FAA Ditches San Bernardino Airspace Changes After Pilot Pushback
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA has decided to cancel its plan to change the airspace rules around San Bernardino International Airport, after many people raised concerns about safety and nearby airports. This means pilots and local airports won’t see any new airspace changes or costs for now. The decision is effective immediately as of April 18, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Proposed San Bernardino Airspace Changes Withdrawn
The FAA withdrew the October 11, 2024 proposed rule to modify Class D airspace and establish a Class E extension at San Bernardino International Airport (KSBD). This withdrawal is effective 0901 UTC on April 18, 2025, so pilots and local airports will not see the proposed airspace changes or related new costs from that proposal for now.
Ultralight Operation Rule Clarified
The document cites 14 CFR 103.17: ultralight vehicles may not operate within Class A, B, C, or D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of a Class E surface area designated for an airport without prior authorization. The document also states that ultralight activity is permitted within Class E airspace areas that are designated as an extension to a Class D or Class E surface area because that extension is not designated for an airport.
FAA Acknowledges KREI Safety Concerns; Will Consider Comments
The FAA acknowledged commenters' safety concerns that the proposed Class D shelf (base at 2,600 feet mean sea level) was only 100 feet above Redland Municipal Airport's (KREI) published traffic pattern altitude of 2,500 feet MSL and agreed the shelf could compress KREI traffic. The FAA stated future airspace designs will take these comments into consideration.
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