HIGHLIGHTS 

Last week, the FAA announced that it had certified 20 altimeter types.

90% of the commercial fleet in the United States has been authorised by the FAA.

The FCC was invited to speak but was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts.

WHY IN NEWS 

A organization that represents large US passenger and freight airlines will warn US senators on Thursday that permanently addressing aviation interference concerns caused by the introduction of 5G wireless in the C-band will take 'years.' Airlines for America CEO Nick Calio will testify in writing before a House Transportation and Infrastructure panel that the 5G difficulties affecting the airports should've been avoided. 'The procedure which led towards this logistical disaster must be propped up as a morality tale of official cooperation and interaction gone bad,' he adds in his testimony, which Reuters read but has not yet been made public.

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Calio, his group supports American Airlines, United Airlines, FedEx, and other big airlines, adds, 'It will likely take years, not days or weeks, to properly and permanently alleviate the interference difficulties created by deployment of 5G in the C-band.' After the aviation industry and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that 5G interference might affect important aeroplane equipment like radio altimeters, Verizon and AT&T agreed in January to postpone the deployment of some 5G wireless towers near airports. Last week, the FAA said that it has authorised 20 altimeter types and given approval to 90 percent of the US commercial fleet to land in low-visibility approaches in C-Band 5G zones. However, certain flights, particularly regional planes, have been disrupted by 5G in bad weather.

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President of the Aerospace Industries Association, Eric Fanning, will tell legislators that progress is being made, but the problem is not yet solved. 'There are disturbances in their path, even with additional negotiation and teamwork,' his testimony continues, 'with many open topics still on the table. ' FAA Director Steve Dickson, cellular industry organisation CTIA Director Meredith Attwell Baker, and others will testify during the session. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was asked to appear but was unable to do so, according to a committee spokeswoman. The FCC did not respond right away.  Baker will tell legislators that the wireless industry 'remains optimistic' that 5G will not jeopardise air traffic safety. 

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The FCC's backing for the telecom sector, according to Air Line Pilots Association President Joe DePete, has 'not only put the public at risk, but it has also required pilots to conduct substantial workarounds to maintain the safety of flight.' 'Pockets of agony continue,' Cathryn Stephens, an airport executive representing the American Association of Airport Executives, will tell legislators, 'and it is obvious that the relief may be fleeting and depending on the telecoms' willingness to function in a restricted way in some locations.'