FAA Expands Skies Over Renamed NC Airport
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to expand the controlled airspace around Morganton, NC, to include the Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge for safer flights. They’re also updating the airport’s name to Foothills Regional Airport and removing an old hospital reference that no longer exists. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 2, 2026—no costs or delays expected for pilots or locals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Morganton Class E Airspace Expansion
The FAA proposes expanding Class E airspace (starting at 700 feet above the surface) around Morganton, NC. The proposal would add a 7-mile radius around Carolinas Healthcare System Blue Ridge, a 9.5-mile radius around Foothills Regional Airport, and a 2.5-mile each-side corridor on the 205° bearing from Fiddlers NDB; comments are due February 2, 2026. The FAA says this change is needed for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations and expects no costs or delays for pilots or locals.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06506 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is making a new rule for Bombardier airplanes to fix a problem where the nose wheel steering can act up during landing. Owners of certain Bombardier CL-600 models must replace specific screws in the nosewheel steering system and update their maintenance plans by May 8, 2026. This keeps flights safe and avoids costly repairs down the road.
2026-06563 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants Airbus A350-941 owners to fix a problem where some wing and belly parts weren’t tightened right during manufacturing. They’ll need to replace certain parts and add extra protection to keep the plane safe. Comments on this plan are open until May 18, 2026, and the fixes might cost some time and money but will keep flights safe and sound.
2026-06543 — Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Binghamton, NY
The FAA is shrinking the controlled airspace around Greater Binghamton Airport from a 4.4-mile radius to 4.3 miles. This change affects pilots flying near Binghamton, NY, making the airspace a bit tighter but still safe and efficient. The new rules kick in on July 9, 2026, with no extra costs for anyone.
2026-06492 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A350-941 and -1041 airplanes to replace certain flight control parts that might have been damaged during testing. This change keeps planes safe by banning the use of these risky parts. Airlines need to act before May 18, 2026, and while it might cost some money, it’s all about keeping flights smooth and secure.
2026-06527 — Airworthiness Directives; Honda Aircraft Company LLC Airplanes
If you own a Honda HA-420 airplane, listen up! The FAA says you need to replace your flap control pushrods with new, tougher ones that don’t need constant anti-rust treatments. This new rule kicks in on May 8, 2026, and helps keep your plane safe without extra hassle or cost from repeated maintenance.
2026-06534 — Airworthiness Directives; DG Aviation GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH) Gliders
If you own or maintain a DG-1000M glider, listen up! The FAA found cracks near the engine mount and is requiring inspections, maintenance updates, and new parts like a carbon fiber bracket to keep your glider safe. These changes kick in April 20, 2026, so get ready to inspect, adjust, and balance before then—safety first, and no surprise costs if you stay on top of it!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23150 — Proposal To Provide Exemptive Relief To Facilitate Cross-Margining of Customer Positions Cleared at Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation
The CFTC wants to make it easier for certain broker-dealers who work with both the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation to combine customer funds in one account. This change helps these firms manage money more smoothly and could save time and costs. If you’re involved, get ready to share your thoughts by January 16, 2026!
Next: 2025-23258 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
If you own or operate certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, this new rule wants you to double-check your main rotor head’s part and serial numbers to make sure they’re correct. If there’s a mix-up, you’ll need to fix it or replace the rotor head to keep flying safely. Comments on this rule are open until February 2, 2026, so act fast if you have thoughts or questions!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in