New Airspace Rules for Safe Flying Over Rural Texas
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Mullin, TX to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers in the area and supports new flight procedures. You can share your thoughts by May 26, 2026, and there’s no cost to the public for this update.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Class E Airspace Established
The FAA proposes new Class E airspace at Mullin, TX that would extend upward from 700 feet above the surface within an 8.3-mile radius of Smoky Bend Ranch Airport. This change is meant to support instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures at the airport.
Affects Local Pilots and Controllers
The proposal mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers working in the Mullin, TX area by supporting new instrument procedures and IFR operations at Smoky Bend Ranch Airport. The change is intended to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in poor weather.
Minimal Economic Impact on Small Entities
The FAA certified that this proposed airspace amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and states there is no cost to the public for this update. The proposal will be subject to environmental analysis before any final action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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