Regulations and Government
Nearly 60K Aircraft Affected by Radio Altimeter Proposal
Units must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring radio bands
Freeflight RA-5500 Terrain Series Radar Altimeter
Photo: Freeflight

Under a notice of proposed rulemaking, the FAA estimated that some 58,579 new and in-service airliner and general aviation aircraft must be equipped with radio altimeters (RAs) that meet minimum performance standards. Notably, the units must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems.

The rule would apply to aircraft currently required to have RAs, including those operating under Part 121; the majority of aircraft operating under Parts 91K, 125, 129, 135, and 194; and a minority of general aviation aircraft operating under Part 91.