FAA Issues 5G Warning for All Boeing 747 Models
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, all Boeing 747 models must update their flight manuals to avoid using radio altimeter data when flying in Canadian airspace. This change is because 5G signals can mess with the altimeters, making some flight systems act up and increasing pilot workload during critical moments like takeoff and landing. Pilots and airlines need to follow these new rules to keep flights safe without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated Compliance Costs for Operators
The FAA estimates this AD affects 114 U.S.-registered Boeing 747 airplanes. The required AFM revision for non-radio-altimeter-tolerant airplanes is estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) per airplane. Optional modifications to remove limitations include a radio altimeter replacement up to $120,000 or adding a filter (24 work-hours + $12,000 parts) up to $14,040 per airplane.
Boeing 747s: New AFM Limits for Canada
If you operate a Boeing Model 747 listed in the rule, you must revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) before further flight in Canadian airspace to add limits that prohibit operations relying on radio altimeter data for dispatch/release, takeoff, approach, landing, and go-around. This AD is effective July 1, 2026 and applies to Model 747-100 through -400F series airplanes certificated in any category.
Upgrades Remove AFM Flight Limits
If you modify a non-radio-altimeter-tolerant airplane so it meets the AD's radio altimeter tolerance criteria (using an FAA-approved method), that modification terminates the AFM operating limitations and you may remove those limitations from the AFM. The AD allows previously approved AMOCs for AD 2023-12-14 to apply.
No Cost If You Don't Operate in Canada
If your Boeing 747 does not operate in Canadian airspace, you are not required to comply with this AD and will have no costs under this AD. The FAA states airplanes that do not operate in Canada will not have to comply.
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Key Dates
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Previous: 2026-13206 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
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.
Next: 2026-13208 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Starting July 1, 2026, all Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 planes must update their flight manuals to avoid using radio altimeter data when flying in Canadian airspace. This change stops 5G signals from messing with important landing and takeoff systems, keeping flights safer and preventing runway mishaps. Pilots and airlines should act fast to follow these new rules and send feedback by August 14, 2026.