Sec. 25.280  Inclined orbit operations.

    (a) Satellite operators may commence operation in inclined orbit 
mode without obtaining prior Commission authorization provided that the 
Commission is notified by letter within 30 days after operators 
commence. The notification shall include:
    (1) The operator's name;
    (2) The date of commencement of inclined orbit operation;
    (3) The initial inclination;
    (4) The rate of change in inclination per year; and
    (5) The expected end-of-life of the satellite accounting for 
inclined orbit operation.
    (b) Licensees operating in inclined-orbit are required to:
    (1) Periodically correct the satellite altitude to achieve a 
stationary spacecraft antenna pattern on the surface of the Earth and 
centered on the satellite's designated service area;
    (2) Control all interference to adjacent satellites, as a result of 
operating in an inclined orbit, to levels not to exceed that which would 
be caused by the satellite operating without an inclined orbit;
    (3) Not claim protection in excess of the protection that would be 
received by the satellite network operating without an inclined orbit; 
and
    (4) Continue to maintain the space station at the authorized 
longitude orbital location in the geostationary satellite arc with the 
appropriate east-west station-keeping tolerance.
[ 62 FR 5931 , Feb 10, 1997]