Stay Ready, A Decision on Air Force Airspace Expansion is Coming
Thank you to everyone who spoke up! Throughout the public comment periods, including the FAA comment period that closed September 19, 2025, residents, pilots, tribal members, businesses, and conservation groups across southwest New Mexico and southern Arizona sent a clear message: low-level combat training does not belong over our communities, tribal lands, and the Gila Wilderness.
Where Things Stand
The Air Force has not yet released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for its proposal to modify ten Military Operations Areas (MOAs) across southern Arizona and southwest New Mexico, including airspace over the Gila Wilderness. The Final EIS has been delayed several times.
When the Final EIS is released, a 30-day waiting period begins. After that, the Record of Decision will be published. The FAA also plays a significant role, because it must approve the airspace changes and is weighing the impacts on aviation and 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.
How You Can Help Right Now
- Join our mailing list. When the Final EIS or a decision is released, we’ll send you an alert right away, with what it means and what you can do. Sign up here.
- Report overflights. Your reports of low-flying jets, sonic booms, and flares help document what’s already happening. Report an overflight.
- Contact your elected officials. Tell your members of Congress and local officials that you oppose low-level combat training over the Gila and want them to keep pressing the Air Force and FAA.
If you want to help raise aviation safety concerns, email us at peacefulgilaskies@gmail.com.
Peaceful Gila Skies and Peaceful Chiricahua Skies will keep watching this process closely. When it’s time to act, we’ll let you know.
