ANAC publishes airworthiness guideline on 5G interference in flights

On April 18, Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) informed that it issued the Airworthiness Directive DA #2024-04-01, which will be effective on July 21, 2024, with the purpose of reducing the risks of possible interference from 5G signal in radio altimeter equipment and consequent effects on aircraft operation, particularly during approach and landing procedures. AD #2024-04-01 covers airplanes approved or authorized for certain automatic landing procedures, such as ILS category II or III approaches; operation with Head Up Display (HUD) until touchdown; and operation with Enhanced Vision System (EVS) until touchdown. Since the beginning of 2021, the Agency has worked to identify the possible consequences of implementing the 5G signal. Together with the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel), aircraft manufacturers, air operators, and foreign counterparts, ANAC evaluated the necessary mitigations for the Brazilian scenario, in order to guarantee safe coexistence between Aeronautical Radionavigation services and the Personal Mobile Service 5G in Band C. Some aircraft functions may be affected by interference from wireless broadband (5G) operations on radio altimeters. Anomalies in the radio altimeter not detectable by the pilot or any automated system on the plane, especially near the ground, may affect the ability to fly and land safely. The start of operation of the 5G signal in Brazil occurred in the context of Anatel Act #9,064, of June 28, 2022, which defined maximum power limitations and antenna routing in order to reduce possible risks to civil aviation. More recently, Anatel Act #14,704, of October 11, 2023, provided for the removal of limitations relating to signal power, as of July 31, 2024. As that date approaches, after extensive discussion with the sector, the ANAC determines the adoption of measures by operators,