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 amends the Class D and Class E airspace at the affected airport to support IFR operations.

History

The FAA published an NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2026-6997 in the Federal Register (91 FR 35907; June 15, 2026) proposing to amend the Class D and Class E airspace at Chicago/Rockford, IL. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments were received.

Incorporation by Reference

Class D and E airspace designations are published in paragraphs 5000 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 amends the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11K, dated August 4, 2025, and effective September 15, 2025. These amendments will 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 Rule

This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by modifying the Class D airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 ft. above the surface at Chicago/Rockford, Illinois due to a biennial airspace review conducted pursuant to FAA Order JO 7400.2R.

For the Chicago/Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford, IL, Class D airspace, this action: (1) expands the radius from 4.6 miles to 5.7 miles; and (2) removes the extension south of the airport as it is no longer required.

For the Chicago/Rockford International Airport Class E airspace extending upward from 700 ft. above the surface, this action: (1) increases the radius from 7.1 miles to 8.2 miles; and (2) amends the extension south of the airport to within 4 miles (increased from 3 miles) each side of the 185° bearing from the Chicago/Rockford INTL: RWY 01-LOC extending from the 8.2-mile (currently 7.1-mile) radius of the airport to 11.1 miles (currently 12.3 miles) south of the Chicago/Rockford INTL: RWY 01-LOC.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

The FAA has determined that this 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) is expected to result in, at most, de minimis costs from compliance with applicable operating requirements or minor flight rerouting for operators choosing to navigate around the controlled airspace. Since these amendments are routine and the expected impact to operators is de minimis, the FAA certifies that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1G, “FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures,” Paragraph B-2.5(a). This airspace action is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment.

The Amendment

In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows: