5G wireless use could prompt flight diversions, warns US

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a sweeping order essentially prohibiting aircraft, including large jets, from using certain landing and navigation systems in areas of potential interference from new “5G” cellular networks. 

The aviation industry and the FAA have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters—that provide data used by automated flight control systems.

The order, released 7 December, responds to concern about 5G interfering with aircraft radio altimeters. 

As per reports, the FAA’s order applies to some 6,834 transport and commuter aircraft equipped with radio altimeters – meaning essentially the entire US commercial fleet, plus many business and general aviation aircraft. 

Authorities also issued a pair of airworthiness directives ordering the revision of airplane and helicopter flight manuals.

One FAA directive on Tuesday said the "unsafe condition" posed by the planned use required immediate action before the January 5 deployment "because radio altimeter anomalies that are undetected by the aircraft automation or pilot, particularly close to the ground ... could lead to loss of continued safe flight and landing."

The FAA reiterated in a statement on Tuesday that it believes the "expansion of 5G and aviation will safely co-exist." 

However, the FAA remains in discussions with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), White House and industry officials about the precise contours of any limitations, which are expected to be outlined in the coming weeks in a series of notices. 

The FCC said Tuesday it "continues to make progress working with the FAA and private entities to advance the safe and swift deployment of 5G networks ... We look forward to updated guidance from the FAA in the coming weeks that reflects these developments."

It is not yet clear what airports or specific airplanes may be impacted. 

The wireless companies, in November, said that they would take "additional steps to minimize energy coming from 5G base stations.