FAA fiddles with invisible sky boxes over Tri-Cities, TN
Published Date: 8/11/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This action proposes to amend Class D and Class E airspace over Tri-Cities, TN. This action would modify the dimensions of the Tri-Cities, TN Class D and Class E2 airspace to appropriately contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the Tri-Cities Airport. This action would also remove the Tri-Cities, TN Class E4 airspace, as it is no longer necessary. This action would also modify the Tri- Cities, TN Class E5 airspace to appropriately contain IFR operations at the airport. This action would also update verbiage in the Class D and Class E2 airspace legal descriptions to comply with current FAA guidance. This action would also update the airport name for Tri-Cities Airport in the Class D, Class E2, and Class E5 airspace legal descriptions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Class D and E2 Area Expanded to 4.7 Miles
The FAA proposes to expand the Tri-Cities, TN Class D and Class E2 airspace so it extends to within a 4.7-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport and within 1 mile each side of the 042° bearing from the airport, extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 5.3 miles northeast of the airport. The change is meant to appropriately contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) departures and the ILS/LOC RWY 5, RNAV (GPS) RWY 5, and RNAV (GPS) RWY 9 approach procedures.
Class E5 Area Increased for IFR Containment
The FAA proposes to expand the Tri-Cities, TN Class E5 airspace to within a 9.3-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport, and to specific corridor extensions: 4 miles west and 8 miles east of the 223° bearing extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 23 miles southwest; 2.1 miles each side of the 270° bearing extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 11 miles west; and 2 miles each side of the 043° bearing extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 14.5 miles northeast. The change is intended to appropriately contain IFR operations at higher altitudes above the airport.
Class E4 Airspace Designation Removed
The FAA proposes to remove the Tri-Cities, TN Class E4 airspace designation because it will no longer be necessary to contain IFR operations after the Class D airspace is modified. The removal is a direct change stated in the proposal.
Operators May Incur De Minimis Rerouting Costs
The FAA states the proposed amendments are routine and are 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. The FAA also certifies the proposal 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
Department and Agencies
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