New Flight Limits Target 5G Risks on Boeing 787s
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating rules for Boeing 787 airplanes because their radio altimeters can get mixed up by 5G signals in Canadian airspace. This can mess with landing systems, making landings longer and less safe. Starting July 1, 2026, pilots must follow new manual instructions to avoid these problems, keeping flights safe without extra costs for airlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Optional Modifications To Remove Limits
Operators may modify airplanes to become radio altimeter tolerant; doing so terminates the AFM limitations. Optional actions listed include radio altimeter replacement costing up to $120,000 per airplane, or a filter-addition option estimated up to $14,040 per airplane (24 work-hours × $85 = $2,040 labor plus $12,000 parts).
Addresses 5G Interference Landing Safety Risk
The AD addresses a safety problem where radio altimeters can be interfered with by 5G Lower C-Band signals in Canadian airspace (3.7–3.98 GHz), which can prevent systems from properly transitioning from AIR to GROUND during landing and lead to longer landing distances and possible runway excursions. The rule requires AFM limits and procedures for affected airplanes to reduce that safety risk beginning July 1, 2026.
AFM Change Required Before Canada Flights
If you operate a Boeing 787 that is not radio-altimeter tolerant, you must revise the airplane flight manual (AFM) before any further flight in Canadian airspace to add limitations that prohibit certain landings and use of certain MEL items and to add operating procedures for landing distance calculations. This AD is effective July 1, 2026.
Scope, Fleet Count, and Limited Applicability
The AD applies to all Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes certificated in any category; the FAA estimates it affects 192 U.S.-registered airplanes. The FAA notes airplanes that do not operate in Canadian airspace will not have to comply with this AD.
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Key Dates
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Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-13218 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is updating rules for Boeing 757 and 767 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 approaches starting July 1, 2026. This change helps avoid tricky situations but might mean extra work for flight crews and some operational limits.