A coalition of organizations representing the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, airlines, pilots, and operators recently sent a letter to the National Economic Council urging a delay in deploying 5G technologies to the C-band.
“We believe it is incumbent on the National Economic Council to work with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to convene a joint industry working group and continue to delay the deployment of 5G technologies in this band until the safety and efficiency of the NAS (National Airspace System) is ensured,” the letter said. “The goal of this working group would be to reach acceptable mitigations. Aviation will not be able to maintain the current level of public safety and economic activity without support from the Biden-Harris Administration and the implementation of mitigations by the cellular industry.”
The FAA recently issued a bulletin alerting pilots, operators, and manufacturers that action may be needed to address potential interference caused by 5G systems with radio altimeters, navigation equipment on general aviation aircraft.
Members of the coalition include Boeing Co., the Aerospace Industries Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Airlines for America, and the Air Line Pilots Association International.