FAA Expands Skies Over Renamed NC Airport
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to expand the controlled airspace around Morganton, NC, to include the Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge for safer flights. They’re also updating the airport’s name to Foothills Regional Airport and removing an old hospital reference that no longer exists. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 2, 2026—no costs or delays expected for pilots or locals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Morganton Class E Airspace Expansion
The FAA proposes expanding Class E airspace (starting at 700 feet above the surface) around Morganton, NC. The proposal would add a 7-mile radius around Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge, a 9.5-mile radius around Foothills Regional Airport, and a 2.5-mile each-side corridor on the 205° bearing from Fiddlers NDB; comments are due February 2, 2026. The FAA says this change is needed for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations and expects no costs or delays for pilots or locals.
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Key Dates
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