(Washington, D.C. – December 17, 2021) The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA), representing more than 30,000 professional airline pilots, issued the following statement regarding the 5G mobile data service provided by telecom carriers across the United States.
CAPA continues to closely monitor the 5G issue and a recent decision by the FAA to issue two related airworthiness directives that, according to the FAA, are “intended to provide a framework and to gather more information to avoid potential effects of the 5G network plan on aviation safety equipment.”
While CAPA fully supports the FAA’s actions to ensure flight safety, we must insist that all further discussions include stakeholder participation combined with a rigorous data collection program. CAPA believes that the potential negative impact of 5G C-Band wireless interference with existing radio altimeter technology could compromise the instrument approach procedures that pilots depend on for operational safety and in the most demanding weather conditions.
“The current safety record enjoyed by the aviation industry has been made possible by ensuring that nothing compromises safety, regardless of the financial cost or personal inconvenience, as safety is priceless,” stated CAPA President Capt. Larry Rooney.
It is only through a collaborative data-driven approach, that includes the input of recognized independent safety organizations and aviation stakeholders, can we achieve a system where 5G technologies and all-weather flight operations can safely coexist.
CAPA, the world’s largest pilot trade association, represents more than 30,000 professional pilots at carriers including American Airlines, UPS Airlines, Atlas Air, Southern Air, Horizon Air, ABX Air, Cape Air, Silver Airways, Omni Air, and Republic Airways.
