Dover Airspace Gets Boundary Changes and an Old Zone Removed
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules around Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, to make flying safer and clearer for pilots using instruments. They’re changing some airspace boundaries, removing outdated zones, and updating location info for Dover’s airports and navigation aids. If you have thoughts, speak up by July 25, 2025—no costs or delays expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Dover Class D expanded to 4.9 miles
Pilots operating at or near Dover Air Force Base will see the Class D airspace increased from a 4.6-mile radius to a 4.9-mile radius, covering surface up to and including 2,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). The change is intended to better contain instrument flight rule (IFR) operations and improve safety and air traffic management.
Class E surface and 700-ft airspace reconfigured
The FAA proposes to establish Class E surface airspace within a 4.9-mile radius of Dover AFB that will be effective when the control tower is closed, revoke specific Class E surface extensions that run 2.7 miles each side of the Dover TACAN 177°, 013°, and 133° radials (from the 4.6-mile radius to 5.7 miles), and reconfigure Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet by removing segments 3.1 miles each side of the Dover TACAN 177° and 133° radials (from the 7.9-mile radius to 9.2 miles), leaving specified radii around Dover AFB (7.9 miles) and Delaware Airpark (6.3 miles) and defined Smyrna VORTAC radial limits.
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Key Dates
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