Temporary measures introduced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to reduce the impact of 5G transmissions on radio altimeters (radalts) around airports have ended.
Date
As a result, operators conducting low visibility instrument approach procedures within Australia are now required to have upgraded radalts.
Location based flexibility
ACMA requires telecommunications providers to give at least 4 weeks’ notice before activating a 5G base station near major airports where low‑visibility procedures are used. These airports are listed on our 5G and radar altimeters webpage.
Operators can elect to use a temporary exemption to continue operations without upgraded equipment (see CASA EX15/26 and CASA 06/26) until a 5G base station is switched on near the airport.
Related rules now published
The following instruments have been published to support these requirements:
- CASA 06/26 – Direction for Part 129 foreign AOC holders and New Zealand AOC holders with ANZA privileges
- Amendments to the Manuals of Standards for Parts 91, 121, 133 and 135 – applicable to domestic and other foreign operators
- CASA EX15/26 – Aircraft Used for Low-visibility Approaches (Radio Altimeters) Exemption 2026.
Report possible interference
We encourage you to continue to report possible interference to radalts and associated airborne equipment, especially at or below 2,500 ft AGL. You can report this through our defect report service.
More information is available on the 5G and radar altimeter webpage.