Community Engagement - Phoenix

Area FAA Modernization Project

The FAA is proposing to implement new satellite-based air traffic procedures, as well as updates to the existing satellite-based air traffic procedures, that will help enhance safety and improve air traffic efficiency at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Those procedures, known as Performance Based Navigation (PBN), use satellites to fly more direct routes with efficient climbs and descents. The proposed changes will enhance operational efficiency and could reduce operational delays, providing a flexible system capable of handling the demands and complexities of the future.

The FAA is implementing these procedures at airports across the United States. In addition, the FAA is working with aviation stakeholders and has met with leaders from communities surrounding PHX.

This web page will be updated as details of the project are developed, including opportunities for community input.

View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about community engagement in the Phoenix area.

View the Air Traffic Operations in the Greater Phoenix Area - YouTube playlist.

Draft Environmental Assessment Information

Phoenix Airspace Noise Mapping Tool-models average noise data over a 12-month period for two future years: 2027 and 2032

You may find the Draft Environmental Assessment here.

Electronic versions of the Draft EA have also been distributed to 33 libraries throughout the General Study Area. A complete list of libraries with an electronic copy of the Draft EA is available here.

Please continue to monitor this webpage for the latest information.

Updates

May 4, 2026

The FAA has completed the targeted revisions to select figures and tables in the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to improve the clarity of the No Action and Proposed Action depictions. The revisions are summarized in a change sheet located in the main document immediately following the title page.

The revised Draft EA is now available for public review on this website. The link to the updated documents can be found above under “Draft Environmental Assessment Information.” As previously announced, the public comment period has been extended to June 30, 2026.

April 30, 2026

The FAA is making targeted revisions to specific figures and tables in the Draft Environmental Assessment to improve the clarity of the No Action and Proposed Action depictions. These revisions do not alter the underlying analysis or conclusions of the Draft EA. We expect to publish the updates on the FAA website by May 4 and will post another update on this page when they are available. We will extend the public comment submission deadline to June 30, 2026. The four virtual public workshops will be held as scheduled on May 13, 14, 19, and 20. You may register for these virtual public workshops using the links below on this webpage.

April 17, 2026

Learning Opportunities and Public Participation in the Phoenix Area FAA Modernization Project National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process

View the frequently asked questions on this website to gain insights and clarity on various topics.

Watch the Air Traffic Operations in the Greater Phoenix Area - YouTube videos detailing air traffic operations in the Phoenix area and the complexities of the airspace.

The draft Environmental Assessment (EA) will be posted on this website by April 29. Electronic versions of the Draft EA will also be distributed to 33 libraries throughout the General Study Area. A complete list of libraries with an electronic copy of the Draft EA will also be available on this website.

Attend one or more virtual workshops:

May 13, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT)
Location: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Register here
May 14, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: West Valley airports (Glendale, Goodyear, Buckeye)
Register here
May 19, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: North Valley airports (Deer Valley, Scottsdale)
Register here
May 20, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: East Valley airports (Falcon Field, Mesa Gateway, Chandler, Stellar Airpark)
Register here

During the workshops, you may submit comments and questions during the live Q&A session. You may attend any workshop, regardless of your specific airport or area of interest.

The FAA will post workshop recordings on the project website. Check these workshop recordings to see if your question has been addressed. If not, you can submit questions to the FAA's Aviation Noise Complaint and Inquiry Response (ANCIR) Portal. Submissions through the ANCIR portal are used to address individual inquiries and track noise-related concerns. To ensure your input is considered in the environmental process, please submit substantive comments through the email or mailing options listed below.

The FAA encourages you to submit comments and questions on the draft Environmental Assessment once posted. Comments are the primary way to provide input during the NEPA process. All submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the environmental review process.

February 26, 2026

Workshop Dates:

May 13, 2026 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT)
Location: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Register here
May 14, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: West Valley airports (Glendale, Goodyear, Buckeye)
Register here
May 19, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: North Valley airports (Deer Valley, Scottsdale)
Register here
May 20, 2026 (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT)
Location: East Valley airports (Falcon Field, Mesa Gateway, Chandler, Stellar Airpark)
Register here

No pre-registration is required to attend, but registering will ensure you receive automatic email reminders and access details for the Zoom session.