Proposed Rule2026-03088
Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Wilmington, DE
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
February 17, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend Class D and Class E2 airspace at New Castle Airport, Wilmington, DE. This action would increase the lateral dimensions of the Wilmington, DE Class D and Class E2 airspace, which are overlays, by adding a 2-mile wide, 0.2-mile long extension to the existing 4.2-mile radius, along the 008[deg] bearing from the New Castle Airport, to support instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. This action would also update language in the airspace legal description to comply with current FAA directives.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 31 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7186-7188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03088]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2026-1256; Airspace Docket No. 26-AEA-3]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Class D and Class E2 Airspace Over Wilmington, DE
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Class D and Class E2 airspace at
New Castle Airport, Wilmington, DE. This action would increase the
lateral dimensions of the Wilmington, DE Class D and Class E2 airspace,
which are overlays, by adding a 2-mile wide, 0.2-mile long extension to
the existing 4.2-mile radius, along the 008[deg] bearing from the New
Castle Airport, to support instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
This action would also update language in the airspace legal
description to comply with current FAA directives.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 3, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2026-1256 and
Airspace Docket No. 26-AEA-3 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 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 and Class E2 airspace in Wilmington, DE.
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
[[Page 7187]]
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 E2 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 7400.11K, 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 both the
Class D airspace and Class E2 airspace for New Castle Airport,
Wilmington, DE. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and
management of IFR operations in the area for existing instrument
approach procedures. A review of the current airspace revealed a need
for a modification to the lateral dimensions. The proposal would add an
arrival extension to the north to encompass IFR operations on the RNAV
RWY 19 approach to Newcastle Airport. The 1,000 ft. above ground level
(AGL) point on the arrival is outside the basic radius of the Class D/
E2 (3.72 NM from the arrival runway threshold), so a .2 NM extension is
required.
Specifically, this action proposes to increase the lateral
dimensions of the Wilmington, DE Class D airspace, serving New Castle
Airport, from a 4.2-mile radius of the airport to a 4.2-mile radius of
the airport, and within 1 mile each side of the 008[deg] bearing from
the airport extending from the 4.2-mile radius to 4.4 miles north of
the airport.
This action also proposes to increase the lateral dimensions of the
Wilmington, DE Class E2 airspace, serving New Castle Airport, from a
4.2-mile radius of the airport to a 4.2-mile radius of the airport, and
within 1 mile each side of the 008[deg] bearing from the airport
extending from the 4.2-mile radius to 4.4 miles north of the airport.
This action also proposes to update the language in both the Class
D and Class E2 airspace for Wilmington, DE by changing ``Notice to Air
Missions'' to ``Notice to Airmen''. This change will bring the airspace
legal descriptions into compliance with current FAA directives.
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 DE D Wilmington, DE [Amended]
New Castle Airport, DE
(Lat. 39[deg]40'43'' N, long. 75[deg]36'24'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,600 feet MSL within a 4.2-mile radius of the New Castle Airport,
and within 1 mile each side of the 008[deg] bearing from the airport
extending from the 4.2-mile radius to 4.4 miles north of the
airport. 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 DE E2 Wilmington, DE [Amended]
New Castle Airport, DE
(Lat. 39[deg]40'43'' N, long. 75[deg]36'24'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.2-
mile radius of the New Castle Airport, and within 1 mile each side
of the 008[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 4.2-mile
radius to 4.4 miles north of the airport. This Class E airspace area
is effective during the specific dates and times established in
advance by a Notice to
[[Page 7188]]
Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously
published in the Chart Supplement.
* * * * *
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on February 12, 2026.
Patrick Young,
Manager, Airspace & Procedures Team North, Eastern Service Center, Air
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2026-03088 Filed 2-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 17, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.