Citing the potential for 5G C-band interference, two helicopter operators have filed petitions for an exemption to the FAA requirement for functioning onboard radar altimeters for flight training and night firefighting operations. The petitions follow a similar and successful petition filed by the Helicopter Association International on behalf of helicopter air ambulance operators.
Longhorn Helicopters, dba the Helicopter Institute, is seeking relief from the requirements of 14 CFR Sec. 91.205(h)(7) and 91.9(a) to allow it to use night vision goggles for flight training of Part 135 helicopter operators including helicopter air ambulance operators, FAA safety inspectors, and law enforcement entities, with radar altimeters that are not functioning normally due to interference from wireless broadband 5G C-Band emissions.
Similarly, Columbia Helicopters has filed for an exemption to conduct night firefighting operations using night-vision goggles and for pilot training for Part 135 helicopter operations conducted under a Department of Defense contract, as well as pilot training for FAA safety inspectors, with radar altimeters that are not functioning normally due to 5G C-band interference.