5G UPDATE – FAA NOT LOOKING TO EXTEND JULY 2023 RETROFIT DEADLINE
April 21, 2023
In response to several U.S. Senators’ requests for more details on the 5G C-Band roll out set to occur in Summer 2023, FAA’s Acting Administrator stated that the agency currently has no plans to change the July 2023 deadline for carriers to retrofit aircraft or install altimeters to prevent 5G interference. The FAA previously issued directives requiring that all airlines obtain new or upgraded altimeters by February 2024 and update flight manuals to prohibit low-visibility landings at a number of U.S. airports beginning July 1, 2023, to allow for the full implementation of 5G service in many new areas including around airports. FAA’s Acting Administrator further noted that FAA feels it has given carriers enough time to complete the retrofits and ensure they can continue to serve U.S. airports in affected areas, despite airline industry concerns that retrofits will not be completed in time, through no fault of the carriers. Based on the concerns, U.S. Senators have again asked FAA for more details on the planned 5G implementation, and the FAA’s plans for the completion of altimeter retrofitting by airlines, citing concerns that aircraft not retrofitted in time may be grounded, to the detriment of the U.S. traveling public. The Senators have also requested more information on the specific airlines that are currently at risk of not meeting the retrofitting deadline, though, FAA has yet to provide this information.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com 202-659-6665).
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