safety
FAA mandates 5G-tolerant altimeters ahead of C-band auction
The FAA will issue a final rule in July 2026 mandating that all aircraft operating in the United States equip with 5G-tolerant radio altimeters. This decision aligns with a newly approved Federal Communications Commission plan to auction additional C-band spectrum directly adjacent to aviation frequencies. The transition features staggered deadlines, prioritizing scheduled air carriers before extending to general aviation, backed by an FCC rebate program to help offset billions in estimated retrofit costs. For pilots, this ensures reliable terrain awareness and low-visibility landing capabilities without future cellular interference.