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 www.regulations.gov as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14FDMS), 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 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. ( printed 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° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 195° 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° bearing from MINNM to 8 miles southeast of MINNM, excluding Mexican airspace (previously, 2.6 miles each side of the 145° 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° 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° 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° 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° 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° 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° 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° 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.

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 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.

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°21′34″ N, long. 100°46′41″ W)

SWANT Waypoint

(Lat. 29°17′23″ N, long. 100°45′37″ W)

MINNM Waypoint

(Lat. 29°12′30″ N, long. 100°44′20″ W)

Laughlin VORTAC

(Lat. 29°21′39″ N, long. 100°46′18″ W)

Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC

(Lat. 29°20′52″ N, long. 100°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° bearing from MINNM to 8 miles southeast of MINNM, excluding Mexican airspace; and within 2 miles each side of the 305° 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° 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°21′34″ N, long. 100°46′41″ W)

Laughlin AFB: RWY 31C-LOC

(Lat. 29°22′10″ N, long. 100°47′25″ W)

Laughlin VORTAC

(Lat. 29°21′39″ N, long. 100°46′18″ W)

SWANT Waypoint

(Lat. 29°17′23″ N, long. 100°45′37″ W)

MINNM Waypoint

(Lat. 29°12′30″ N, long. 100°44′20″ W)

OTULE Waypoint

(Lat. 29°04′42″ N, long. 100°39′17″ W)

Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC

(Lat. 29°20′52″ N, long. 100°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° bearing from the Laughlin AFB: RWY ( printed 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° 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° 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° bearing from the Laughlin AFB: RWY 13C-LOC extending from the 7.4-mile radius to 11.5 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB.

91 FR 60909