Proposed Rule2025-14001
Amendment of Class D Airspace and Establishment of Class E2 Airspace Over Hampton Roads, VA
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 25, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend Class D airspace and establish Class E airspace extending upward from the surface above Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Hampton Roads, VA, as the air traffic control tower will shift to part-time operations. This action also proposes to update the geographic coordinates of the airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 141 (Friday, July 25, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 141 (Friday, July 25, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35251-35253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-14001]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-2037; Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-14]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Class D Airspace and Establishment of Class E2
Airspace Over Hampton Roads, VA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class D airspace and establish
Class E airspace extending upward from the surface above Langley Air
Force Base (AFB), Hampton Roads, VA, as the air traffic control tower
will shift to part-time operations. This action also proposes to update
the geographic coordinates of the airport. Controlled airspace is
necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations in the area.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 8, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-2037 and
Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-14 using any of the following methods:
* Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> and follow
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
* Mail: Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department of Transportation,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
* Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except for Federal holidays.
* Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> at any time. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except for Federal holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11J Airspace Designations and Reporting Points
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at <a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/</a>. You may also contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20597; Telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Ellerbee, Operations Support
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; Telephone: (404) 305-5589.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106,
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section,
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
airspace necessary to ensure the
[[Page 35252]]
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority, as it would amend Class D
airspace and establish Class E2 airspace in Hampton Roads, VA.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or
commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments
are filed in writing.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments it receives.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edits, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
<a href="http://www.dot.gov/privacy">www.dot.gov/privacy</a>.
Availability of Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at
<a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/</a>.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during
regular business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center,
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College
Park, GA 30337.
Incorporation by Reference
Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in
paragraphs 5000 and 6002 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations
and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1
on an annual basis. This document proposes to amend the current version
of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and
effective September 15, 2024. These updates would be published in the
next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11J, which lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points, is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this document.
The Proposal
This action proposes an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend Class
D airspace for Langley AFB, Hampton Roads, VA, as the air traffic
control tower will no longer be full-time. During the periods when the
tower is not in operation, Class E airspace would be activated. This
action also proposes to update the geographic coordinates of the
airport. Lastly, this action also proposes to establish Class E surface
airspace over Langley AFB, Hampton Roads, VA, at the request of the
Department of the Air Force. Controlled airspace is necessary for the
safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in
the area.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
It, therefore, (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under
Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation
of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal.
Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule,
when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C.
4321, et seq., prior to any final regulatory action by the FAA.
Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31,
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.
* * * * *
AEA VA D Hampton Roads, VA [Amended]
Langley AFB, Hampton, VA
(Lat. 37[deg]04'58'' N, long. 76[deg]21'38'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,500 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of Langley AFB. This Class D
airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times
established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and
time will thereafter be continuously published in the Chart
Supplement.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as Surface Areas.
* * * * *
AEA VA E2 Hampton Roads, VA [New]
Langley AFB, VA
(Lat. 37[deg]04'58'' N, long. 76[deg]21'38'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,500 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of Langley AFB. This Class E
airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times
established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and
time will thereafter be continuously published in the Chart
Supplement.
* * * * *
[[Page 35253]]
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on July 22, 2025
Patrick Young,
Manager, Airspace & Procedures Team North, Eastern Service Center, Air
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2025-14001 Filed 7-24-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on July 25, 2025.
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