FAA Redraws Invisible Airspace Lines in North Carolina—Because Gaps!
Published Date: 10/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA fixed tiny boundary glitches between three restricted airspaces in North Carolina—R-5301, R-5302B, and R-5302C—so there are no gaps or overlaps anymore. This won’t change the size, height, or when these areas are active, just the exact lines on the map. Pilots and airspace users should note the new boundaries take effect December 24, 2026, with no extra costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Restricted airspace boundary corrections
If you fly in or operate aircraft near Harvey Point and Albemarle Sound, the FAA changed the exact map coordinates for restricted areas R-5301, R-5302B, and R-5302C to remove small gaps and overlaps. For example, the first coordinate for R-5301 was changed to lat. 36°04'56" N, long. 76°16'48" W, R-5302B gained tie-in points at lat. 36°04'23" N, long. 76°20'59" W and lat. 36°00'01" N, long. 76°14'29" W. These new boundaries take effect at 0901 UTC on December 24, 2026, and the rule does not change the areas' external size, altitudes, times of designation, or activities.
Minimal rerouting costs for operators
The FAA says this coordinate correction will have at most de minimis costs from minor rerouting of flights and certifies it does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. If you operate aircraft in the area, you might face small, occasional rerouting but no large new fees or regulatory costs tied to this rule.
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