Story ID: 
FAA Proposes Class C Airspace over Harrisburg
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The agency is hosting a public meeting August 18 to discuss changing the airspace from Class D to Class C over Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to increase safety.
Word Count: 235
The FAA is exploring means to better manage the complexity and volume of aviation activities around Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania, including establishing a Class C airspace and expanding the areas where pilots must interact with air traffic control. The agency is holding a virtual public meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 18 to discuss the proposed modifications to airspace in the area. 

While the ATC procedures would change, the FAA said the existing flight paths and altitudes flown would remain intact. In addition, the agency does not expect the proposed changes to result in more air traffic. However, the agency believes the changes will increase safety “by ensuring that all flights, including aircraft operating on visual flight rules (VFR), within the proposed Class C airspace area are in direct communications with air traffic control.” The airport currently is within Class D airspace.

During the virtual meeting, FAA representatives will provide an overview of proposed changes, listen to public comments, and participate in a question and answer session. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and on social media. Attendees can watch or register on the FAA’s Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube accounts. Preregistration is required to participate in the Zoom meeting and presentations are limited to three minutes. Attendees also will be able to submit questions via a chat function while watching it via social media.