Effective July 1st, aircraft without retrofitted sensitive radar altimeters will be unable to land in low visibility conditions across the United States. This requirement, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, is not related to an ongoing safety issue but rather aligns with the increased power of 5G networks by US wireless companies. The potential interference from these networks could pose challenges for planes lacking the necessary equipment, resulting in delays for travelers.
The push to enhance 5G networks has been a source of debate and delays between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to concerns about potential interference with the radio waves used by aircraft to gauge altitude. The original plan to increase network power was scheduled for January 2022 but was subsequently delayed until July 2022. Finally, a compromise was reached between the FCC and the FAA, setting the deadline for July 1st, 2023.
Approximately 80 percent of domestic aircraft have already undergone the necessary upgrades, although some major carriers still have a portion of their fleet awaiting retrofitting. For example, Delta Air Lines has 190 planes remaining to be updated, while JetBlue has 17. Supply chain issues have been identified as a contributing factor to the delays, according to the Airlines for America trade association. However, United, Southwest, and American Airlines have confirmed that they will have all their planes compliant by the deadline. Additionally, 65 percent of aircraft flying from international destinations to the US already have up-to-date altimeters, allowing airlines to utilize these planes whenever feasible.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has expressed concerns about potential delays or cancellations resulting from the altimeter requirement, stating that it represents the most significant foreseeable issue affecting performance during the summer. The extent of the impact will depend primarily on weather conditions, although it is worth noting that significant snowstorms are not anticipated in the near future. Ultimately, all aircraft operating in the US will need to have updated altimeters by February 2024, regardless of visibility conditions.
As the deadline approaches, airlines and regulatory bodies will continue to work towards ensuring compliance with the altimeter retrofitting requirements. This alignment of technology and aviation regulations aims to safeguard the integrity of low visibility landings while allowing for the advancement of 5G networks across the country.
