Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
Folks, from the Flight Blog, Cap’n Aux here. 5G interference with airline operations has made the headlines of late. In this post, we’ll explore the issue.
But First…
Check out my latest piece for AirwaysMag.com!
And now,
Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
Disclaimer
This is my personal take, from the pointy end, based on what I’ve read, what has been released by the FAA, and my Company, with regards to how to deal with the issues. We’ll talk in general terms only.
For more in-depth research, I’ve compiled a list of good articles, below.
After our 5G chat, we’ll have a little Blog Buddy fun!
Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
The Problem
Much hoopla has been made over the 5G and aircraft interference. Contrary to some hyperbole, however, planes won’t be falling out of the skies. Rather, the “threat” is limited to interference with Radio Altimeters (RA), which operate on a band very close to 5G. RAs are used in conjunction with standard altimeters to fly lower approaches in lower weather conditions.
The standard “CAT I” ILS will get an aircraft down to 200 feet above the runway and about 1/2 mile visibility. CAT II & III approaches, and auto-lands, allow even lower than this. However, this is where RAs are used.
While the threat may be limited, cutting out CAT II & III approaches can still wreak significant havoc on an already-strained system.
In a joint letter to the FAA, the chief executives of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others, wrote, “Immediate intervention is needed to avoid significant operational disruption.”
Three times, AT&T and Verizon agreed to delay deployment of 5G, over aviation safety concerns. During that time, the FAA worked with the carriers to figure out a workable compromise.
Note: Restrictions appear to only apply to the US and not other countries, presumably due to transmitters in the US tending to be much stronger.
Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
The Solution
While the FAA and cell companies have initially sent mixed signals like a—well, like a 5G tower interfering with a radio altimeter—some research and compromise was accomplished before the final rollout of 5G.
While many airlines initially canceled some flights on the day of 5G implementation, most flights have returned to the skies after the FAA’s final rulings.
For one, the FAA has established, and phone companies have temporarily agreed, to create 5G “buffer zones” around 50 US airports, to protect from interference.
Also, they have established, for certain airline and plane types, “Alternative Method of Compliance” (AMOC.) This provides some further relief for certain airports and runways.
Over time, more relief should come, as more extensive R&D occurs.
In the meantime, pilots will need to comply with specific NOTAMs issued for specific airports, as relates to 5G.
Flying the line, I will have to review my dispatch release, and take note of these NOTAMs for each specific flight. These will inform me what restrictions may or may not exist for my route, and what approaches, to what minimums, I can expect.
Pilots and the 5G Aviation Problem
My Take
To me, this appears to be a similar situation to when cellphones first came out. Erring on the side of caution, the FAA made a blanket ban for all cellphone use on planes. Several years later, after extensive research, they came out with the compromise we have today.
At least, this time around, the FAA wasn’t caught quite as flatfooted as they did with cells. I believe that, over time, we will come up with a similar, less drastic compromise. Further, manufacturers will have to come out with “hardened” versions of RAs.
Until that time, we will have to rely on certain restrictions for certain airports—and the inevitable delays that come with it.
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Blog Buddy Adventures!
This week, we got to have some serious Blog Buddy fun!
For starters, the other day, Blog Buddy Ross McD stayed up all hours to track and recreate my BOS-LHR flight in real time. Configuring his elaborate simulator to Boeing 777 mode, he programmed in my flight route and followed along, using Vatsim (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation network.)
Though, I doubt he got his crew rest bunk break like I did!
Some fun pics from his/our adventure!
Roscoe also sent me a link to his YouTube video showing his entire simulator setup.
And here’s some shots of his flight as he mirrored us. The cockpit looks exactly the same!
Pretty dang impressive!
Here’s the link to our Pearl Harbor post, where we got to honor Ross’s grandfather, a Pearl Harbor survivor:
December 7th, 2016: A Date Which Will Live in Memory
More Blog buddy Adventures
Also, this week I got to meet up with Team Aux’s own John “Otto Pilot” Keith (Center), finally recovered from a nasty round of Covid. He brought along his buddy Justin (L), a Gulfstream G500 driver, and of course everyone’s favorite Captain, Cap’n Dillon! (R)
Blog Buddy Apparel
And finally, be sure to check out our fellow aviation family’s website, an online aviation clothing store, Stitchmasters!
(Note: we don’t get any commissions or kickbacks here, just sharing with you a great site!)
Bunny makes for a great Stitchmasters aviation model, donchathink?!
Link: https://stitchmastersonline.com/product-category/customer-organization-stores/aviation/
On Final Approach
Touching Down Next Week
“Of ETOPS and NATs“
Next week, I’ll be exploring the mysterious world of ETOPS—Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards, and global navigation.
Stay tuned!
Till the next adventure…
This is Cap'n Aux
Signing Off!
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5G Links
- Airways Magazine 5G articles
- A great drill down for pilots on 5G with lots of cool videos https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43917/the-5g-fiasco-from-an-airline-pilots-point-of-view
- Airports with 5G Buffers https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/airports-5g-buffers
- https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/us-faa-to-issue-5g-wireless-aviation-impact-notices/
- https://gulftime.ae/faa-expands-safety-alert-on-5g-interference-with-aircraft/
- FAA AD https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2021-12/FRC_Document_AD-2021-01169-T-D.pdf
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- Other articles: https://airwaysmag.com/?s=auxier
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- WOTR Video: It’s What Pilots Do! https://capnaux.com/word-on-the-ramp-video-its-what-pilots-do/
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