Plainview-Hale County Airport pushes back against FAA plan to cut flight procedure

The Plainview-Hale County Airport is challenging a federal decision that could strip it of a critical piece of aviation infrastructure. Airport officials have formally objected to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plan to retire an instrument flight procedure (IFP) that supports landings on Runway 4.

IFPs are essential navigational tools that guide pilots during takeoff, landing, and missed approaches, especially in poor weather or low visibility. These procedures often rely on VOR (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) systems—beacon-like signals that help pilots line up with runways using cockpit instruments.

Airport Manager Ryan Stevenson said the FAA recently identified Runway 4’s IFP as a candidate for decommissioning, likely as part of a nationwide effort to streamline underused procedures.

"I think what the FAA has done is they've scoured through some books and records to try and figure out which IFPs aren’t being used enough to justify their maintenance," Stevenson told the Herald. "From their perspective, it's about cutting costs and eliminating what they see as redundant."

But Stevenson—and the Plainview airport board—disagrees. On June 5, the board formally submitted a notice of nonconcurrence, effectively saying, “not so fast” to the FAA.

Local aviation advocates argue that while IFP usage might seem low on paper, Runway 4’s VOR approach is heavily used by student pilots, flight schools, and small aircraft operators looking to avoid busier airspace in Lubbock or Amarillo.

"We’re one of the few VOR approaches in this area," said board member John Tye. "It’s safer for trainees and private pilots, and it keeps traffic out of more congested zones."

The push to preserve the IFP comes at a time when Plainview-Hale County Airport is on the rise. It was recently reclassified from a local to a regional airport—an FAA designation for facilities that serve larger populations and contribute more significantly to the national airspace system.

According to the FAA, regional airports are key to sustaining regional economies and connecting rural communities to national markets.

That context makes the potential loss of even one flight procedure feel like a step backward, Stevenson said. He is now working to gather documentation—including letters from flight schools and aviation businesses—to support the airport’s case.

“This isn’t just about Plainview,” he said. “It’s about maintaining safety and accessibility for the whole region. Flight training, especially with real-world instrument approaches, is crucial for building competent pilots.”

The FAA has yet to respond to the airport’s objection. In the meantime, Stevenson has requested additional time to compile supporting evidence and statements from those who rely on the VOR-assisted approach.

“If we don’t speak up for it, it’ll be gone,” he said. “And that would be a loss for a lot more people than just us.”

What’s at Stake?

Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs): Step-by-step guides for pilots, especially critical in low visibility.

VOR Systems: Transmit directional radio signals to aircraft, aiding safe approaches.

Runway 4 at Plainview: One of two runways at the airport with a VOR-based approach.

FAA's Role: Managing and maintaining IFPs across the country—recently working to retire underused ones to reduce costs.

Stevenson and airport leaders hope their formal objection will lead to a second look—and a second chance—to keep the navigation aid in service.