TAMPA, FL: "5G broadband networks are set to be deployed across the United States in January 2022, just a few weeks away. But the Federal Aviation Administration says there is an issue with that rollout. The systems pilots use to land safely rely on a spectrum adjacent to that in which 5G services also use. To put it simply, the FAA is worried rolling out 5G will make it more difficult for pilots to safely land. Most commercial planes use a radio altimeter to determine how far they are from whatever is below them. This device helps pilots land when weather conditions are less than favorable, say in instances of fog. Mark Weinkrantz is an aviation expert and former commercial airline pilot. He said the new FAA directives can ultimately mean there will be scenarios in which planes cannot take off because they will not be able to safely land.

“The 5G technology that’s being sent out by the cell phone companies operates with a radio band that is close to but not identical to what the radar altimeter uses on the aircraft," Weinkrantz said. "So if there is some spillover, the concern is that it could interfere with the signals during a critical phase in the flight.“

The FAA's new directives state radio altimeters can not be relied on to do their job if they're experiencing interference from wireless broadband. Airline for America, or A4A, is warning the new FAA directives will impact thousands of passengers.

"The expected costs to the flying public, shippers, and airlines are significant as the AD (airworthiness directive) will materially disrupt airline operations," A4A said in a statement. "For example, if the AD were applied in arrears to A4A members’ 2019 operations, approximately 345,000 passenger flights, 32 million passengers, and 5,400 cargo flights would have been impacted in the form of delayed flights, diversions, or cancellations." Carter Wang is the managing director of A4A. He says these estimates are conservative and do not account for the domino effect each flight delay or cancellation may cause."

https://www.wtsp.com/article/travel/5g-rollout-implications-on-air-travel/67-3e5334ff-fd2b-4182-a295-24938a314787