Delta Air Lines Have Protected Its Planes Against Interference From 5G Wireless Signals

On Thursday, Delta Air Lines announced the successful completion of its fleet upgrade to safeguard crucial equipment from potential interference caused by 5G wireless signals. This enhancement addresses a potential issue that could have led to flight disruptions during periods of low visibility.

Delta confirmed that all aircraft currently in active service have been equipped with radio altimeters that are shielded against interference. This ensures that no Delta aircraft will face additional weather-related limitations.

Back in late June, approximately 190 out of Delta's total fleet of around 900 planes were still without these upgraded altimeters. These altimeters utilize radio signals to accurately measure the aircraft's altitude above the ground. As more airlines adopt 5G, it is a good time to talk about what impact it has on airline regulation as a whole.

Why Are Airlines Against 5G

Since the planned 5G rollout introduces a mix of new power levels, frequencies, proximity to flight activities, and additional variables, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finds it necessary to institute limitations on flight operations involving specific radio altimeter equipment when near antennas within 5G networks.

Disruption Risk to Aviation from 5G

Radio altimeters, first appeared in the 1920s to assist pilots in determining an aircraft's height above the ground and its proximity to other objects, utilize frequencies that are in closer proximity to those employed by 5G services. The earlier generations of cellular technology did not have such issues. Aviation experts cautioned that potential 5G interference could lead to infrequent yet disastrous consequences in aviation, as certain aircraft might encounter difficulties when attempting to land at airports situated near 5G transmission towers. Despite these concerns, AT&T and Verizon, in the previous year, collectively invested over $80 billion in acquiring 5G spectrum licenses.

US regulation

From the FAA's statement on 5G, "Aviation in the U.S. is the safest in the world. That’s because we rely on data to mitigate risk, and never assume that a piece of equipment or a given flight scenario is safe until this can be demonstrated," FAA further emphasizes, "If there’s the possibility of a risk to the flying public, we are obligated to restrict the relevant flight activity until we can prove it is safe."

The flight industry in the US is the biggest in the world and is highly complex. The steps to ensure 5G is ready for safe use are a lot different from a lot of other countries that already introduced 5G like Japan and Germany.

Works ahead for 5G Integration

Some words from U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, "We recognize the economic importance of expanding 5G, and we appreciate the wireless companies working with us to protect the flying public and the country’s supply chain. The complex U.S. airspace leads the world in safety because of our high standards for aviation, and we will maintain this commitment as wireless companies deploy 5G."

Current availability of 5G

5G services were introduced in 46 markets across the United States on January 19 this year, utilizing the C-band of the radio spectrum. It's worth noting that these frequencies can be near those utilized by radio altimeters, which are critical safety components in aircraft. To prevent any potential safety hazards arising from interference, the FAA mandates stringent accuracy and reliability standards for radio altimeters. market volatility, as investors may react to the negative outlook by adjusting their investment strategies and asset allocations.

Alternative Method of Compliance

AMOC stands for Alternative Method of Compliance. The AMOC procedure permits operators or manufacturers to showcase alternative methods for addressing unsafe conditions. It serves as a mechanism to validate the effectiveness of altimeters in specific high-powered 5G environments, ensuring their reliability and accuracy.

Currently, the AMOCs that are issued for 5G C-band will need to be re-authorized by the FAA in advance every month. The reason is that 5G wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon have towers that will go live at the beginning of each month as part of their service.

Conclusion

Delta Air Lines, among many other American airline providers, has successfully safeguarded its fleet against potential 5G interference, securing the safety of flights to accommodate the 5G usage. The concerns surrounding 5G's impact on aviation regulations reflect the unique challenges posed by this technology in the United States, where the world's largest and most complex aviation industry requires meticulous safety standards.

As 5G deployment continues, safety remains the most critical factor, with the introduction of the Alternative Method of Compliance procedure to address these concerns effectively. With most the American airports beginning to support 5G, it is crucial to continue to moniter the potential of any safety issues going forward.