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 E airspace in Tri-Cities, TN.

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 www.regulation.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/​privacy.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at www.faa.gov/​air_​traffic/​publications/​airspace_​amendments/​.

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. ( printed page 51605)

Incorporation by Reference

Class D and Class E 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 Class D and Class E airspace over Tri-Cities, TN. A review of the Tri-Cities, TN Class D and Class E airspace revealed a need for an increase to the lateral dimensions of the Class D, Class E2, and Class E5 airspace due to current IFR operations not being sufficiently contained, specifically for departures and the following instrument approach procedures (IAP): ILS/LOC RWY 5, RNAV (GPS) RWY 5, and RNAV (GPS) RWY 9. This action would increase the lateral dimensions of both the Tri-Cities, TN Class D and Class E2 airspace to within a 4.7-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport, and within 1 mile each side of the 042° bearing from the airport, extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 5.3 miles northeast of the airport.

This action would also remove the Tri-Cities, TN Class E4 airspace, as it will no longer be necessary to contain IFR operations after the modification to the Class D airspace. This action would also increase the lateral dimensions of the Tri-Cities, TN Class E5 airspace to within a 9.3-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport and within 4 miles west and 8 miles east of the 223° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 23 miles southwest of the airport, and within 2.1 miles each side of the 270° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 11 miles west of the airport, and within 2 miles either side of the 043° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 14.5 miles northeast of the airport.

This action would also update the superseded term “Airport/Facility Directory” to “Chart Supplement” in the associated airspace legal descriptions. This action would also change the verbiage in the Class D and Class E2 airspace legal descriptions from effective day(s) and time(s) to effective date(s) and time(s) to comply with current FAA guidance. This action would also update the reference to the Tri-Cities Airport in the associated airspace legal descriptions from “Tri-Cities Regional Airport, TN/VA” to “Tri-Cities Airport, TN.”

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, “Rulemaking and Guidance Procedure” (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 proposed amendments are routine and the expected impact to operators is de minimis, the FAA certifies 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.

The Proposed Amendment

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

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.

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.

ASO TN D Tri-Cities, TN [Amended]

Tri-Cities Airport, TN

(Lat. 36°28′31″ N long. 82°24′27″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 4,000 feet MSL within a 4.7-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport, and within 1 mile each side of the 042° bearing from the airport, extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 5.3 miles northeast 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.

ASO TN E2 Tri-Cities, TN [Amended]

Tri-Cities Airport, TN

(Lat. 36°28′31″ N, long. 82°24′27″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.7-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport, and within 1 mile each side of the 042° bearing from the airport, extending from the 4.7-mile radius to 5.3 miles northeast of the airport. This Class E 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.

6004 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an Extension to a Class D or Class E Surface Area.

ASO TN E4 Tri-Cities, TN [Remove]

6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

ASO TN E5 Tri-Cities, TN [Amended]

Tri-Cities Airport, TN

(Lat. 36°28′31″ N, long. 82°24′27″ W)

That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 9.3-mile radius of Tri-Cities Airport and within 4 miles west and 8 miles east of the 223° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 23 miles southwest of the airport, and within 2.1 miles each side of the 270° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 11 miles west of the airport, and within 2 miles each side of the 043° bearing from the airport extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 14.5 miles northeast of the airport.

91 FR 51604