Muncie Airspace Gets FAA Trim for Safer (Boring) Flights
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Muncie and Alexandria, Indiana, because they’re retiring an old navigation system and canceling some flight procedures. This means changes to how pilots fly in these areas, with new boundaries and updated airport info. These changes kick in on October 29, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra—just smoother, safer skies!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Muncie airspace geometry and names changed
The FAA changed the airspace around Delaware County Regional Airport (Muncie). Class D airspace now extends from the surface up to 3,400 feet MSL within a 4.7-mile radius (previously 4.4 miles), and the Class E area starting at 700 feet now has a 7.2-mile radius (previously 7.0 miles). The airport name and geographic coordinates were updated and the publication reference was changed to “Chart Supplement”; these changes take effect October 29, 2026.
Alexandria Class E airspace revoked
The FAA removed the Class E airspace that extended upward from 700 feet above Alexandria Airport, Alexandria, IN, because the airport’s instrument procedures were cancelled and the airspace is no longer required. This revocation is part of the same airspace amendments and is effective October 29, 2026.
FAA expects only de minimis operator costs
The FAA says the rule is routine and is expected to cause, at most, de minimis costs for operators and only minor flight rerouting for those who choose to navigate around the controlled airspace. The agency certified the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16393, Amendment of Class E Airspace Over Staunton, VA
This action amends Class E airspace over Staunton, VA. This action expands that portion of the Staunton, VA Class E5 airspace extending to the northwest of Bridgewater Air Park from "within 1.5 miles either side of the 338[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 8.3-mile radius to 10 miles northwest of the airport" to "within 3.2 miles each side of the 329[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 8.3-mile radius to 15.2 miles northwest of the airport." This modification is necessary to contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations utilizing new special instrument approach procedures at Bridgewater Air Park. This action also updates the geographic coordinates for Bridgewater Air Park, Bridgewater, VA, in the Staunton, VA Class E5 airspace legal description.
2026-16389, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-15-01, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. AD 2022-15-01 requires inspecting certain vertical fin tension bolt holes; reviewing the bolt sealant application installation procedure in the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable; checking maintenance records to determine the replacement status of vertical fin tension bolts; and doing applicable on-condition actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-15-01, the FAA has determined that optional sealant types allowed by that AD may not provide sufficient time to complete all bolt installations. The FAA has also received additional reports of corrosion that, in some cases, was more severe than expected. As a result, the FAA has determined that the compliance times for certain actions must be reduced. This proposed AD would, for certain airplanes, continue to require certain actions required by AD 2022-15-01 with reduced compliance times. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would also require reviewing maintenance records to determine whether a correct sealant application method was used and performing applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16292, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Bedford, IN
This action amends the Class E airspace at Bedford, IN. This action is due to an airspace review conducted due to the decommissioning of the Hoosier very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The name of IU Health Bedford Hospital Heliport, Beford, IN, is also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This action brings the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and supports instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures and operations.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16269, Backup Withholding on Third Party Network Transactions
This document contains final regulations governing backup withholding on reportable payments with respect to third party network transactions. The final regulations reflect recent changes to the statutory law that affect the backup withholding requirements for third party settlement organizations who make payments in settlement of third party network transactions.
Next: 2026-16290, Adjudication of Civil Penalties Against International Marriage Brokers
Starting September 10, 2026, international marriage brokers in the U.S. must follow new rules or face penalties if they don’t share important info or misuse personal details. This change helps protect people from scams and unfair treatment in matchmaking. Brokers and the public can comment on these rules until the same date, making sure everyone has a say.