The US aviation sector is advocating for an extension to the deadline for upgrading aircraft altimeters to mitigate interference from rising 5G cellular signals. The industry urges the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the compliance timeline to mid-2032, citing the complexities and costs involved in the upgrade process.
Amidst the upcoming spectrum auction by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2027, which will allocate the 3.98-4.2 GHz band to cellular providers, concerns have grown about potential interference with approximately 58,600 radio altimeters installed on over 41,000 aircraft across the United States. The existing timeline, proposed by the FAA, suggests deadlines as early as 2029 for some operators, with the majority facing a 2032 cutoff.
Industry Perspectives on the Timeline
Representatives from the aviation coalition—including Airlines for America, Boeing, Garmin, Gulfstream, and the Regional Airline Association—highlight that the process of developing, certifying, manufacturing, and installing new altimeters will take longer than the FAA’s current schedule allows. Lockheed Martin raised concerns about supply chain constraints and availability of semiconductor components, emphasizing that a 2029 deadline is not feasible.
While cellular industry groups such as CTIA argue the timeline should remain at 2029, asserting it is achievable, the FAA faces legal and political pressures. The Trump-era policies favor rapid spectrum auctioning, which could accelerate the timeline for 5G deployment, complicating the critical runway for aircraft upgrades.
The industry estimates that total costs for these upgrades could exceed original estimates, which were around $80,000 per unit, with some groups suggesting costs up to $120,000 per altimeter, as they seek reimbursement mechanisms to offset substantial expenses. Previously, the FAA introduced standards and restrictions for altimeters operating in the 3.7-3.98 GHz band, as a precaution against interference.
Looking ahead, stakeholders emphasize the importance of allowing sufficient time for upgrades, particularly for older aircraft, to prevent operational disruptions and enhance safety in the changing radiofrequency environment.
