FAA Plans Minor Airspace Expansion Near Staunton
Published Date: 6/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make the airspace around Staunton, VA bigger and better to support new flight paths at Bridgewater Air Park. Pilots flying by instruments will get safer, clearer routes thanks to this change. If you have thoughts, speak up by August 3, 2026—no costs or delays expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Class E Airspace Expanded Near Bridgewater
The FAA proposes to expand the Class E airspace northwest of Bridgewater Air Park from within 1.5 miles either side of the 338° bearing extending from the 8.3-mile radius to 10 miles, to within 3.2 miles each side of the 329° bearing extending from the 8.3-mile radius to 15.2 miles northwest of the airport. The change is to contain IFR operations for a new RNAV (GPS) approach to runway 15 and to encompass the existing RNAV runway 15 approach.
Operators May Face De Minimis Rerouting Costs
The FAA states the proposal is expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting for operators who choose to navigate around the controlled airspace. Any such costs would be small and limited.
Bridgewater Airport Coordinates Updated
The proposal updates Bridgewater Air Park's geographic coordinates in the legal description from Lat. 38°22'00" N, Long. 78°57'37" W to Lat. 38°21'55" N, Long. 78°57'32" W (a shift of five seconds latitude and five seconds longitude). This revision is for the official airspace legal description and navigation publications.
FAA Finds No Significant Small-Business Impact
The FAA certifies that this proposed amendment is routine and, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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Key Dates
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