FAA Carves Airspace for Sunbury NC Fire Heliport
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Rule
Summary
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace starting 700 feet above the ground around the Sunbury Fire Department Heliport in North Carolina. This change helps pilots safely use GPS-based flight paths when flying in and out of the heliport. The new airspace rules kick in on June 12, 2025, and won’t cost anyone extra but will make flying safer and smoother.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Improved Medevac Access and Healthcare Reach
The FAA found that establishing the Class E airspace will improve safety and accessibility for medevac helicopter operations serving the Sunbury community, which the rule states improves overall access to healthcare. This accessibility improvement is tied to the same airspace that begins at 700 feet within a 6-mile radius and takes effect 0901 UTC on June 12, 2025.
New Class E Airspace for Sunbury Heliport
The FAA established Class E airspace starting at 700 feet above the ground within a 6-mile radius of the Sunbury Fire Department Heliport (Lat. 36°26'16" N, Long. 76°36'29" W). This controlled airspace supports new RNAV (GPS) instrument approach procedures and is effective 0901 UTC on June 12, 2025.
FAA Says Minimal Economic Impact on Small Entities
The FAA determined this airspace change is a routine technical amendment and that the anticipated economic impact is minimal. The agency certified the rule is not a "significant regulatory action" and does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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