Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
What happened
President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, leading to the Federal Communications Commission making 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for wireless use. In response, the FAA issued new regulations requiring all radio altimeters to meet specific performance requirements to withstand interference. Aircraft operating under part 121 and certain part 129 aircraft must comply by December 30, 2030, while all other affected aircraft must comply by October 31, 2034.
Why it matters
These new regulations aim to ensure aviation safety by preventing wireless signals from interfering with aircraft altimeters, which provide critical altitude readings. This allows for the safe rollout of new wireless services in the Upper C-band while maintaining reliable flight operations for various types of aircraft.
Who it affects
- ›Aircraft operating under part 121
- ›Part 129 aircraft with 30+ passenger seats
- ›Part 129 aircraft with 7,500+ pound payload
- ›Aircraft operating under parts 91, 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194
- ›Federal Communications Commission
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