A small North Carolina heliport gets federal air traffic control, making it safer for instrument flights

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes adding controlled airspace around ECU Health Duplin Heliport in Kenansville, North Carolina. This change will make it safer for helicopters to fly to and from the heliport using only their instruments, especially in bad weather.

Airspace rules are usually set for big airports. This small change means a rural heliport can operate more like a major airport, allowing pilots to rely on instruments rather than visual cues. This makes it possible for medical transport helicopters to fly more reliably, even when visibility is poor, improving access to emergency care in rural areas.