Wire · technology
FAA Sets Radio Altimeter Upgrade Deadlines
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Fusion42 · 28 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
The FAA has finalised rules requiring aircraft to upgrade radio altimeters to meet new interference-tolerance standards by December 2030 (Part 121) or October 2034 (other categories), with replacement costs estimated at $80,000-$120,000 per unit plus installation. The upgrade addresses potential interference from 5G wireless services in the Upper C-band, and a rebate programme funded by spectrum auction winners will offset costs for eligible domestic operators.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Aviation Tech, and 9 sources have reported it between 22 Jul 2026 and 28 Jul 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You've just been handed a $675m-$970m retrofit market for Part 135 operators alone, and the FAA has given you until 2030 to capture it. If you make radio altimeters or avionics upgrades, this is a guaranteed procurement cycle with a rebate programme backing the spend.
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9 sources · first reported 22 Jul 2026 · latest 28 Jul 2026
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