Federal Register #2026-13216

FAA Airworthiness Directive for Boeing Aircraft: 5G Radio Altimeter Interference Mitigation in Canadian Airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Boeing Model 747-8, 747-8F, 777 series, and 787 series airplanes to address safety risks from 5G wireless interference in Canadian airspace. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Mentioned: - The Boeing Company - Products/Services Requested: - Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for non-radio altimeter tolerant Boeing 747-8, 747-8F, 777, and 787 series airplanes - Requires prohibiting certain operations in Canadian airspace that depend on radio altimeter data - No specific part numbers or quantities provided - Optional modifications to achieve radio altimeter tolerance (e.g., radio altimeter replacement or filter addition) are referenced but not detailed - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Addresses interference from 5G Lower C-Band (3.7-3.98 GHz) wireless broadband operations in Canadian airspace - Affects critical flight systems, including safe landing and approach procedures - Compliance is required for continued operation in Canadian airspace; limitations are lifted if aircraft are modified to be radio altimeter tolerant - The ADs are interim and may be updated based on future changes in the Canadian 5G environment

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for specific Boeing airplane models including Model 747-8, -8F, and Model 777 series airplanes. This AD addresses interference issues with radio altimeters caused by wireless broadband operations in the 3.7-3.98 GHz frequency band (5G Lower C-Band) in Canadian airspace. The directive requires revising the airplane flight manual to include limitations on operations requiring radio altimeter data when operating in Canadian airspace. The rule is effective July 1, 2026, and comments are requested by August 14, 2026. The AD aims to mitigate unsafe conditions affecting airplane systems such as pitch control laws and tail strike protection.

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