Elizabeth City Airspace Grows for Hospital Helicopter Safety
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to expand the special flying zone (Class E5 airspace) around Elizabeth City, NC, to include a 6-mile radius around the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center Heliport, starting 700 feet above the ground. This change supports new flight procedures for safer helicopter landings and takeoffs. Pilots and local air traffic will be affected, and the public can share their thoughts by April 13, 2026—no extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Controlled Airspace Around Heliport
The FAA proposes adding Class E5 controlled airspace that begins at 700 feet above the ground and extends within a 6-mile radius of the Sentara Albemarle Medical Center Heliport in Elizabeth City, NC. This change is meant to support new instrument approach procedures and will affect pilots and local air traffic operations by placing those helicopter approaches and departures under controlled airspace rules.
No Significant Cost to Small Entities
The FAA states this proposed amendment is a routine technical airspace change with an anticipated minimal impact and certifies it will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency determined no regulatory evaluation is warranted because the anticipated impact is minimal.
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
2026-13440 — Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-13472 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jewett, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Hub Field in Jewett, Texas, to help pilots use new instrument flight procedures safely. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Jewett, making flying safer and smoother without extra costs or delays. So, if you’re a pilot or involved in local aviation, get ready for clearer skies and better guidance!
2026-13475 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by fixing door handles that have been coming loose during pre-flight checks. Starting August 6, 2026, airlines must install new parts and do inspections to keep these doors secure. This update helps prevent safety issues without causing big delays or costs.
2026-13477 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that tracks important airplane maintenance and repairs to keep flying safe. This affects aircraft owners and mechanics who fill out Form 337 after major fixes or changes, which takes about an hour each. Comments are open until August 3, 2026, and this process helps ensure safety without adding extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03794 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 planes to fix certain fasteners that didn’t get the right protective coating during production. They’re asking to replace these parts and add extra protection to keep the planes safe. Owners need to comment by April 13, 2026, and get ready for some maintenance work that helps avoid costly problems later.
Next: 2026-03798 — Private Health Insurance; Transparency in Coverage; Extension of Comment Period
The government is giving folks more time to share their thoughts on new rules about health insurance price transparency. If you’re involved with private health insurance—like companies, workers, or everyday people—this means you have until March 2, 2026, to comment. This extra week helps make sure everyone’s voice is heard before any money or coverage changes happen.