FAA Draws a Small New Airspace Circle Around Winter Haven
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to create a new Class D airspace around Winter Haven Regional Airport in Florida, reaching up to 2,500 feet within 4.4 miles of the airport. This change is because a new air traffic control tower will open, making flying safer and smoother for pilots using instruments. People can share their thoughts on this plan until December 14, 2026, and there’s no extra cost for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Class D Airspace at Winter Haven
If you fly at or near Winter Haven Regional Airport, the FAA proposes new Class D airspace from the surface up to and including 2,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) within a 4.4-mile radius of the airport, excluding the portion inside Bartow Executive Airport's Class D airspace. The change is because a new air traffic control tower will service the airport and the controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
Minor Costs for Local Operators
The FAA states this proposal is 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, and certifies the rule "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
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