Airspace around two North Carolina airports will expand, changing flight paths

The Federal Aviation Administration proposes to expand controlled airspace around Hickory Regional Airport and Foothills Regional Airport. This means pilots flying under instrument flight rules will have more protected space for landings and takeoffs.

Airspace changes like this are small, but they directly affect how pilots plan their routes and use navigation systems. Expanding controlled airspace means more flights can operate safely in the area, especially in bad weather. It also means local air traffic controllers have more room to manage aircraft.