Wichita skies reshuffled for smoother Air Force and civilian flights
Published Date: 12/3/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting March 19, 2026, Wichita’s airspace rules are getting a smart makeover! The FAA is tweaking Class D and Class E airspace around Wichita airports to match new military needs and keep flights safe and smooth. Pilots and the U.S. Air Force will see changes like part-time airspace hours and updated airport info, all without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
McConnell AFB: Part‑time Class D/E Airspace
The FAA changes McConnell AFB Class D airspace from full‑time to part‑time and establishes a part‑time Class E surface area within a 4.6‑mile radius of McConnell AFB (excluding a 1‑mile radius around Beech Factory Airport and portions inside Wichita Class C). This change is effective March 19, 2026 and the specific dates and times will be published in Notices to Airmen and the Chart Supplement.
Local Airports: Radius Expansions and Exclusions
The rule expands Beech Factory Airport Class D and Class E surface radii from 4.2 miles to 4.4 miles, expands McConnell AFB Class D radius from 4.5 miles to 4.6 miles, and increases Colonel James Jabara Airport Class E surface radius from 4.0 miles to 4.3 miles. These boundary changes (and related 1‑mile exclusions and updated coordinate lines) take effect March 19, 2026 and are intended to protect departures, instrument procedures, and local operations.
Wichita Class E Extensions and 700‑ft Airspace Changes
The FAA establishes a Class E extension to Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (7.2 miles each side of the 126° bearing from Wichita VORTAC, from 1.3 to 9.2 miles) and increases Class E airspace upward from 700 feet at Wichita from a 7.2‑mile radius to a 7.9‑mile radius (with other specified extension adjustments and several waypoint/name coordinate updates). These changes are effective March 19, 2026 and support instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures.
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