Federal Aviation Administration Seeks Input on Aviation and Public Safety Impacts

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now accepting public comments regarding the impacts to aviation and public safety from the United States Air Force’s proposed military airspace expansion across southern Arizona and southwest New Mexico. This proposal would modify ten existing Military Operations Areas (MOAs) that stretch across the region, including areas over the Gila Wilderness, as part of the Air Force’s Special Use Optimization Strategy.

The deadline for public comments is September 19, 2025.

FAA’s Role in the Decision Process

Importantly, the FAA will have a significant role in the final decision on this airspace expansion proposal. The agency is specifically requesting comments on how the proposed changes would impact aviation operations, including effects on airports, private aviation, and overall public safety.

What the Proposal Includes

The Air Force’s plan would authorize:

• Thousands of additional low-elevation fighter jet maneuvers
• Low-elevation supersonic flights causing sonic booms (as low as 5,000 feet)
• Subsonic flights to as low as 100 feet above ground
• Dropping of flammable flares at low elevation

These proposed military training exercises would impact dozens of rural communities, affect 30 tribes and pueblos with traditional ties to the area, and subject millions of acres of federal public lands to increased noise, pollution, and fire risk.

Updated Timeline

Contrary to a recent Grant County Beat article from August 12th that incorrectly suggested the Air Force had already made a decision, the Air Force has actually delayed the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposal to spring 2026, with the Record of Decision to follow in summer 2026.

How Peaceful Gila Skies is Responding

Peaceful Gila Skies and Peaceful Chiricahua Skies are currently preparing comprehensive comments for submission to the FAA. We will be back in touch with our supporters in early September with specific issues and talking points for public comments.

Pilots and aviation professionals: If you would like to provide public comments or need more information about the aviation impacts, please contact us at peacefulgilaskies@gmail.com.

Why This Matters

The Air Force must not shift the burden of risk from existing training areas to rural and tribal communities in southern Arizona and southwest New Mexico. Military combat training should be restricted to areas like the Barry M. Goldwater Range where it’s already happening, rather than expanding over communities, wilderness areas, and tribal lands.

This FAA comment period represents a crucial opportunity for the public to weigh in on aviation safety and the impacts of low-level military flights over our communities and public lands.

Stay informed: Visit peacefulgilaskies.com for updates, or sign up for our mailing list to receive direct notifications about developments in this issue.