FAA COULD UPDATE RADIO ALTIMETER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
February 23, 2026
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On January 7, 2026, the FAA issued a proposed rulemaking which would require all radio altimeter (“RA”) systems to meet specific minimum performance requirements. Due to interference from high-powered wireless signals, the FAA proposed the rule to ensure that RA systems can withstand any such interference and provide accurate altitude readings to pilots when navigating potential hazards, including terrain, windshear, and traffic. If finalized, the rulemaking would mandate that U.S. air carriers and foreign air carriers operating aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds upgrade existing aircraft to new RA systems that meet minimum interference tolerance requirements by the date upon which the Federal Communications Commission authorizes wireless service in the Upper C-band. Depending on several factors, the FAA anticipates that the FCC could authorize wireless service in the Upper C-band as soon as early 2029. The FAA will accept comments on the proposed rule until March 9, 2026.
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