The EUROCAE Report (ER-036) is intended to be the reference to help non-aerospace spectrum stakeholders understand aeronautical radio frequency (RF) systems and their safety-critical functions, to support their productive discussions with the aerospace industry, and to assist Civil Aviation Authorities and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in their engagement with telecoms regulators and the ITU (International Telecommunications Union).

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the use and management of RF spectrum in aviation. It covers the use of RF spectrum, the evolution of aeronautical spectrum needs, and the high-level aviation concept of operations:
• an overview of the use of RF spectrum by aviation
• the evolution of aeronautical spectrum needs and usage
• the high-level aviation concept of operations and how aeronautical RF systems contribute to the overall management of airspace
• the design, certification, and installation processes for avionics systems as well as the timeframes necessary for full implementation, including the Aviation Safety Management System Framework
• a high level overview of aviation RF systems, including descriptions of various Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems and their uses.

The report emphasizes the importance of RF spectrum management, safety margins, and the need for modernisation to accommodate future growth in aviation and increasing demands from other industries.