5G Signals Threaten Classic Jets Too, FAA Warns
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating rules for certain Boeing and McDonnell Douglas airplanes because their radio altimeters can get messed up by 5G signals in Canadian airspace. Pilots will have to follow new flight manual limits to keep flights safe during landings and go-arounds starting July 1, 2026. This change helps avoid tricky situations but might mean some extra work for flight crews and airlines flying these models.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Optional hardware fixes can remove limits but cost much more
Operators may choose to modify airplanes to become radio altimeter tolerant, which terminates the AFM limitations. The AD lists optional actions with estimated costs: a full radio altimeter replacement option up to $120,000 per airplane, or a filter addition option estimated up to $14,040 per airplane (24 work-hours at $85/hour plus $12,000 parts).
Must revise flight manuals before Canada flights
If you operate the listed Boeing or McDonnell Douglas airplane models and your airplane is not radio altimeter tolerant, you must revise the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to add new limitations before any further flight in Canadian airspace. This requirement is effective July 1, 2026 and applies to the specific models listed in the AD (e.g., Model 707, 717, 727, DC-8, DC-9, DC-10, MD-10, MD-11, MD-80 series, and MD 90-30).
Estimated AFM compliance cost and fleet size
The FAA estimates this AD affects 502 U.S.-registered airplanes and that revising the AFM for non-radio-altimeter tolerant airplanes will take about 1 work-hour per airplane at $85 each, for an estimated total up to $42,670 across U.S. operators. The AD also notes airplanes that do not operate in Canada are not required to comply and therefore have no costs under this AD.
Radio-altimeter tolerant planes are exempt
If an airplane demonstrates it is radio altimeter tolerant using the tolerances and FAA-approved methods in the AD, no AFM changes or limitations are required for that airplane when operating in Canadian airspace. Previously approved alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for AD 2023-12-15 that are listed in this AD are accepted as AMOCs for the tolerance determination.
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