FAA Fiddles with Flight Altitudes: Yawn-Worthy Airspace Tweaks
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en-route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated IFR Altitudes and Changeover Points
If you operate or fly aircraft on the affected routes, you must use revised IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points starting at 0901 UTC on September 3, 2026. The rule amends specific Federal airways and Jet Route J523 (examples include amendments to V8, V16, V20, V235 and Jet J523) and establishes a MEA/MAA of *22000/45000 between Bryce Canyon, UT VORTAC and Ely, NV VOR/DME and a modified changeover point for J523 at 138 NM from Bryce Canyon.
No Significant Small-Entity Economic Impact
The FAA certified that this amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and that the anticipated impact is minimal. That certification applies to the IFR altitude and changeover point amendments made effective 0901 UTC, September 3, 2026.
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