The U.S. won't allow the expansion of 5G wireless technology to jeopardize aviation safety, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
"We recognize the economic importance of expanding 5G, and we appreciate the wireless companies working with us to protect the flying public and the country’s supply chain," Buttigieg said in a release. "The complex U.S. airspace leads the world in safety because of our high standards for aviation, and we will maintain this commitment as wireless companies deploy 5G.”
On Jan. 25, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) barring 747-8, 747-8F and 777 airplanes from landing at airports where 5G interference could occur, according to a press release.
"The AD does not apply to landings at airports where the FAA determined the aircraft altimeters are safe and reliable in the 5G C-band environment," the agency said. "It also does not apply to airports where 5G isn’t deployed."
The FAA issued the directive because many systems on Boeing 747-8, 747-8F and 777 aircraft rely on the altimeter, including autothrottle, ground proximity warning, thrust reversers and traffic collision avoidance systems.
The directive affects about 336 airplanes in the U.S. and 1,714 worldwide, the agency said.
On Jan. 20, the FAA gave its approval for an estimated 78% of the U.S. commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports where wireless companies have deployed 5G C-band.
"This now includes some regional jets," the agency said.
