Major airports may experience disruptions in airline operations starting Saturday as wireless providers prepare to activate new 5G systems. The aviation industry has long raised concerns about potential interference between 5G signals and aircraft equipment, particularly devices that rely on radio waves to measure altitude during landings in low visibility conditions. However, previous predictions of widespread flight groundings due to interference did not materialize when telecom companies launched 5G services. These companies agreed to limit signal power around busy airports, allowing airlines an additional year to upgrade their planes.
Criticism of Wireless License Granting Process
The leader of the largest pilots’ union in the United States expressed confidence in the ability of flight crews to handle the impact of 5G. However, he criticized the process of granting wireless licenses, stating that it introduced unnecessary risk to aviation. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently alerted airlines to the possibility of flight disruptions due to a portion of the nation’s fleet not being upgraded to protect against radio interference.
Airline Readiness and Delta’s Exception
Most major U.S. airlines claim to be prepared for the 5G rollout. American, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, and United have equipped all their planes with radio altimeters that are safeguarded against 5G interference. The exception is Delta Air Lines, which still has 190 planes, mostly smaller ones, without upgraded altimeters. Delta stated that it does not anticipate flight cancellations due to this issue and plans to carefully route these planes to minimize the risk of disruptions in low visibility conditions caused by fog or clouds.
Wireless Carriers and the C-Band Spectrum
Wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T utilize a portion of the radio spectrum known as C-Band for their 5G service. However, this frequency range is close to that used by radio altimeters. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted licenses for the C-Band spectrum, dismissing concerns about interference and claiming sufficient separation between C-Band and altimeter frequencies. When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supported the airlines’ objections, the wireless companies delayed the launch of their 5G service. As part of a compromise brokered by the Biden administration, the wireless carriers agreed not to activate 5G signals near approximately 50 busy airports. However, this postponement comes to an end on Saturday.
The FAA deadline for retrofitted altimeters was highlighted by Transportation Secretary Buttigieg in a letter to the head of the trade group Airlines for America. He emphasized that only planes with upgraded altimeters would be permitted to land in low-visibility conditions. While over 80% of the U.S. fleet has undergone retrofitting, a significant number of planes, including those operated by foreign airlines, still require upgrades. Buttigieg warned that this could lead to increased delays and cancellations, especially on days with poor weather and low visibility. He urged airlines to adjust their schedules to avoid inconveniencing passengers.
Airlines argue that the FAA’s slow approval of altimeter upgrade standards and supply chain issues have hindered manufacturers from producing an adequate number of devices. Nicholas Calio, the head of Airlines for America, expressed frustration at the rushed modifications prompted by pressure from telecommunications companies. Jason Ambrosi, a Delta pilot and president of the Air Line Pilots Association, accused the FCC of granting 5G licenses without consulting the aviation industry, which he believes has compromised the world’s safest aviation system. Nevertheless, Ambrosi expressed confidence in the industry’s ability to address the impacts of 5G.
In summary, as wireless providers activate new 5G systems near major airports, airline passengers may face disruptions in their travel plans. Despite concerns about potential interference with aircraft equipment, previous predictions of widespread flight groundings did not materialize. While most major U.S. airlines have upgraded their planes to protect against 5G interference, Delta Air Lines still has some planes without upgraded altimeters. The FCC granted wireless carriers licenses for the C-Band spectrum, dismissing interference risks, but a compromise was reached to delay activating 5G signals near busy airports. The FAA deadline for retrofitted altimeters has been emphasized by Transportation Secretary Buttigieg, who warned of potential delays and cancellations on low-visibility days. Airlines have criticized the process of upgrading altimeters and the granting of 5G licenses, but remain confident in their ability to address the impacts of 5G on aviation.
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