FAA Updates Sky Zones Over Del Rio Air Base, TX
Published Date: 9/25/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the Class E airspace around Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, TX, to keep things safe and smooth for pilots flying by instruments. They’re also fixing the base’s name and location info to match their official records. If you have thoughts, speak up by November 9, 2026—no costs or big changes for the public, just clearer skies!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Changes to Class E Surface Extensions
If you fly instrument flights around Laughlin Air Force Base (Del Rio, TX), the FAA proposes several changes to the Class E surface-area extensions: it would remove the extension north of the airport, remove the 333° radial extension, shorten some extension widths (for example from 2.6 miles to 2 miles for the northwest extension), and adjust distances (e.g., extend one northwest segment to 10.5 miles). These changes are meant to support instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures and will be effective at dates/times published by Notice to Airmen and in the Chart Supplement.
Reduce 700-ft Class E Radius from 20 to 7.4 Miles
The FAA proposes to reduce the Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet above the surface from a 20-mile radius to a 7.4-mile radius around Laughlin AFB, excluding Mexican airspace, and to add specific extensions (for example: a 2-mile each-side extension along the 135° bearing from RWY 31C-LOC to 11.4 miles southeast, and a 1.9-mile each-side extension along the 149° bearing to 11.4 miles southeast). These changes alter where controlled airspace applies for IFR flights around Del Rio.
Update Airport Name and Coordinates
The FAA will update the airport name to 'Laughlin AFB' (previously listed as 'Laughlin ABF') and update its geographic coordinates to match the FAA aeronautical database (listed as Lat. 29°21′34″ N, long. 100°46′41″ W). The proposal also replaces the term “Airport/Facility Directory” with “Chart Supplement.”
FAA Says Minimal Economic Impact; Comment Deadline
The FAA states this proposed amendment "will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" and characterizes the anticipated impact as minimal. Interested parties must submit comments by November 9, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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