Altimeter-equipped Alaska aircraft face 2034 interference deadline

FAA Sets 2034 Deadline for Alaska Aircraft to Upgrade Altimeters

Alaska air taxis, floatplanes and general aviation aircraft that fly into the contiguous United States and are already equipped with radio altimeters must meet new performance requirements for withstanding wireless interference by Oct. 31, 2034, under a final Federal Aviation Administration rule. Radio altimeters measure height above terrain; they feed terrain-warning and low-visibility landing systems.

Large carriers face an earlier date. Part 121 aircraft, and part 129 aircraft with 30 or more seats or payload above 7,500 pounds, must comply by Dec. 30, 2030, "which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services," the FAA said. The FCC's July 2026 order opens 160 megahertz of that band, 3.98 to 4.2 gigahertz, to wireless bidding.

The requirement does not apply to operations conducted only in Alaska. Alaska-based aircraft must comply once they enter covered airspace.

The FAA estimates the retrofit at up to $7.1 billion nationally, with up to $2.2 billion in rebates targeted to airlines. Smaller aircraft typically carry one altimeter unit; airliners carry two or three. The split in deadlines leaves the smallest operators with the longest runway to absorb the cost, and the least margin if the equipment market tightens as the earlier date approaches.