Proposed Rule2025-23459
Amendment of Class D, Class E2, Class E4 and Class E5 Airspace Over Patuxent River, MD
Primary source
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Published
December 19, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend Class D, Class E2, Class E4, and Class E5 airspace at Patuxent River Naval Air Station (NAS) (Trapnell Field), Patuxent River, MD. The currently designated Class D, Class E2, and Class E4 airspace do not properly contain instrument flight rule (IFR) operations, which require controlled airspace. The geographic coordinates for Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field) would be updated in the airspace legal descriptions. The reference to the decommissioned Patuxent VORTAC would also be updated in the Class E2, Class E4, and Class E5 airspace legal descriptions. Last, the geographic coordinates for the Patuxent River NDB would also be updated in the Class E2 and Class E4 airspace legal descriptions.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 242 (Friday, December 19, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 242 (Friday, December 19, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59419-59422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-23459]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5340; Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-8]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Class D, Class E2, Class E4 and Class E5 Airspace
Over Patuxent River, MD
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class D, Class E2, Class E4, and
Class E5 airspace at Patuxent River Naval Air Station (NAS) (Trapnell
Field), Patuxent River, MD. The currently designated Class D, Class E2,
and Class E4 airspace do not properly contain instrument flight rule
(IFR) operations, which require controlled airspace. The geographic
coordinates for Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field) would be updated in
the airspace legal descriptions. The reference to the decommissioned
Patuxent VORTAC would also be updated in the Class E2, Class E4, and
Class E5 airspace legal descriptions. Last, the geographic coordinates
for the Patuxent River NDB would also be updated in the Class E2 and
Class E4 airspace legal descriptions.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 2, 2026.
[[Page 59420]]
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-5340 and
Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-8 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 7400.11K 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 safety of aircraft and the efficient
use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
as it would amend Class D, Class E2, Class E4, and Class E5 airspace in
Patuxent River, MD.
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, Class E2, Class E4, and Class E5 airspace designations are
published in paragraphs 5000, 6002, 6004, and 6005 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 7400.11K, dated August 4, 2025, and effective September 15, 2025.
These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO
7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11K, 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 to amend 14 CFR part 71 by modifying the Class
D, Class E2, Class E4, and Class E5 airspace for Patuxent River NAS
(Trapnell Field), Patuxent River, MD. Controlled airspace is necessary
for the safety and management of IFR operations in the area for
existing instrument approach procedures.
This action proposes to amend the Class D airspace over Patuxent
River, MD, by updating the Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field)
geographic coordinates and increasing the lateral boundary of the Class
D airspace to within a 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell
Field) and within a .5-mile radius of Chesapeake Ranch Airpark
excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and R-4007 when
active. The superseded reference to the ``Airport Facility Directory''
would also be replaced with ``Chart Supplement'' in the airspace legal
description.
This action also proposes to amend the Class E2 airspace over
Patuxent River, MD, by updating the geographic coordinates of Patuxent
River NAS (Trapnell Field) and modifying the dimensions from the
current configuration to that airspace extending upward from the
surface within a 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field)
and within 1.8 miles each side of the 047[deg] bearing from Patuxent
River NAS extending from the 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS to
6.5 miles northeast of the airport; and within 1.9 miles each side of
the 233[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending from the 4.7-
mile radius to 6.2 miles southwest of the airport; and within 1.8 miles
each side of the 137[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS
[[Page 59421]]
extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 10.8 miles southeast of the
airport; and within a .5-mile radius of Chesapeake Ranch Airpark,
excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and R-4007 when
active. This reconfiguration would properly contain the currently
published standard instrument approach procedures. The reference to the
decommissioned Patuxent VORTAC in the Class E2 legal description would
also be removed, and the geographic coordinates of the Patuxent River
NDB would be updated.
This action also proposes to amend the Class E4 airspace over
Patuxent River, MD, by updating the geographic coordinates of Patuxent
River NAS (Trapnell Field) and modifying the dimensions from the
current configuration to that airspace extending upward from the
surface within 1.8 miles each side of the 047[deg] bearing from
Patuxent River NAS extending from the 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River
NAS to 6.5 miles northeast of the airport; and within 1.9 miles each
side of the 233[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending from the
4.7-mile radius to 6.2 miles southwest of the airport; and within 1.8
miles each side of the 137[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS
extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 10.8 miles southeast of the
airport, excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and R-
4007 when active. This reconfiguration will properly contain the
currently published standard instrument approach procedures.
Additionally, the reference to the decommissioned Patuxent VORTAC in
the Class E4 legal description would be removed; the superseded
reference to the ``Airport Facility Directory'' would be replaced with
``Chart Supplement''; and the geographic coordinates of the Patuxent
River NDB would be updated.
Lastly, this action proposes to amend the Class E5 airspace over
Patuxent River, MD, by replacing the reference to the decommissioned
Patuxent VORTAC with point in space coordinates using the same
geographic coordinates.
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 FAA Order 1050.1G, ``FAA National Environmental Policy
Act Implementing Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
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
7400.11K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 4,
2025, and effective September 15, 2025, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.
* * * * *
AEA MD D Patuxent River, MD [Amended]
Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field), MD
(Lat. 38[deg]17'11'' N, long. 76[deg]24'36'' W)
Chesapeake Ranch Airpark, MD
(Lat. 38[deg]21'40'' N, long. 76[deg]24'19'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,500 feet MSL within a 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS
(Trapnell Field) and within a .5-mile radius of Chesapeake Ranch
Airpark excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and
R-4007 when active. 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 MD E2 Patuxent River, MD [Amended]
Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field), MD
(Lat. 38[deg]17'11'' N, long. 76[deg]24'36'' W)
Patuxent River NDB
(Lat. 38[deg]17'09'' N, long. 76[deg]24'12'' W)
Chesapeake Ranch Airpark, MD
(Lat. 38[deg]21'40'' N, long. 76[deg]24'19'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.7-
mile radius of Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field) and within 1.8
miles each side of the 047[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS
extending from the 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS to 6.5
miles northeast of the airport; and within 1.9 miles each side of
the 233[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending from the 4.7-
mile radius to 6.2 miles southwest of the airport; and within 1.8
miles each side of the 137[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS
extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 10.8 miles southeast of the
airport; and within a .5-mile radius of Chesapeake Ranch Airpark,
excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and R-4007
when active. This Class E airspace area is effective during those
times when the Class D airspace is not in effect.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6004 Class E Airspace Designated as an Extension to a
Class D Surface Area.
* * * * *
AEA MD E4 Patuxent River, MD [Amended]
Patuxent River NAS (Trapnell Field), MD
(Lat. 38[deg]17'11'' N, long. 76[deg]24'36'' W)
Patuxent River NDB
(Lat. 38[deg]17'09'' N, long. 76[deg]24'12'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within 1.8 miles
each side of the 047[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending
from the 4.7-mile radius of Patuxent River NAS to 6.5 miles
northeast of the airport; and within 1.9 miles each side of the
233[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending from the 4.7-mile
radius to 6.2 miles southwest of the airport; and within 1.8 miles
each side of the 137[deg] bearing from Patuxent River NAS extending
from the 4.7-mile radius to 10.8 miles southeast of the airport,
excluding that airspace within Restricted Areas R-4005 and R-4007
when active. This Class E airspace area is effective during 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 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.
* * * * *
AEA MD E5 Patuxent River, MD [Amended]
Point in Space Coordinates
(Lat. 38[deg]17'16'' N, long. 76[deg]24'01'' W)
That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within a 12.2-mile
[[Page 59422]]
radius of the point in space lat. 38[deg]17'16'' N, long.
76[deg]24'01'' W, excluding the portion NW of a line extending from
lat. 38[deg]15'02'' N, long. 76[deg]39'15'' W; to lat.
38[deg]26'26'' N, long. 76[deg]13'46'' W.
* * * * *
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on December 16, 2025.
Patrick Young,
Manager, Airspace & Procedures Team North, Eastern Service Center, Air
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2025-23459 Filed 12-18-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 19, 2025.
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