FAA Redraws Skies Over Palm Springs for Safer Flights
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the airspace around Palm Springs International Airport to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments or flying visually. These changes adjust the Class D and Class E airspace boundaries and fix some legal descriptions. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for pilots or airlines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Palm Springs Airspace Boundaries Updated
The FAA changed the airspace around Palm Springs International Airport. The Class D area now extends upward to 3,000 feet MSL within a 4.3-mile radius of the airport, within 1.8 miles either side of the airport's 142° bearing extending 6.6 miles southeast, and within 1.9 miles either side of the 324° bearing extending 4.4 miles northwest. The Class E4 extension is 1.8 miles either side of the 142° bearing from 6.6 to 9.5 miles southeast and 1.9 miles either side of the 324° bearing from 4.4 to 6 miles northwest; it supports instrument arrivals descending from 1,000 feet above the surface. These changes take effect at 0901 UTC on July 9, 2026.
No Added Costs for Pilots or Airlines
The FAA states the airspace modifications at Palm Springs International Airport will take effect on July 9, 2026, and will not impose extra costs on pilots or airlines.
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