FAA Tweaks the Skies Above an Oregon Hospital Heliport
Published Date: 10/28/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Heliport in Lincoln City, OR to make flying safer and smoother for helicopters using instruments. This change starts December 24, 2026, and mainly affects pilots flying near the heliport. No extra costs or delays for the public—just safer skies!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New Class E Airspace for Heliport IFR
If you fly helicopters or operate passenger shuttle, medevac, or cargo services to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Heliport, the FAA is modifying Class E airspace to support instrument flight rules (IFR). The amended airspace covers a 4.7-mile radius of the heliport (excluding airspace east of longitude 123°55'51" W) and includes a 1.2-mile-wide extension on the 291° bearing out to a 6.3-mile radius; it applies to operations descending below 1,500 feet and during missed approaches until 1,200 feet, and to certain RNAV departures until 1,200 feet above the surface.
Expected Minimal Costs to Operators
The FAA says this airspace change is routine and is expected to cause at most de minimis costs from complying with operating requirements or minor flight rerouting for operators who choose to navigate around the controlled airspace, and it certified the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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