FAA Proposes New Airworthiness Directive Over 5G Interference in Canada

The Federal Aviation Administration has put forward a new airworthiness directive that affects various rotorcraft. The proposal applies specifically to all helicopters equipped with a radio altimeter, which is also referred to as a radar altimeter.

According to the Federal Register publication, the action stems from findings that these instruments cannot reliably perform their intended functions when exposed to wireless broadband operations. The problematic frequency band spans from 3.7 to 3.98 GHz, known as the 5G Lower C-Band, while the aircraft operate within Canadian airspace.

To address this potential hazard, the proposed directive mandates revisions to existing rotorcraft flight manuals. Pilots and operators would need to incorporate explicit limitations that prohibit specific operations requiring radio altimeter data during flights in Canadian airspace.

The agency stated that this regulatory step is necessary to correct the unsafe condition identified in these aircraft. The proposal aims to mitigate the risks posed by cellular network signals interfering with critical altitude-finding equipment.

Pilots and owners operating across the border should monitor the finalization of this directive and prepare to update their flight manuals accordingly. Compliance will involve adhering to the newly introduced operational prohibitions once the measure takes formal effect.

Sources: FAA (Federal Register)