FAA Proposes Airspace Tweaks Over Wilkes-Barre: Routine Sky Boundary Adjustments
Published Date: 11/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules around Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to better control flights using instruments, making the skies safer and clearer. They’re also fixing the airport’s location info and updating tower operation hours. Pilots and local air traffic controllers will feel the change, and the public can share their thoughts by January 8, 2026—no extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Class D Airspace Slightly Expanded
The FAA would increase the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Class D airspace radius from a 4.1-mile radius to a 4.2-mile radius and update the airport geographic coordinates to Lat. 41°20'19" N, Long. 75°43'24" W. The change is intended to ensure controlled airspace properly contains instrument flight rule (IFR) operations.
Class E4 Airspace Reconfigured
The FAA would reconfigure the Class E4 surface-area extensions to extend upward from the surface within 2 miles each side of the 033° bearing from the airport from the 4.2-mile radius to 9.4 miles northeast, and within 1 mile each side of the 214° bearing from the airport from the 4.2-mile radius to 7.3 miles southwest. The reconfiguration is to properly contain the currently published standard instrument approach procedures.
Tower Operates 24 Hours — Part-Time Removed
The FAA proposes to remove language that described the Wilkes-Barre Class E4 airspace as part-time because the control tower is in operation 24 hours a day. This change makes the legal description match current 24-hour tower operations.
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.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20762 — Five-Year Review of the Oil Pipeline Index
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission wants to update the yearly rate limits for oil pipelines starting July 1, 2026, using a new index that’s the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods minus 1.42%. This affects oil pipeline companies and could change how much they can charge for transportation. People have until December 24, 2025, to share their thoughts on this plan before final decisions are made.
Next: 2025-20852 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA is updating safety rules for certain Airbus Helicopters to fix mistakes in inspection schedules for the main gearbox parts. If you own or operate these helicopters, you’ll need to keep checking these parts regularly to stay safe. Comments on the new rules are open until January 9, 2026, and following them helps avoid costly repairs or accidents.