FAA Tweaks Redmond Airport Airspace, Because Skies Need Housekeeping
Published Date: 11/5/2026
Rule
Summary
The FAA is updating the airspace rules around Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport in Oregon to make flying safer and smoother for pilots using both visual and instrument flight rules. These changes affect pilots flying in and out of Redmond and take effect on February 18, 2027. No extra costs for the public—just clearer skies and better flight management!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Surface Airspace Expanded to 5.6 Miles
The FAA expanded the Class D and Class E surface airspace around Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport to a 5.6-mile radius to better contain Category E aircraft doing circling maneuvers and IFR departures using Obstacle Departure Procedures for RWY 11 and RWY 29. This change takes effect 0901 UTC on February 18, 2027 and is intended to improve safety and airspace management for pilots using VFR and IFR.
Shared Boundary with Bend Airport Reduces Intrusions
The rule establishes a common airspace boundary between Bend Municipal Airport and Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport and creates an extension south of Redmond to adjoin the two airspaces. The FAA says this shared boundary reduces the chance of inadvertent airspace intrusions.
Extension Widened to Contain RNAV/RNP Arrivals under 1,000 ft
The Class E extension was widened to better contain the RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 29 and RNAV (RNP) M RWY 29 instrument procedures when arriving IFR aircraft are less than 1,000 feet above the surface. This change is intended to keep arriving IFR flights within controlled airspace during the low-altitude segment of those approaches.
700‑ft Class E Area Reduced in Some Sectors
The Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet above the surface was reduced to the north, east, and southwest so it more appropriately contains arriving IFR aircraft descending below 1,500 feet and departing IFR aircraft until reaching 1,200 feet above the surface. The amendment narrows the higher-altitude controlled area in those sectors.
Operators May Face De Minimis Rerouting Costs
The FAA expects, at most, de minimis costs from compliance or minor flight rerouting for operators who choose to navigate around the new controlled airspace. The agency certified that the rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
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