FAA Proposes Revised Alaska Airspace Overhaul to Expand IFR Services

According to AOPA, the revised plan involves lowering the floor of Class E airspace down to 1,200 feet above ground level across the majority of mainland Alaska. However, higher floors will remain in regions lacking sufficient communication and surveillance coverage where those services cannot be provided.

This updated initiative follows a previous proposal made last year by the agency, which sought to lower Class E airspace universally across the entire state at 1,200 feet agl. AOPA noted that while it generally supports expanding IFR services to lower altitudes utilized by most general aviation aircraft, the initial blanket change would have imposed higher weather minimums, thereby restricting access for pilots operating under visual flight rules.

Because large parts of Alaska suffer from a lack of low-altitude communication and surveillance, AOPA previously expressed concern that the original nationwide lowering of airspace would restrict access and potentially decrease overall aviation safety.

Following feedback, the FAA listened to these concerns and adjusted its approach to craft a more tailored airspace modification that preserves higher floors in areas lacking adequate support infrastructure.

AOPA has encouraged aviators who fly in Alaska to thoroughly examine the new proposal and submit their comments before the deadline of November 12. Pilots have also been invited to share their comments directly with AOPA.

In a separate administrative action reported by the Federal Register, the FAA established Class E airspace at OSF St Francis Medical Center Heliport in Peoria, Illinois. This measure was taken to support new instrument procedures and instrument flight rule operations at the location.

Sources: AOPA, FAA (Federal Register)