Fort Drum Airspace Goes Full No-Fly Zone: FAA Locks It Down
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the rules for Restricted Area R-5201 at Fort Drum, NY, making it a continuous restricted zone all year round instead of having different active times. This change matches how the area is actually used and won’t add any new restricted space. Pilots and anyone flying nearby should note this update and can share their thoughts by February 2, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fort Drum airspace now continuous
If you fly near Fort Drum, NY, the FAA proposes to make Restricted Area R-5201 "continuous" year-round instead of its prior schedule of "Continuous April 1 through September 30 and 0600 through 1800 hours local time, October 1 through March 31; other times by NOTAM 48 hours in advance." The area remains Surface to 23,000 feet MSL, the FAA says no new restricted space is added, and the area was active 356 days in FY2023 and 355 days in FY2024. Comments on the proposal are due by February 2, 2026.
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