On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) advising Boeing 737 operators that 5G C-band wireless internet operations might interfere with radio altimeters. Except for the 200 and 200-c series, the warning extends to all Boeing 737 aircraft.
The 5G Crisis Continues
This is the latest chapter in the 5G crisis, which airlines claim might jeopardise the safe operation of flights near airports. Telecommunications towers near airports that use 5G C-band frequencies are at the core of the debate. Nearby frequencies are used by aircraft altimeters, and any interference might make landings dangerous.
Despite having two years to tackle the issue, the FAA essentially left it unsolved. With telcos preparing to launch 5G networks in mid-January, the FAA stepped in and issued a slew of NOTAMs prohibiting auto-landings and radio-altimeter-based autonomous flight manoeuvres at more than 100 airports throughout the country. Airlines have issued a statement warning of oncoming disruption.
The Boeing 737 is a Popular Option Among American Airlines
The Boeing 737 is a workhorse in the fleets of numerous US airlines. Southwest Airlines has roughly 700 planes in its possession, according to the AD. Delta Air Lines has more than 230 planes, American Airlines has more than 300, United Airlines has more than 350, and Alaska Airlines has more than 160.
It's important to understand that this AD is only a warning, not a flying restriction. Boeing claims to have sent similar instructions to its 737-operating clients in the United States last month. Furthermore, the FAA has not yet provided guidance on how to address the possible issue.
