Business aviation operators will be able to meet FAA radio altimeter standards by updating existing equipment, with Collins Aerospace service centres beginning upgrades in 2027.
Collins Aerospace is offering upgrades for its family of radio altimeters, providing business aviation operators with a clear path to meet incoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operational standards.
The simplified upgrade paths apply to Collins’ existing radio altimeter variants, which meet the FAA requirements and have demonstrated resilience to 5G interference without the need to replace existing systems.
Collins’ radio altimeters are engineered to provide precise, reliable measurements of an aircraft’s height above terrain, feeding key functions such as automatic flight control, cockpit instrument displays and warning systems. The systems are designed to filter out false altitude returns caused by structures, nearby aircraft or ground features, helping maintain consistent situational awareness during critical stages of flight.
Craig Bries, vice president and general manager of airborne electronics at Collins Aerospace, says: “By updating existing equipment, we’re making compliance simple while delivering upgrades that enhance safety, strengthen connectivity and support precise navigation in the years ahead.”
Collins’ service centres will begin providing the upgrades in 2027 as part of a multi-year effort to bring business aviation fleets into compliance with the standards. Because tens of thousands of aircraft will require updates, early scheduling will help operators avoid delays and ensure they meet upcoming deadlines.
The radio altimeter upgrades form part of Collins’ broader airspace modernisation efforts, which include avionics for increasingly capable operations and technologies that connect aircraft, controllers, infrastructure and data.
