FAA revises proposed Alaska airspace overhaul

The proposal involves lowering the floor of Class E airspace to 1,200 feet above ground level over most of mainland Alaska but leaving higher floors in areas that lack communication and surveillance coverage to provide services.

Last year the FAA proposed lowering the Class E airspace over the entire state of Alaska to 1,200 feet agl. While AOPA generally supports the goal of expanding IFR services to lower altitudes where the majority of general aviation aircraft operate, the change also imposes higher weather minimums that would restrict access for those who fly under visual flight rules. Given the lack of communication and surveillance at low altitudes over large parts of Alaska, we felt this change would both restrict access and potentially decrease aviation safety overall.

The FAA listened to AOPA’s concerns and has now proposed a more tailored change, leaving higher floors in areas where services would not be available. AOPA urges pilots who fly in Alaska to study this proposal and provide comments by November 12. Please share your comments with AOPA.