FAA: 5G Signals Now Forcing New Boeing 737 Landing Rules
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating rules for many Boeing 737 airplanes to keep flights safe when flying over Canada. Because 5G signals can mess with radio altimeters, pilots will get new instructions to avoid using certain systems during landings and approaches. This change starts July 1, 2026, and helps pilots stay in control without extra hassle or big costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Expensive optional equipment to remove limits
Operators may remove the AFM operating limitations by modifying airplanes to be radio-altimeter-tolerant; optional modifications listed include a full radio-altimeter replacement costing up to $120,000 per airplane or a filter addition option estimated up to $14,040 (24 work-hours at $85/hr plus $12,000 per filter).
AFM rule change before flights to Canada
If your airline operates Boeing 737 series airplanes listed in this AD (Models 737-100 through -900ER, except 737-200 and -200C with an SP-77 flight control system), you must revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) for non-radio-altimeter-tolerant airplanes before further flight in Canadian airspace. This AD is effective July 1, 2026, the FAA estimates it affects 1,995 U.S.-registered airplanes, and the AFM revision is estimated at 1 work-hour = $85 per airplane.
New pilot operating limits and workload
Pilots of affected non-radio-altimeter-tolerant Boeing 737s will get new AFM limitations and operating procedures that prohibit certain operations requiring radio-altimeter data in Canadian airspace (effective July 1, 2026). The AD notes these changes are to prevent radio-altimeter interference from 5G Lower C-Band and that affected operations include approach, landing, and go-around procedures, which will increase flightcrew workload during those phases of flight.
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