Safety
FAA Revises 5G AD Based on New Information
In its analysis of 5G cellphone network interference, the FAA found about 100 incidents where aircraft avionics were affected.

The FAA’s analysis of 5G cellphone network C-band transmitter effects on aircraft radio altimeters has shown that the impact on aviation operations is in specific areas. At the same time, the agency has determined how the C-band signals affect aircraft radio altimeters and how these avionics units can be upgraded to tolerate the interference. In light of this new information, the FAA is proposing to revise AD 2021-23-12 to reflect new operational requirements.

In discussing the impact of 5G networks, the FAA said it received more than “420 reports of radio altimeter anomalies within a known location of a 5G C-band deployment.” However, the agency added, “Approximately 315 of these reports were determined to not be related to 5G C-band interference and were resolved through normal continued operational safety procedures.”