[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 8, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17762-17764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06762]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2522; Airspace Docket No. 25-ANM-169]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Class B Airspace Description; Denver International
Airport, CO
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action amends the Denver International Airport, CO, Class
B airspace area description by making editorial changes to the sub-
areas to change the Class B airspace center point from the Denver, CO,
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment
(VOR/DME) to ``Point of Origin''. The point of origin uses the same
geographic coordinates as the Denver VOR/DME listed in the existing
description. These changes are editorial only and do not alter the
current boundaries, altitudes, ATC procedures, or operating
requirements for the Denver International Airport Class B airspace.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 9, 2026. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11
and publication of conforming amendments.
ADDRESSES: A copy of this final rule and all background material may be
viewed online at www.regulations.gov using the FAA Docket number.
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website.
It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic
copy of this document may also be downloaded from
www.federalregister.gov.
FAA Order JO 7400.11K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points,
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Roff, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
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
the 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 modifies the National Airspace System as necessary to
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
History
The Denver VOR/DME was identified as a candidate for
decommissioning as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON)
Implementation Program published in the Federal Register on July 26,
2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082. Due to the pending
decommissioning of the Denver VOR/DME, the FAA needs to remove it from
the Denver International Airport Class B airspace description. This
action changes the Class B airspace center point from the Denver VOR/
DME to ``Point of Origin''. The point of origin uses the same
geographic coordinates as the Denver VOR/DME listed in the existing
description. These changes are editorial only and do not alter the
current boundaries, altitudes, ATC procedures, or operating
requirements for the Denver International Airport Class B airspace.
As noted previously, the Denver International Airport Class B
airspace description uses the Denver VOR/DME, which will be
decommissioned, to describe the sub-area shelf boundaries. To ensure
there will be no changes to the existing charted boundaries of the
Denver International Airport Class B airspace area, the FAA is removing
the Denver VOR/DME references and using a reference point located at
the same geographic coordinates (lat. 39[deg]48'45'' N, long.
104[deg]40'01'' W) listed for the Denver VOR/DME in the description
prior to this rule.
Incorporation by Reference
Class B airspace designations are published in paragraph 3000 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 Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 by making editorial changes to the Denver International
Airport, CO, Class B airspace description. This action removes
references to the Denver VOR/DME in the sub-area shelf boundaries and
replaces them with a reference point located at the same geographic
coordinates for the Denver VOR/DME listed in the description prior to
this rule. The Class B airspace boundaries using the Denver VOR/DME as
the center point will remain unchanged and unaffected by replacing the
Denver VOR/DME references to a reference point with the same geographic
coordinates.
[[Page 17763]]
Good Cause for Bypassing Notice and Comment
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) authorizes agencies to
dispense with ordinary notice and comment requirements for rules when
the agency for ``good cause'' finds that those procedures are
``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' 5
U.S.C. 553(b)(B). These changes are editorial only and do not alter the
current boundaries, altitudes, ATC procedures, or operating
requirements for the Denver International Airport Class B airspace.
This action will not impose any additional substantive restrictions or
requirements on the persons affected by these regulations. This action
constitutes ``a routine determination, insignificant in nature and
impact, and inconsequential to the industry and to the public.'' Mack
Trucks, Inc. v. EPA, 682 F.3d 87, 94 (D.C. Cir. 2012). Therefore, the
FAA finds that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) is
unnecessary.
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
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979);
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that
only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified
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 amending the Denver
International Airport, CO, Class B airspace description qualifies for
categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act, 42
U.S.C. 4321 and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy
Act Implementing Procedures, paragraph B-2.5(a), which categorically
excludes from further environmental impact review rulemaking actions
that designate or modify classes of airspace areas, airways, routes,
and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation of Class A, B, C,
D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; and Reporting
Points); This airspace action is an editorial change only and is not
expected to result in any potentially significant environmental
impacts. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1G, Appendix B regarding
Extraordinary Circumstances, this action has been reviewed for factors
and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may
have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis, and
it is determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant
preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact
statement.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
0
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.
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO
7400.11K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 4,
2025, and effective September 15, 2025, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 3000 Class B Airspace.
* * * * *
ANM CO B Denver, CO
Denver International Airport (Primary Airport)
(Lat. 39[deg]51'30'' N, long. 104[deg]40'01'' W)
Point of Origin
(Lat. 39[deg]48'45'' N, long. 104[deg]39'39'' W)
Heckendorf Airport
(Lat. 39[deg]57'48'' N, long. 104[deg]44'57'' W)
Boundaries
Area A. That airspace extending upward from the surface to and
including 12,000 feet MSL beginning at the intersection of Bromley
Lane and the 10-mile arc of the Point of Origin, thence clockwise
along the 10-mile arc until the Point of Origin's 090[deg] radial,
extending west on the Point of Origin's 090[deg] radial until
Imboden Mile Road, thence south along Imboden Mile Road until I-70,
extending west along I-70 until intercepting the 10-mile arc of the
Point of Origin, extending clockwise along the 10-mile arc until
Bromley Lane, and thence east along Bromley Lane to the point of
beginning; excluding that airspace within a 1-mile radius of
Heckendorf Airport.
Area B. That airspace extending upward from 7,500 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL within a 10-mile radius of the Point
of Origin, bounded on the north by I-70 and bounded on the east by a
line parallel to and 2 miles east of the Buckley Air National Guard
Base Runway 14/32 centerline.
Area C. That airspace extending upward from 6,500 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL within a 10-mile radius of the Point
of Origin bounded on the north by I-70, bounded on the east by
Imboden Mile Road, and bounded on the west by a line parallel to and
2 miles east of Buckley Air National Guard Base Runway 14/32
centerline.
Area D. That airspace extending upward from 7,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL within a 10-mile radius of the Point
of Origin bounded on the north by the Point of Origin's 090[deg]
radial and bounded on the west by Imboden Mile Road.
Area E. That airspace extending upward from 8,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL beginning at the Point of Origin's
025[deg] radial 15-mile DME fix, extending northeast along the Point
of Origin's 025[deg] radial until intercepting the Point of Origin
20-mile arc, extending clockwise along the 20-mile arc until I-25,
thence north along I-25 until Hampden Avenue, extending west along
Hampden Avenue until Wadsworth Boulevard, thence north along
Wadsworth Boulevard and Colorado Highway 287 until Colorado Highway
7, extending east along Colorado Highway 7 to I-25, thence north
along I-25 until intercepting the Point of Origin 20-mile arc,
extending clockwise along the 20-mile arc until intercepting the
Point of Origin's 329[deg] radial, thence southeast along the Point
of Origin's 329[deg] radial until intercepting the 15-mile arc,
extending counterclockwise along the 15-mile arc until I-70 thence
east along I-70 until intercepting the 10-mile arc, extending
counterclockwise along the 10-mile arc until the Point of Origin's
090[deg] radial, extending east on the Point of Origin's 090[deg]
radial until intercepting the Point of Origin's 15-mile arc, and
thence counterclockwise to the point of beginning.
Area F. That airspace extending upward from 7,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL between the 10- and 15-mile radius of
the Point of Origin, bounded on the north by the Point of Origin's
025[deg] radial and bounded on the south by the Point of Origin's
090[deg] radial.
Area G. That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL beginning at the Point of Origin's
329[deg] radial 10-mile fix, extending northwest on the Point of
Origin's 329[deg] radial until the 15-mile arc, thence clockwise
along the 15-mile arc until the Point of Origin's 025[deg] radial,
extending south on the 025[deg] radial until the 10-mile arc, and
extending counterclockwise on the 10-mile arc until Bromley Lane,
and thence west along Bromley Lane until the Point of Origin 10-mile
arc thence to the point of beginning; including that airspace within
a 1-mile radius of Heckendorf Airport.
Area H. That airspace extending upward from 7,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000
[[Page 17764]]
feet MSL between the 10- and 15-mile radius of the Point of Origin,
bounded on the north by the Point of Origin's 329[deg] radial and
bounded on the south by I-70.
Area J. That airspace extending upward from 7,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL between the 15- and 20-mile radius of
the Point of Origin, bounded on the west by the Point of Origin's
329[deg] radial and bounded on the east by the Point of Origin's
025[deg] radial.
Area K. That airspace extending upward from 10,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL beginning at the intersection of
Hampden Avenue and I-25, extending south along I-25 until
intercepting Point of Origin 30-mile arc, extending clockwise along
the 30-mile arc until a point 3 miles south of Waterton, CO (lat.
39[deg]26'25'' N, long. 105[deg]05'42'' W) extending north to
Waterton and Canyon Road (lat. 39[deg]29'40'' N, long.
105[deg]05'42'' W), extending north along Canyon Road (Colorado
Highway 75) until Wadsworth Boulevard, extending north along
Wadsworth Boulevard until Hampden Avenue and extending east along
Hampden Avenue to the point of beginning.
Area L. That airspace extending upward from 9,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL between the 20- and 30-mile radius of
the Point of Origin bounded on the west by I-25 and bounded on the
east by the Point of Origin's 156[deg] radial.
Area M. That airspace extending upward from 10,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL between the 20- and 30-mile radius of
the Point of Origin, bounded on the north by the Point of Origin's
025[deg] radial and bounded on the south by the Point of Origin's
156[deg] radial.
Area N. That airspace extending upward from 8,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL between the 20- and 30-mile radius of
the Point of Origin, bounded on the west by the Point of Origin's
329[deg] radial and bounded on the east by the Point of Origin's
025[deg] radial.
Area P. That airspace extending upward from 10,000 feet MSL to
and including 12,000 feet MSL beginning at the Point of Origin's
329[deg] radial 20-mile DME fix, extending counterclockwise along
the Point of Origin 20-mile arc until I-25, extending south along I-
25 until Colorado Highway 7, thence west along Colorado Highway 7
until Colorado Highway 287, thence north along Colorado Highway 287
until intercepting the Point of Origin 30-mile arc, extending
clockwise along the 30-mile arc until the Point of Origin's 329[deg]
radial, and extending southeast along the Point of Origin's 329[deg]
radial to the point of beginning.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 6, 2026.
Alex W. Nelson,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2026-06762 Filed 4-7-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P