Wilmington Airport Gets Class C Upgrade, Ditches Class D
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This action proposes to establish Class C airspace and remove Class D airspace at Wilmington International Airport (ILM), NC. The FAA is proposing this action to enhance the efficient management of air traffic operations and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Wilmington, NC, terminal area. The Class C airspace would replace the existing Class D airspace at ILM. In addition, the non-regulatory Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) would be removed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Class C Airspace Replaces Class D at ILM
The FAA proposes to replace the existing Class D airspace and remove the Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) at Wilmington International Airport (ILM). The proposed Class C would extend from the surface to 4,100 feet mean sea level (MSL) within a 5 nautical mile (NM) radius of ILM, and from 1,300 feet MSL to 4,100 feet MSL within a 10 NM radius of ILM (excluding a 1 NM radius around Pilots Ridge Airport). ILM qualified based on 737,065 enplaned passengers in calendar year 2024.
Radio and Equipment Requirements in Class C
Under Class C rules, pilots must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with air traffic control before entering Class C airspace. Also, no aircraft may operate in Class C airspace unless it is equipped with an operational transponder and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Out.
Pilots Ridge 1 NM Cutout Preserved
The proposed Class C design includes a 1 NM cutout from the outer shelf on the southern side of the ILM Class C surface area to accommodate Pilots Ridge Airport (03NC) operations outside or beneath the Class C airspace. The FAA adopted this modification so aircraft using Pilots Ridge can ingress and egress without negative impacts to other airspace users.
FAA Seeks to Certify Minimal Small-Business Impact
The FAA proposes to certify under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that replacing Class D with Class C at ILM would not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA requests comments on this proposed certification.
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Key Dates
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