The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that 5G-related landing bans may clear flights due to snow at airports, and the FAA warns that it will limitless visible landings after the launch of 5G networks, fearing interference with radio altimeters
 |
| The Federal Aviation Administration |
After a fairly smooth first day, the impact of the new 5G cellular service on air travel is being tested through snow and winter weather.
The Federal Aviation Administration has warned that 5G signals will limit landings in some less obvious situations due to concerns it could interfere with critical aircraft equipment. With the winter storm approaching Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration said some flights may have to be diverted.
The crux of the problem is the plane's wireless altimeter, which tells pilots how far the plane is from the ground. Altimeters use frequencies that sit next to those used in the new 5G service, raising concerns about the aircraft receiving incorrect data.
The new service started on Wednesday after being delayed twice from December. Verizon and AT&T agreed, at the last minute, to temporarily delay start-ups near airports after airline officials warned that the signals could cause widespread disruption and "disaster."
“Given the nationwide expansion of the 5G C band and the potential for wireless altimeter interference, [Air Traffic Control] has identified airports and/or geographic areas that may be affected by weather conditions that could translate into the flight,” he said.
Airports in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore a,n andd San Francisco were the hardest hit, noting that it could support traffic at airports in Detroit, Reno, California, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told Squawk Box on CNBC Thursday, "We're not only compromising on safety and when the FAA tells us it's not safe to land, we don't have the wisdom to do so, but we We do it in two."
Late Wednesday, the FAA approved 62% of the United States. The fleet lands in poor visibility, over 45% on weekends. The company plans for more approvals by Thursday. The approved altimeters include the Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 aircraft, as well as the Airbus A310, A320, A321s, A350s, and A380 aircraft.
Small regional aircraft are still pending clearance.
Regional airline Skywest Airlines said in a statement on Wednesday: “We were privileged to enjoy favorable weather on most destinations on the first day of 5G implementation but have not received any updates from the FAA on mitigation for our fleet. The airlines fly to America, the United States and the Delta.” If the weather deteriorates in an affected area, there is a high probability of operational impact for all commercial aircraft until complete mitigation. As usual, we will not compromise on security."
A few were canceled on the first day of service because the airlines were also enjoying relatively clear weather. Some international airlines, including Japan Airlines and Emirates Airlines, canceled some flights to the United States, but the Federal Aviation Administration reversed that decision after clearing 777 wide-body planes for landing in low visibility conditions. These aircraft are commonly used on international long-distance routes.
