FAA Redraws Skies Over Tiny Paxton, Illinois Airport
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around Paxton, Illinois to match new flight procedures at Paxton Airport. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments and takes effect on July 9, 2026. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice the new airspace boundaries, but there’s no cost impact for anyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Paxton Class E Airspace Updated
The FAA changed the Class E airspace around Paxton Airport, IL to support instrument flight rules (IFR). The amended airspace extends upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.3-mile radius of Paxton Airport and takes effect at 0901 UTC on July 9, 2026. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice the new boundaries, and the FAA says there is no cost impact for anyone.
Roberts VORTAC Removed From Legal Description
The rule removes the Roberts VORTAC and its associated extension from the legal description of the Paxton Class E airspace and eliminates an exclusionary phrase that is no longer required. This change is part of aligning the airspace legal text with updated instrument procedures and is effective July 9, 2026.
No Cost Impact on Small Entities
The FAA certified that this airspace amendment has no cost impact for anyone and does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency also determined the rule is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
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