FAA Plans Minor Shrink of Groton Airport Class D Airspace
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to shrink the Class D airspace around Groton, CT, to a 4.2-mile radius while updating airport names and coordinates for Groton-New London and Elizabeth Field airports. Pilots flying in this area will see clearer, updated airspace rules with no extra costs or delays. You’ve got until July 13, 2026, to share your thoughts before these changes take off!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Class D Airspace Shrinks to 4.2 Miles
The FAA proposes to reduce the Groton-New London Airport Class D airspace from a 5-mile radius to a 4.2-mile radius, still excluding the 1-mile radius around Elizabeth Field. The Class D area would extend from the surface up to 2,500 feet MSL and the effective dates/times will be published in the Chart Supplement.
FAA Expects De Minimis Costs to Operators
The FAA says this proposed change is routine and is expected to cause, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting. The agency certified the proposal will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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
2026-08943 — 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.
2026-10593 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
If you own certain Leonardo helicopters, the FAA wants you to check a special bearing called the swashplate duplex bearing to make sure it’s installed right. If it’s not, you’ll need to fix it, and you can’t put in a new one unless it meets safety rules. Comments on this plan are open until July 13, 2026, and this quick check helps keep your helicopter flying safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10606 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own or work on Honda Model HA-420 airplanes, listen up! The FAA found some tool damage inside the plane and missing info in the maintenance manual. Starting July 2, 2026, you’ll need to update your maintenance manual with new instructions to keep flying safe—no big costs, just important fixes to keep your jet in top shape.
2026-10591 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus AS350B2 helicopters stay safe by checking and fixing a problem with their hydraulic valves caused by a wrongly installed diode. Owners will need to test the rear rotor actuator valve and fix any issues found. Comments on this plan are open until July 13, 2026, and while it might cost some time and money, it’s all about keeping flights safe and sound.
2026-10458 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Application for Employment With the Federal Aviation Administration
The FAA is renewing its online job application process through USAJOBS and its own system, AVIATOR, to keep hiring the best people for aviation jobs. If you want to apply or have thoughts on the process, you can comment by June 26, 2026. This update won’t cost applicants money but helps the FAA find qualified candidates faster and fairer.
2026-10443 — Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment on Surplus Property Release at the Grenada Municipal Airport, Grenada, Mississippi
The City of Grenada wants to sell 4.72 acres of land at Grenada Municipal Airport to Mississippi Commodity Products, LLC. The FAA is checking to make sure this won’t hurt the airport’s future and is asking the public to share their thoughts by June 26, 2026. The money from the sale will help fix and improve the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10593 — Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
If you own certain Leonardo helicopters, the FAA wants you to check a special bearing called the swashplate duplex bearing to make sure it’s installed right. If it’s not, you’ll need to fix it, and you can’t put in a new one unless it meets safety rules. Comments on this plan are open until July 13, 2026, and this quick check helps keep your helicopter flying safe without breaking the bank.
Next: 2026-10604 — Group Registration of Updates to a News Website
The U.S. Copyright Office wants to make it easier for news websites to register their updates all at once by tweaking the rules about what counts as a 'news website.' This change affects news publishers who can save time and money by filing one application for a whole month of updates. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 29, 2026, to speak up!