Groton Airspace Gets a Dimensional Trim
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Rule
Summary
This action amends Class D and Class E airspace over Groton, CT. This action reduces the dimensions of the Groton, CT, Class D airspace to a 4.2-mile radius of the airport, excluding that airspace within a 1-mile radius of Elizabeth Field, Fishers Island, NY. This action updates the geographic coordinates for the Groton-New London Airport, Groton, CT, and the Elizabeth Field Airport, Fishers Island, NY, in the associated airspace legal descriptions. This action also updates the airport name for the Elizabeth Field Airport in the Groton, CT Class D airspace legal description. This action also replaces "Airport/Facility Directory" in the Groton, CT Class D airspace legal description with "Chart Supplement" to comply with current FAA guidance. This action also removes the exclusions of adjacent Class E airspace areas from the Groton, CT and Fishers Island, NY Class E airspace legal descriptions to comply with current FAA guidance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Groton Class D Airspace Shrinks
The FAA reduces the Groton-New London Airport Class D airspace from a 5-mile radius to a 4.2-mile radius, while still excluding airspace within a 1-mile radius of Elizabeth Field. This change takes effect on October 29, 2026, and could cause, at most, de minimis compliance costs or minor flight rerouting for aircraft operators who choose to navigate around the controlled airspace.
Class E Boundary Changes at Fishers Island
The FAA amends Class E airspace legal descriptions for Fishers Island, NY and Groton, CT by removing exclusions of adjacent Class E areas and setting new radii (Fishers Island: a 6-mile radius), effective October 29, 2026. The rule notes these changes are expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting for operators who navigate around controlled airspace.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-18601, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-23- 06, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2023-23-06 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-23- 06, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-23-06 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18602, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-22- 12, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. AD 2023-22-12 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-22-12, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023- 22-12 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15554, Establishment of Prohibited Area P-75; New York, NY
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating a no-fly zone called Prohibited Area P-75 around President Trump's New York residence to keep the skies safe and secure. This means no aircraft can fly within 1,000 feet above the area, helping the Secret Service protect the President and nearby property. If you fly drones or planes near Trump Tower, you’ll need to steer clear or face penalties.
Next: 2026-15562, Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2027
Starting October 1, 2026, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) will see updated payment rates and new rules for how Medicare pays them. The Quality Reporting and Value-Based Purchasing programs are also getting tweaks to help improve care. These changes affect SNFs nationwide and could impact how much money they get and how they report quality data.