Michigan Airspace Shrinks as Old Beacon Dies
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the Class E airspace around Iron Mountain/Kingsford, MI because they’re shutting down an old navigation system called the VOR. This change helps keep flights safe and smooth for pilots using instruments to fly. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 9, 2025—no costs or fees are involved, just better airspace rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Smaller Class E surface area at Ford Airport
The FAA proposes to change the Class E surface airspace at Ford Airport (Iron Mountain/Kingsford, MI) to a 4.1-mile radius (reduced from a 7-mile radius). It also adds an extension 1 mile each side of the 188° bearing from the 4.1-mile radius to 4.5 miles south of the airport; these changes are intended to support instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
Smaller Class E (from 700 ft) airspace and revised extensions
The FAA proposes to change the Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet above the surface to a 6.6-mile radius (reduced from 8.7 miles). The southern extension would be removed, and the northern extension would be amended to 3.6 miles each side of the 008° bearing from the Ford RWY 01 localizer, extending from the 6.6-mile radius to 11.1 miles north (previously 4.4 miles each side and 16 miles).
Minimal economic impact on small entities
The FAA certified that this proposed amendment will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation and therefore will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Comments on the proposal are due by June 9, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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