ADVOCATING FOR YOU continued
complexity of the operational environ- ment, the implications of landing at off- site locations, and the time-sensitive nature of HAA flights. On Nov. 2, 2021, the FAA released a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB), AIR-21-18, on the risk of potential adverse effects on radar altime- ters from 5G operations. The SAIB informs aircraft manufacturers, radar altimeter man- ufacturers, operators, and pilots of the planned deployment of wireless broadband networks in the 3700–3980 MHz bands. At that time, 5G was scheduled to begin deployment on Dec. 5 in the 3700–3800 MHz bands. The aviation coalition filed written ex parte filings with the FCC referencing the FAA’s safety concerns as expressed in its SAIB. Coalition representatives also cited a deficiency of essential information in the FCC public record about 5G systems, resulting in a lack of the data needed to make decisions about aviation safety. This deficiency only reinforced the need for interagency and interindustry coordination to answer the many questions regarding 5G interference and aviation safety.
5G Deployment Delayed On Nov. 4, 2021, the wireless industry agreed to delay its scheduled 5G deploy- ment by one month, until Jan. 5, 2022. In announcing the delay, AT&T and Verizon Communications stated their intent to work in good faith with the FAA and FCC to address concerns about potential interfer- ence with safety-critical aviation systems. HAI and other members of the aviation coalition briefed the White House National Economic Council (NEC) on the 5G issue in early November. Industry representatives expressed their collective concern about the restrictions that may be placed on avia- tion operations if the telecommunications industry fails to put forward reasonable
10 ROTOR DECEMBER 2021 HAI Members
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mitigations to address radar altimeter interference. Restrictions on helicopter operations
will have devastating effects on critical industries such as helicopter air ambulance, oil and gas, firefighting, and utility and power-line work. Aviation coalition mem- bers have made it clear that cooperation among all stakeholders is necessary to cre- ate and implement solutions that protect the safety of the US National Airspace System (NAS) and support the utilization of 5G technology.
Interagency Technical Working Group Following the release of the FAA’s SAIB and the meeting with the aviation coalition, the NEC agreed to coordinate a technical work- ing group with representatives from the aviation industry, telecommunications industry, FAA, and FCC to develop action- able mitigations. HAI and industry stake- holders continue to meet regularly with regulators and the NEC to discuss neces- sary mitigations.
AT&T and Verizon Proposal Concerns On Nov. 21, 2021, AT&T and Verizon Communications announced plans to adopt new precautionary measures to address the safety concerns of the FAA and the avi- ation industry. The telecommunications proposal would place limits on power levels at 5G base stations near public-use airports with paved runways and near public-use heliports. HAI and the aviation coalition appreciate wireless carriers’
acknowledgment that 5G deployment will interfere with safety-critical aviation equipment if it proceeds as currently allowed. However, Verizon and AT&T’s mea- sures are inadequate and far too narrow to ensure the safety and economic vital-
ity of the aviation industry. There are signifi- cant technical shortfalls in their proposal that, if left unchanged, would have little to no impact on addressing aviation concerns.
The Aviation Counterproposal On Dec. 6, 2021, aviation coalition stake- holders filed a letter with the FAA that included the Aviation Safety Proposal for 5G Limits for discussion and consideration. This proposal is in response to AT&T and Verizon’s Nov. 21 proposal. The coalition’s proposal builds on the telecom proposal and provides additional safeguards in, around, and on the approach to airports and heliports. It also aims to minimize the impact on both telecom and aviation operations. HAI and other coalition members look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to find a win– win solution for both industries and for the flying public.
FAA Takes Cautious Approach The FAA has a history of ensuring safety by accounting for the worst-case scenarios, and that is exactly how the agency was expected to respond to the possibility of 5G interference with safety-critical equip- ment. Given the sheer number of ques- tions and concerns left unanswered by the telecommunications industry, the FAA had no choice but to act to protect safety within the NAS. To effect immediate changes in US avia- tion operations, the FAA has several tools at its disposal, including Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), and airworthiness
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