DeKalb Healthcare Heliport Receives New FAA Instrument-Flight Airspace
Published Date: 10/22/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 18, 2027, new Class E airspace will be set up around the Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Heliport in DeKalb, Illinois. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will benefit, and there’s no cost impact for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Class E Airspace for DeKalb Heliport
If you fly near DeKalb, Illinois, new Class E controlled airspace starts on February 18, 2027 at 09:01 UTC. The rule establishes controlled airspace upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.3-mile radius of Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Heliport to support new instrument flight procedures and IFR (instrument flight rule) operations. This change is intended to help pilots fly safely in poor weather and to help air traffic controllers manage flights.
Minor Rerouting or Compliance Costs for Operators
Aircraft operators who choose to navigate around the new Class E airspace may face small costs or minor flight rerouting. The FAA states the rule is expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance with operating requirements or minor flight rerouting for operators choosing to avoid the controlled airspace.
No Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities
The FAA certifies that the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The agency determined the expected effects are routine and de minimis and thus do not trigger a significant economic impact finding.
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