US (Washington Insider Magazine) – 5G cell phone technology is finally here. But does it present unique concerns for pilots and, even more specifically, the military?
The concern arises because 5G phone technology is the same technology that planes use for their altimeters, gauging their altitude. This technology feeds data to the autopilot system, collision avoidance programs, and other critical plane operation systems in a commercial aircraft.
Military planes also use radar altimeters. Many airports in the United States also serve as bases for military flying units such as the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. The FAA instructs pilots not to use radar altimeters at this time when there are low visibility conditions or bad weather. Instead, they are instructed to rely on “other equipment” for flight guidance.
The FAA provides guidance on civilian air transportation. No military guidance has been issued yet. The military 5G testing program won’t begin until next week and is expected to continue into April 2022. Military guidance is even more crucial because so much of their flying (planes and helicopters) occurs in low visibility, low flying, and poor weather conditions. Avoiding the use of radar altimeters is not a viable solution.
Military helicopters often find themselves in conditions where they need to hover above the ground in low visibility or not ideal conditions. They need the radar altimeters to hover safely. Interference could lead to injuries both on the ground and in the helicopter, as well as crashes.
The radar altimeter was created in 1924 but has gone through several iterations. The point is that the frequency used works, and it works well for commercial planes and works well for military airplanes and helicopters. Creating an alternative for the commercial airline industry will take time and imagination, and the result will likely be similar for the military.
For the moment, Verizon and AT&T have delayed activating the 5G service near airports, and they have not provided a new date for 5G implementation near airports. The military will conduct their tests, and time will tell what their tests declare.
