737 Fleet Must Update Manuals for Canadian 5G Zones
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Options to remove AFM limits cost money
Operators may eliminate the AFM operating limitations by modifying a non-radio altimeter tolerant airplane to a radio altimeter tolerant configuration. Optional modification costs listed include up to $120,000 for radio altimeter replacement, or up to $14,040 for a filter-addition option (24 work-hours plus $12,000 parts).
No action for tolerant airplanes
If a Boeing 737-8, 737-9, or 737-8200 is determined to be a radio altimeter tolerant airplane using an FAA-approved method, no actions are required by this AD and the AFM limitations do not apply. The AD states that airplanes already demonstrated tolerant performance under the 3.7–3.98 GHz criteria need not comply with the AFM revisions.
Must revise AFM before flying to Canada
Starting July 1, 2026, all Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 airplanes that are not radio altimeter tolerant must have their airplane flight manual (AFM) revised before any further flight in Canadian airspace. The FAA estimates the AFM revision takes 1 work-hour at $85 per airplane and that up to 832 U.S.-registered airplanes are in the affected fleet.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-13207 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
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.
Next: 2026-13216 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating rules for Boeing 747-8 and 777 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 starting July 1, 2026. This change helps prevent problems with important airplane systems and keeps everyone flying smoothly, with no big costs expected.