The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new regulation that would require the replacement of approximately 58,600 radio altimeters as part of the expansion of 5G services. According to the published draft, the total cost to the U.S. aviation sector is expected to reach $4.5 billion.
The FAA stated that the new rules aim to ensure radio altimeters meet minimum resilience standards against potential interference from 5G signals. Radar altimeters are used in critical flight safety systems such as automatic landings, approaches in low-visibility conditions, terrain awareness and warning systems, and wind shear detection. According to the agency, strong 5G signals in adjacent frequency bands can lead to erroneous altitude data and false warnings.
Under the proposal, the compliance timeline for Part 121 commercial aircraft and large Part 129 aircraft would begin with the Federal Communications Commission’s authorization of the Upper C-band, while other aircraft would be granted an additional two years. The FAA anticipates initial compliance dates between 2029 and 2032, noting that current voluntary 5G restrictions will expire on January 1, 2028, and emphasizing that this regulation is necessary to provide a long-term solution.
