FAA Tweaks Airspace Over Westfield, MA: Minor Fixes
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules over Westfield, MA by fixing the airport name, coordinates, and some legal wording to match current standards. Pilots and local air traffic controllers will see clearer, more accurate airspace info, but no big changes to flying rules or costs. You’ve got until June 29, 2026, to share your thoughts before these updates take off!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Airport Name and Coordinates Updated
The FAA proposes to change the airport name from "Westfield, Barnes Municipal Airport" to "Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport" and to update the airport coordinates from 42°09'28" N, 72°42'56" W to 42°09'29" N, 72°42'57" W (a one-second change in latitude and longitude). The FAA says these are routine technical updates and expects at most de minimis costs.
Reference Updated to Chart Supplement
The FAA proposes replacing the phrase "Airport/Facility Directory" with "Chart Supplement" in the Class D airspace legal description to comply with current FAA guidance. This is a terminology/reference change in the legal description for Westfield Class D airspace.
Removes Adjacent Class E Exclusions
The FAA proposes to remove exclusions for adjacent Class E airspace areas of Northampton, MA; Palmer, MA; and Windsor Locks, CT from the Westfield Class E5 legal description in order to comply with current FAA guidance. The FAA states these are routine amendments with, at most, de minimis impacts.
Airspace Dimensions and Effective Times
The proposal specifies that Class D airspace around Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport extends upward from the surface to and including 2,800 feet MSL within a 4.9-mile radius, and that Class E airspace extends upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 12.8-mile radius. The Class D airspace is effective during dates and times established by Notice to Airmen and will be published in the Chart Supplement.
No Significant Small-Business Impact Claimed
The FAA certifies that this proposed rule involves routine technical amendments and "will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and expects at most de minimis costs for operators.
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Key Dates
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