FAA Shuffles Wichita Skies: More Part-Time Airspace Ahead
Published Date: 8/11/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating airspace rules around Wichita, KS, to switch McConnell Air Force Base’s Class D airspace from full-time to part-time and create matching Class E airspace. These changes help pilots fly safely using instruments and keep everything up to date with official maps. If you fly or work near Wichita airports, expect smoother skies soon with no extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
McConnell AFB: Class D to Part‑Time
The FAA proposes to change McConnell Air Force Base’s Class D airspace from full‑time to part‑time and establish matching part‑time Class E surface airspace at Wichita, KS. The change is being made to accommodate a U.S. Air Force request and to support instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures and operations.
Smoother Skies, No Added Costs
The proposal says people who fly or work near Wichita airports should see smoother skies and that the changes will not add extra costs or delays. These changes are described as bringing the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and updating official maps.
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.
2026-11875 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; NetJets Aviation, Inc.
NetJets Aviation, a big private jet company, asked the FAA to let them skip some usual flight rules. This could change how they operate their planes, and the public has until July 2, 2026, to share their thoughts. No money changes are mentioned yet, but this could speed up or simplify some flights for NetJets.
2026-11861 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Freer, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Silverhorn Ranch Airport in Freer, TX, to support safer flying with new instrument flight rules. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying in and out of this airport. No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11904 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Mullin, TX
The FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Smoky Bend Ranch Airport in Mullin, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change starts on October 29, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just smoother and safer skies for everyone!
2026-11792 — Modification of Class E Airspace, Omak Airport, Omak, WA
The FAA is changing the Class E airspace around Omak Airport in Washington to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. This update starts on September 3, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). No extra costs for the public, just better airspace management to keep flights on track!
2026-11730 — Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments
Starting June 11, 2026, the FAA is updating how pilots approach and take off from certain airports to keep flights safe and smooth. These changes affect pilots and airports by adjusting flight paths and safety rules based on new tech and obstacles. No big costs here—just smarter, safer skies for everyone flying under instrument rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15217 — Amendment of Class E Airspace; George West, TX
The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around George West, TX, because a nearby navigation beacon was turned off. This change helps keep flights safe and smooth for pilots using instruments to fly. No extra costs or delays are expected, and the update follows new safety rules.
Next: 2025-15266 — Postmarks and Postal Possession
The Postal Service wants to add a new rule that clearly explains what a postmark is and when it’s applied. This helps everyone understand that a postmark shows the mail was handled on that date, but not necessarily the exact day it was first accepted. No changes to how postmarks are made are planned, but customers will learn how to get proof of the exact acceptance date if they want it.