NBAA Welcomes Changes to Radio Altimeter Rule

NBAA praised the FAA and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for working with industry on the final radio altimeter mandate that will require retrofits on nearly 60,000 aircraft. Released in late July, the rule calls for upgrading the radio altimeter minimum performance on aircraft operating in the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 

Under the rule, aircraft operating under Part 121 and large aircraft (30 or more passenger seats, or 7,500 pounds or more payload) operating under Part 129 must meet the new standards by Dec. 30, 2030. All others—including those operating under 91K, 135, and some 91—must meet the requirements by Oct. 31, 2034.

In the final rule published on Friday, the FAA estimated the cost of upgrades at $80,000 to $120,000 per aircraft, but believes some of this could be offset by an FCC rebate program involving the spectrum auction winners. A radio altimeter retrofit rebate program is expected to be funded within six to 12 months of the completion of an upper C-band auction.

The final rule adopts the requirements outlined in the January 7 notice of proposed rulemaking with three “minor” changes, including specific deadlines for the type of operator that were altered and extended; an allowance for limited authorizations for certain operations that cannot meet the schedule; and the addition of a requirement surrounding the interference tolerance mask. 

NBAA said the rule responds to the industry’s concerns about costs and timelines. “For example, the FCC filing outlines a rebate program, sought by NBAA and others, to help offset operators’ equipage costs,” the association noted, adding that such a rebate program would be funded by proceeds from the frequency auction.

“Equally important, the new mandate addresses the need for a reasonable installation timeline by providing certain business aircraft operated under Part 91, and all Part 135 aircraft,” NBAA further stated, pointing out that it provides nearly a decade for those operators.

“The radio altimeter rebate is a vital component of any equipage mandate, and a clear win for our members,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA v-p of air traffic services and infrastructure. “Radio altimeter modifications or replacements can represent a substantial, unplanned expense, and ensuring that all affected operators have access to this funding will help accelerate equipage, support compliance, and preserve access to the nation’s aviation system.”

NBAA plans to discuss the radio altimeter mandate in a session during the upcoming BACE on October 20 in Las Vegas.