On 20.01.2022, the following letter was sent to NoA (Network of Analysts) members, which include also representatives of the RCAA, comprising the latest EASA actions in the field of 5G network:
EASA is aware of the various developments in the United States with regard to the potential risk of 5G interference of Radio Altimeters, including the issuance by the FAA of various Airworthiness Directives and NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) limiting Radio Altimeter use at various airports and locations within the U.S.. EASA is engaged in discussions with the FAA to better understand their safety concerns with regards to the specific U.S. context and to coordinate further actions, and will continue to assess and adopt as necessary ADs when issued by the FAA. The FAA has created a webpage providing regular updates on this topic, indicating that 5G will be activated in the U.S. on 19 January 2022.
The need to ensure there is no interference from 5G is not a new issue. EASA has conducted investigations as to whether the deployment of 5G will have any impact on radio altimeter functioning and subsequent impact at aircraft level and will continue to investigate this actively. This involves collating technical information from aircraft and equipment manufacturers to ensure that 5G will not create any unsafe conditions.
In addition EASA is participating directly in discussions with the Electronic Communications Committee of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), which has been tasked to perform a study on the safe coexistence of 5G mobile telephony and radio altimeters. EASA is also actively coordinating with the EASA Member States, who are responsible for the placement of ground stations and their proximity to airports.
Further, EASA is also aware of the deployment of 5G mobile telecommunications in the C-band in various countries across Europe.
At this time, EASA is not aware of any in-service incidents caused by 5G interference. Until the 5G initiation in the U.S., the technical data received from EU manufacturers offers no conclusive evidence for immediate safety concerns at this time. However we will continue to monitor the situation closely, not only in the EU, but also in other regions where the allocated 5G frequency band is closer to the frequencies used for radio altimeters.
EASA issued Safety Information Bulletin 2021-16 on 10 December 2021, advising EASA Member State Operators of the associated risks, and advising actions to mitigate such risks. Further, EASA is assisting EU manufacturers apply for and gain AMOCs (Alternative Methods of Compliance) to alleviate the effects of NOTAMs issued in the U.S.. Operators conducting operations in or into the U.S. should take into account the NOTAMs, the global AMOCs that may be relevant for their aircraft, and any additional manufacturer information related to this topic.