Sec.  73.1515   Special field test authorizations.

   (a) A special field test authorization may be issued to conduct field
   strength surveys to aid in the selection of suitable sites for broadcast
   transmission facilities, determine coverage areas, or to study other factors
   influencing broadcast signal propagation. The applicant for the
   authorization must be qualified to hold a license under section 303(1)(l) of
   the Communications Act.

   (b) Requests for authorizations to operate a transmitter under a Special
   field test authorization must be in writing using an informal application in
   letter form, signed by the applicant and including the following
   information:

   (1) Purpose, duration and need for the survey.

   (2) Frequency, transmitter output powers and time of operation.

   (3) A brief description of the test antenna system, its estimated effective
   radiated field and height above ground or average terrain, and the
   geographic coordinates of its proposed location(s).

   (c) Operation under a special field test authorization is subject to the
   following conditions:

   (1) No objectionable interference will result to the operation of other
   authorized radio services; in this connection, the power requested shall not
   exceed that necessary for the purposes of the test.

   (2) The carriers will be unmodulated except for the transmission of a
   test-pattern on a visual TV transmitter, and for hourly voice station
   identification on aural AM, FM and TV transmitters.

   (3) The transmitter output power or antenna input power may not exceed those
   specified in the test authorization and the operating power must be
   maintained at a constant value for each phase of the tests.

   (4) The input power to the final amplifier stage, and the AM antenna current
   or the FM or TV transmitter output power must be observed and recorded at
   half hour intervals and at any time that the power is adjusted or changed.
   Copies of these records must be submitted to the FCC with the required
   report.

   (5) The test equipment may not be permanently installed, unless such
   installation has been separately authorized. Mobile units are not deemed
   permanent installations.

   (6) Test transmitters must be operated by or under the immediate direction
   of an operator holding a commercial radio operator license (any class,
   unless otherwise endorsed).

   (7) A report, containing the measurements, their analysis and other results
   of the survey shall be filed with the FCC in Washington, DC within sixty
   (60) days following the termination of the test authorization.

   (8) The test transmission equipment, installation and operation thereof need
   not comply with the requirements of FCC rules and standards except as
   specified in this section if the equipment, installation and operation are
   consistent with good engineering principles and practices.

   (d) A special field test authorization may be modified or terminated by
   notification from the FCC if in its judgment such action will promote the
   public interest, convenience and necessity.

   [ 44 FR 58734 , Oct. 11, 1979, as amended at  46 FR 35463 , July 8, 1981;  49 FR 4211 , Feb. 3, 1984;  49 FR 20670 , May 16, 1984]