereto an application for renewal of such license has been filed 
with the Commission; or
    (3) The voluntary removal or alteration of the facilities, so as to 
render the station not operational for a period of 30 days or more.
    (b) A license forfeited in whole or in part under the provisions of 
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) may be reinstated if the Commission, in its 
discretion, determines that reinstatement would best serve the public 
interest, convenience and necessity. Petitions for reinstatement filed 
pursuant to this subsection will be considered only if:
    (1) The petition is filed within 30 days of the expiration date set 
forth in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section, whichever is 
applicable;
    (2) The petition explains the failure to timely file such 
notification or application as would have prevented automatic 
forfeiture; and
    (3) The petition sets forth with specificity the procedures which 
have been established to insure timely filings in the future.
    (c) A special temporary authorization shall automatically terminate 
upon the expiration date specified therein, or upon failure to comply 
with any special terms or conditions set forth therein. Operation may be 
extended beyond such termination date only after application and upon 
specific authorization by the Commission.
[ 52 FR 37782 , Oct. 9, 1987, as amended at  60 FR 36552 , July 17, 1995]