FAA bans use of landing systems in regions at risk of 5G disruption

The US aviation authority has issued an order banning aircraft from using certain navigation systems in places where 5G can disrupt altimeters. In some cases, it is also prohibited for aircraft to land at some airports.

The FAA has banned more than 6,000 U.S. aircraft at several airports from using many landing navigation systems. This is because the accuracy of such systems may be disrupted by 5G signals, a spokesperson for the aviation authority told The Verge. Such systems are generally only used during low visibility periods. That is why the FAA only prohibits aircraft from landing at such airports when visibility is poor.

However, if airlines can prove to the FAA that their radio altimeters are not disrupted by 5G signals, the authority could grant them special permission to land in low visibility conditions.

The FAA does not say which airports are involved. However, the airports are located in America, as ‘C-band 5G’ is being started there in 46 regions. That band uses frequencies between 3700 and 3800MHz. Since aircraft radio altimeters use frequencies between 4200 and 4400MHz that are too close to the C-band frequencies, the FAA said.