FAA Proposes Airspace Tweaks Over Phoenix and Chandler
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update the airspace rules around Chandler and Phoenix, AZ, by changing Class D airspace and creating new Class E airspace to keep flights safe and smooth. They’re also updating the name and location info for Mesa Gateway Airport. Pilots, airlines, and local communities should know these changes could affect flight paths starting after February 2, 2026, with no extra costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Chandler Class D Airspace Expanded
The FAA proposes to expand Chandler Municipal Airport's Class D airspace radius from 4.0 miles to 4.8 miles and raise the vertical limit from 3,000 feet MSL to 3,700 feet MSL. The proposal also removes Williams Gateway Airport from the exclusion, adds a new exclusion west of 111°53'41" W, and updates the legal header and the term "Chart Supplement." These changes are part of a biennial review to support IFR operations and could affect local flight paths (comments due February 2, 2026).
Mesa Gateway Class D Changes and Renaming
The FAA proposes to amend Mesa Gateway Airport's Class D airspace by increasing the radius from 5.0 miles to 5.4 miles and setting the surface-to-3,900 feet MSL vertical limit, while adding exclusion areas for Chandler Municipal Airport, a 1.2-mile Pegasus Airpark radius, and Phoenix Class B airspace. The proposal also updates the airport name from Williams Gateway Airport to Mesa Gateway Airport and updates its geographic coordinates to match the FAA database. These changes support IFR operations and are part of a biennial airspace review (comments due February 2, 2026).
New Class E at Stellar Airpark
The FAA proposes to establish Class E airspace at Stellar Airpark, Chandler, AZ, extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 13.9-mile radius of the airport. This new Class E area is intended to support IFR operations and align with the FAA's biennial airspace review. The change could affect flight procedures for the area and is part of the proposal with comments due by February 2, 2026.
New Class E at Mesa Gateway (Complex Area)
The FAA proposes to establish Class E airspace at Mesa Gateway Airport, Phoenix, AZ, extending upward from 700 feet within a 7.9-mile radius and within specified corridors along the 136° bearing out to 17.7 and 12.6 miles southeast of the airport. The intended purpose is to support IFR operations and conform to FAA airspace orders as part of a biennial review. These changes could alter IFR flight procedures in the affected airspace and are included in the proposal with comments due February 2, 2026.
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: 2025-23264 — North Dakota Reclamation Plan
North Dakota is updating its plan to clean up old, abandoned mines. The changes clarify how the cleanup money can be used, set up a special trust fund, and adjust which lands and waters get priority. People have until January 20, 2026, to share their thoughts, and a public hearing might happen on January 12, 2026.
Next: 2025-23289 — Ensuring Consistent and Rigorous Standards for Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Programs
The government wants to make sure its top leaders get the best training possible by updating the rules for Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Programs. These changes affect federal agencies that prepare future leaders, making training more consistent and tougher. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 17, 2026—no extra costs, just smarter leadership ahead!
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