FAA Proposes Safer Skies Over Remote Alaskan Airport Birch Creek
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace starting 700 feet above Birch Creek Airport in Alaska to make flying safer and easier for pilots using instruments. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Birch Creek and helps manage air traffic better. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until March 9, 2026, to speak up—no costs for the public, just safer skies!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Supports Medevac, Shuttle, Cargo IFR Operations
The Class E airspace is proposed to contain two private-use special instrument approach procedures that would support passenger shuttle, medevac, and cargo operations at Birch Creek Airport. This change is intended to make instrument approaches for those services safer and manageable within the 6.4-mile radius and the 700-foot floor.
New Class E Airspace at Birch Creek
The FAA proposes Class E airspace starting at 700 feet above Birch Creek Airport within a 6.4-mile radius to support instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. The airspace will contain departing IFR aircraft until they reach 1,200 feet above the surface and will contain arriving IFR operations below 1,500 feet when executing specified approaches.
FAA Certifies Minimal Economic Impact
The FAA states this proposed regulation "will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" and describes the anticipated impact as minimal. The FAA also determined the proposal is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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