KR4BD said:
N_Jay
It is true that AM is older (more historic, in your words), but if FM is so much superior, why haven't the world governments mandated a change to FM? Please don't say it would cost too much. Anyone flying a plane can afford to buy a new radio if it is going to be the standard. The answer remains that AM is safer and can be heard in weak signal situations.
In 2009, the U.S. is forcing everyone to have a digital TV if they want to continue watching over-the-air TV. The date has been announced for the change, giving everyone time to convert. I have not seen any announcements to make FM the "modulation of choice" in the aircraft world due to the reasons I have cited.
Find me one reference. Do not include the unsupported Wiki and About articles.
On what date would they make this change WORLDWIDE?
Look at how long it has taken to make the TV change, and that is one country.
Look at the work that went into the, now on-hold, "Next Generation" aviation digital radio system change. Look into the reasons it is on-hold.
Unfortunately we are arguing a negative, so I doubt either of us will find any solid sources.
(There is no reason to document the lack of a change)
Having been in radio for over 30 years, watching the slow and painful progress of technology and the slower and even more painful changes once a technology is adopted and in common use, I stand by my belief.