Stakeholder Feedback Requested on Proposed Powder River MOA Changes

Aug. 13, 2025

NBAA is seeking member feedback on the potential expansion of the Powder River Military Operations Area (MOA), which would be particularly impactful for operators based in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The association is holding a virtual meeting at noon (EDT) on Monday, Aug. 18 to receive stakeholder feedback. Those interested in attending can join via video: https://meet.google.com/cvc-bihk-xnp or call in: +1 513-909-3955‬ PIN: 482 060 104‬#. Anyone with questions should contact NBAA Regional Director Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org.‬

Powder River MAO is a training complex that is approximately 14,100-square-miles at high altitude.

The Department of the Air Force recently issued a notice of intent to prepare an environment impact statement (EIS) to assess impacts associated with changes to the Powder River Training Complex, including the Powder River MOA and nearby airspace.

The DAF is holding a series of public meetings to learn more about the EIS and its scope, with three virtual meetings remaining in August.

One possible change is to raise the ceiling of air traffic control assigned airspaces (ATCAAs) from 26,000 feet to 60,000 feet. Because ATCAAs are not charted or scheduled, raising the ceiling would render that airspace virtually unusable for business aircraft operators.

The EIS is one of the first stages of implementing airspace changes. It is critical that airspace stakeholders evaluate the impact of potential changes and comment on the possible operational impacts, including safety and environmental impacts of last-minute or long-distance rerouting.

“It appears there is potential for great operational impact based on the study’s intent,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA vice president, air traffic services and infrastructure. “NBAA strongly encourages member feedback on this issue. It is important that members use their voice to share the aeronautical and operational impacts with the military through the formal comment process and with NBAA as the military is studying this potential expansion.”

Additional information is available on the DAF’s

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