Alaska Emergency Channel

[KC0UWS]

Its in my FT-817ND, but I don't what it's primary use is for (other than life threatening emergencies). Can someone give me some background? PLEASE no smart replies!

[kwrxxx]

It is for the use across the State of Alaska for emergency calling and can be used by anyone in the Alaska area. Consult the FCC rules.

[greenthumb]

According to CFR 47 ss87.263(d):

The frequency 5167.5 kHz is available to any station for emergency communications in Alaska. No airborne operations are permitted. Peak envelope power of stations operating on this frequency must not exceed 150 watts. This frequency may also be used by Alaska private fixed stations for calling purposes, but only for establishing communications.

[kf4lhp]

The odd thing is that while it is mentioned in Part 97, it's not in 97.301 which sets out the frequency allocations for the different license classes. Instead, it's in 97.401, "Operation during a disaster."

97.401(c): A station in, or within 92.6 km of, Alaska may transmit emissions J3E and R3E on the channel at 5.1675 MHz for emergency communications. The channel must be shared with stations licensed in the Alaska-private fixed service. The transmitter power must not exceed 150 W.

It used to be on the ARRL bandplan chart but they seem to have dropped it. Not sure why.