FAA Postpones Airspace Rule After Backlash

Bethany Whitfield

Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:13 PM ET

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Portland International Airport

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has postponed a new airspace rule near Portland, Oregon, intended to reduce congestion around Portland International Airport (PDX), following strong backlash from general aviation pilots and local officials.
Opponents argue the rule is unwarranted, would unnecessarily restrict traffic to historic Pearson Field, and raise new safety issues for general aviation aircraft.
The rule, originally slated for October 1, is delayed for at least 30 days as the FAA seeks further feedback, having previously stated it was the only option to reduce wake turbulence and congestion short of building a tower at Pearson Field.

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The FAA has decided to postpone the implementation of a new airspace rule in the area near Portland, Oregon, after news of the change triggered a strong backlash from general aviation pilots and local officials at Pearson Field Airport.

The new airspace rule – which attempts to reduce congestion surrounding Portland International Airport (PDX) by limiting the number of aircraft that can pass through a certain section of nearby airspace – was slated to go into effect Oct. 1, but will now be delayed for at least 30 days as FAA officials seek additional feedback on the new policy.