FAA Redraws Airspace Over North Carolina's Hickory Skies
Published Date: 5/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Hickory and Morganton airports are getting bigger and better airspace zones to keep flights safe and smooth. The changes expand the flying areas around these airports and update some details like names and locations. Pilots and travelers will benefit from safer skies, with no extra costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Hickory airspace expanded and extended
If you fly to or from Hickory Regional Airport, the controlled airspace around the airport is being enlarged: the Class D and Class E surface area radius is increased to 4.6 miles and an extension to the surface area is being added, and the Class E area from 700 feet is being increased to a 7.1-mile radius with an added extension. These changes are due to new instrument approach procedures and runway configuration changes and are intended to improve safety for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations; pilots and travelers are expected to benefit with no extra costs or delays expected.
Morganton (Foothills) airspace and chart updates
Foothills Regional Airport in Morganton will have its Class E airspace (extending upward from 700 feet) amended to ensure protection for standard instrument approach procedures. The rule also updates the airport's name and geographic coordinates in the description and removes 'Grace Hospital' from the airport description. These changes are intended to support safe IFR operations for pilots and travelers.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-12268 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Plan
The FAA is asking airlines to keep submitting their Flight Attendant Fatigue Risk Management Plans so they can keep flight attendants safe and alert. This renewal means airlines must keep sharing these plans with the FAA, helping prevent tiredness on the job without adding extra costs. You’ve got until August 17, 2026, to share your thoughts on how this process works!
2026-12327 — National Airspace System Advisory Committee (Previously Known as the NextGen Advisory Committee)
The FAA is renewing the National Airspace System Advisory Committee’s charter and looking for new members by July 20, 2026. This committee helps shape the future of air traffic by advising on new tech and operations that keep our skies safe and efficient. If you’re into aviation or tech, this is your chance to help steer the future of flying!
2026-12277 — Special Conditions: Honeywell Aerospace US LLC, Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 900EX Airplane; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized External Access
Honeywell Aerospace is upgrading the Dassault Falcon 900EX with new digital systems that connect the plane to outside networks like the internet and wireless devices. Because this is a new kind of tech for airplanes, the FAA is setting special safety rules to keep hackers out and protect the plane’s electronics. These rules take effect June 18, 2026, and Honeywell must follow them to keep flights safe without extra costs for passengers.
2026-12362 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you own or fly Airbus Helicopters AS355 models, heads up! The FAA found some tail rotor parts might be mislabeled, which could be unsafe. They want you to check serial numbers, inspect parts if needed, and replace or fix any wrong ones—all before August 3, 2026. This keeps your helicopter safe and flying smoothly, with some possible costs for inspections or replacements.
2026-12273 — Special Conditions: Honeywell Aerospace US LLC, Dassault Aviation Model Falcon 900EX Airplane; Electronic System Security Protection From Unauthorized Internal Access
The FAA is setting new safety rules for the Dassault Falcon 900EX airplane, upgraded by Honeywell Aerospace, to protect its electronic systems from unauthorized internal access. These rules make sure the plane’s digital networks stay safe and secure, matching modern tech needs. The new standards take effect immediately, and folks can send their thoughts by August 3, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09161 — Amendment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-64, T-414, and T-705; and Establishment of United States RNAV Routes T-461 and T-463; Eastern United States
The FAA is updating some flight paths in the eastern U.S. by changing routes Q-64, T-414, and T-705, and creating new routes T-461 and T-463. These changes help pilots fly safer and smoother with modern technology. The updates affect airlines and air traffic controllers and are part of ongoing improvements with no extra costs for travelers.
Next: 2025-09095 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly certain Airbus helicopters, the FAA wants you to upgrade some key parts in the main gearbox to keep things safe. They’re asking for a new fix that includes swapping out bolts and modifying a suspension bar link, plus stopping the use of some old parts. This update means you’ll need to act soon to avoid safety risks and keep your helicopter flying smoothly.