Proposed Rule2026-19708
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Del Rio, TX
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
September 25, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Del Rio, TX. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of a biennial review of the airspace associated with Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB), Del Rio, TX. This proposal would also update the name and geographic coordinates of Laughlin AFB to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This action would bring the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and support instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures and operations.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 185 (Friday, September 25, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 185 (Friday, September 25, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60909-60911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-19708]
[[Page 60909]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2026-12310; Airspace Docket No. 26-ASW-15]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Del Rio, TX
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the Class E airspace at Del Rio,
TX. The FAA is proposing this action as the result of a biennial review
of the airspace associated with Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB), Del Rio,
TX. This proposal would also update the name and geographic coordinates
of Laughlin AFB to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This
action would bring the airspace into compliance with FAA orders and
support instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures and operations.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2026-12310
and Airspace Docket No. 26-ASW-15 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: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W58-213, West
Building, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
* Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in
Room W58-213 of the West Building, 5th Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except 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 W58-213 of the
West Building, 5th Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11M, 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, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration,
800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5711.
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 the Class E airspace at the affected airport to
support IFR operations.
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 received 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 edit, 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-14FDMS), 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/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/</a>airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address, phone number, and
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the Federal Aviation Administration, Air
Traffic Organization, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group,
10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Incorporation by Reference
Class E airspace relevant to this action are published in
paragraphs 6003 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 7400.11M, dated July 30, 2026, and
effective September 15, 2026. These updates would be published in the
next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11M, 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
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 that would
modify the Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class C
surface area and the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 ft.
above the surface at Del Rio, Texas due to a biennial review of the
airspace associated with Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas.
[[Page 60910]]
For the Laughlin AFB Class E airspace designated as an extension to
a Class C surface area, the proposal would: (1) remove the extension
north of the airport from the airport legal description as it is no
longer required; (2) remove the extension from the 060[deg] radial of
the Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 195[deg] radial, extending from
the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to the 5.5-mile radius as it is no
longer required; (3) amend the extension southeast of the airport to
extending southeast from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB within 1-
mile each side of the line from SWANT to MINNM and 1-mile each side of
the 150[deg] bearing from MINNM to 8 miles southeast of MINNM,
excluding Mexican airspace (previously, 2.6 miles each side of the
145[deg] radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5.5-mile
radius of Laughlin AFB to 6.6 miles southeast of the airport); (4)
amend the extension northwest of Laughlin AFB to within 2 miles
(previously 2.6 miles) each side of the 305[deg] bearing (previously
radial) from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5-mile radius of
Laughlin AFB to 10.5 miles (previously 6.6 miles) northwest of Laughlin
AFB; (4) add an extension within 1.8 miles each side of the 315[deg]
bearing from Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC extending from the 5-mile radius
of Laughlin AFB to 11.5 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB; (5) remove the
extension from the 333[deg] radial of Laughlin VORTAC as it is no
longer required; (6) remove the city associated with the airport to
comply with changes to FAA Order JO 7400.2R, Procedures for Handling
Airspace Matters; (7) update the geographic coordinates of Laughlin AFB
to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database; and (8) update the
outdated term ``Airport/Facility Directory'' with ``Chart Supplement.''
For the Laughlin AFB Class E airspace extending upward from 700 ft.
above the surface, the proposal would: (1) reduce the radius to within
a 7.4-mile (previously 20 miles) radius of Laughlin AFB, excluding
Mexican airspace; (2) add an extension within 2 miles each side of the
135[deg] bearing from the Laughlin AFB: RWY 31C-LOC extending from the
7.4-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.4 miles southeast of Laughlin
AFB; (3) add an extension within 1.9 miles each side of the 149[deg]
bearing from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 7.4-mile radius of
Laughlin AFB to 11.4 miles southeast of Laughlin AFB; (4) add an
extension extending southeast from the 7.4-mile radius of Laughlin AFB
within 1 mile each side of line from SWANT to MINNM to OTULE, excluding
Mexican airspace; (5) add an extension within 2 miles each side of the
305[deg] bearing from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 7.4-mile
radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.5 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB; (6) add
an extension within 2 miles each side of the 315[deg] bearing from the
Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC extending from the 7.4-mile radius to 11.5
miles northwest of Laughlin AFB; (7) remove the city associated with
the airport in the header to comply with changes to FAA Order JO
7400.2R; and (8) update the name of the airport to Laughlin AFB
(previously Laughlin ABF) to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical
database.
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 DOT
Order 2100.6B, ``Policies and Procedures for Rulemakings'' (March 10,
2025); 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.
List 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 14 CFR 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
7400.11M, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 30,
2026, and effective September 15, 2026, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6003 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an Extension.
* * * * *
ASW TX E3 Del Rio, TX [Amended]
Laughlin AFB, TX
(Lat. 29[deg]21'34'' N, long. 100[deg]46'41'' W)
SWANT Waypoint
(Lat. 29[deg]17'23'' N, long. 100[deg]45'37'' W)
MINNM Waypoint
(Lat. 29[deg]12'30'' N, long. 100[deg]44'20'' W)
Laughlin VORTAC
(Lat. 29[deg]21'39'' N, long. 100[deg]46'18'' W)
Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC
(Lat. 29[deg]20'52'' N, long. 100[deg]45'57'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface extending
southeast from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB within 1 mile each
side of line from SWANT to MINNM and 1 mile each side of the
150[deg] bearing from MINNM to 8 miles southeast of MINNM, excluding
Mexican airspace; and within 2 miles each side of the 305[deg]
bearing from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5-mile radius of
Laughlin AFB to 10.5 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB; and within 1.8
miles each side of the 315[deg] bearing from Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-
LOC extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.5 miles
northwest of Laughlin AFB. This Class E airspace area is effective
during the specific dates and times established in advance by a
Notice to Airmen. The effective dates and times 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.
* * * * *
ASW TX E5 Del Rio, TX [Amended]
Laughlin AFB, TX
(Lat. 29[deg]21'34'' N, long. 100[deg]46'41'' W)
Laughlin AFB: RWY 31C-LOC
(Lat. 29[deg]22'10'' N, long. 100[deg]47'25'' W)
Laughlin VORTAC
(Lat. 29[deg]21'39'' N, long. 100[deg]46'18'' W)
SWANT Waypoint
(Lat. 29[deg]17'23'' N, long. 100[deg]45'37'' W)
MINNM Waypoint
(Lat. 29[deg]12'30'' N, long. 100[deg]44'20'' W)
OTULE Waypoint
(Lat. 29[deg]04'42'' N, long. 100[deg]39'17'' W)
Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC
(Lat. 29[deg]20'52'' N, long. 100[deg]45'57'' W)
That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within a 7.4-mile radius of Laughlin AFB, excluding Mexican
airspace; and within 2 miles each side of the 135[deg] bearing from
the Laughlin AFB: RWY
[[Page 60911]]
31C-LOC extending from the 7.4-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.4
miles southeast of Laughlin AFB; and within 1.9 miles each side of
the 149[deg] bearing from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the
7.4-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.4 miles southeast of Laughlin
AFB; and extending southeast from the 7.4-mile radius of Laughlin
AFB within 1 mile each side of line from SWANT to MINNM to OTULE,
excluding Mexican airspace; and withing 2 miles each side of the
305[deg] bearing from the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 7.4-
mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 11.5 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB;
and within 2 miles each side of the 315[deg] bearing from the
Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC extending from the 7.4-mile radius to 11.5
miles northwest of Laughlin AFB.
* * * * *
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, September 23, 2026.
Courtney E. Johns,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2026-19708 Filed 9-24-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 25, 2026.
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