The FAA is proposing controlled airspace above Shelter Cove Airport in Humboldt County, California, to support planned instrument procedures. The proposal published November 6 would establish Class E airspace starting 700 feet above the surface within a defined area. The FAA is accepting comments on docket FAA-2026-12541 through December 21, 2026.
Why the FAA proposes a 700-foot floor
The FAA says the airport is developing an RNAV (GPS)-A approach and an instrument obstacle departure. The proposed airspace is designed to provide controlled airspace for segments of instrument arrivals, missed approaches and departures as aircraft transition between the airport area and the en route environment.
The 700-foot figure is the bottom of the proposed airspace, not a descent altitude or an approach minimum. Nor is the FAA proposing that this Class E area start at the surface. The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual explains the distinction between transition and surface areas, and our chart interpretation guide offers background on reading airspace depictions.
The notice proposes an airspace change. It is not a final rule, an approach chart or an announcement that the planned procedures are available to fly. The comment deadline is not an effective date.
