FAA Proposes a New Patch of Instrument-Flying Airspace Near Zuni
Published Date: 6/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Zuni, New Mexico to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers by improving flight rules in the area. Comments on this plan are open until July 25, 2025, and there’s no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Class E Airspace at Zuni Airport
The FAA proposes Class E airspace at Andrew Othole Memorial Airport, Zuni, NM, extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within an 8.5‑mile radius of the airport. The proposal also includes two extensions: 2 miles each side of the 069° bearing from the 8.5‑mile radius to 14.3 miles northeast, and 2 miles each side of the 249° bearing from the 8.5‑mile radius to 15.9 miles southwest. The change is meant to support new instrument procedures and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations; comments are due by July 25, 2025.
FAA Finds No Significant Economic Impact
The FAA states the proposed rule "only involves an established body of technical regulations" and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866, not a "significant rule" under DOT policies, does not warrant a regulatory evaluation because the anticipated impact is minimal, and is certified not to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The document also says there is no cost to the public associated with this proposal.
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Key Dates
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