Proposed Establishment of Class C Airspace and Revocation of Class D Airspace, Orlando Sanford International Airport, FL; and Proposed Modification of the Orlando International Airport Class B Airspace Area, FL, 45599-45607 [05-15567]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2005 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20700; Airspace
Docket No. 04–AWA–8]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Class C
Airspace and Revocation of Class D
Airspace, Orlando Sanford
International Airport, FL; and Proposed
Modification of the Orlando
International Airport Class B Airspace
Area, FL
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action proposes to
establish Class C airspace at the Orlando
Sanford International Airport (SFB), FL;
revoke the existing Sanford, FL, Class D
airspace area; and modify the existing
Orlando International Airport (MCO),
FL, Class B airspace area. The FAA is
proposing this action to improve the
flow of air traffic, enhance safety, and
reduce the potential for midair collision
in the Orlando, FL, terminal area.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before October 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the Docket Management
System, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590–0001. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2005–20700 and
Airspace Docket No. 04–AWA–8, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace and Rules, Office of
System Operations and Safety, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202)
267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
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environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2005–20700 and Airspace Docket No.
04–AWA–8) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management
System (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2005–20700 and
Airspace Docket No. 04–AWA–8.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified closing date for
comments will be considered before
taking action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
closing date for comments. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRM’s
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. Recently
published rulemaking documents can
also be accessed through the FAA’s Web
page at https://www.faa.gov or the
Federal Register’s Web page at https://
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number) between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. An informal docket
may also be examined during normal
business hours at the office of the
Regional Air Traffic Division, Federal
Aviation Administration, 1701
Columbia Avenue College Park, GA
30337.
Persons interested in being placed on
a mailing list for future NPRM’s should
contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking,
(202) 267–9677, for a copy of Advisory
Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Distribution System, which
describes the application procedure.
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Background
Currently, the Sanford Airport Traffic
Control Tower (ATCT) provides air
traffic control (ATC) service to a varied
mix of air carrier and other civil aircraft,
including a dense volume of training
traffic from the numerous flight schools
located in the central Florida area. With
the current Class D airspace
configuration, the Sanford tower
controller is required to take initial calls
from inbound aircraft entering the traffic
pattern and work departures out of the
Class D airspace area. These tasks divert
the controller’s attention away from the
busy runway operation. Consequently,
delays and frequency congestion are
problems, and runway incursions have
been a concern at Sanford.
In addition, Sanford air carrier
arrivals currently enter and leave the
Orlando International Airport Class B
airspace area twice before entering the
Sanford Class D airspace area. During
this transition, encounters with
unknown aircraft are common, resulting
in vectors off course, traffic alert and
collision advance system (TCAS) alerts,
and/or Near Midair Collision Reports.
Further, the Sanford instrument landing
system (ILS) glideslopes to runways 9L
and 27R are both outside the current
Orlando International Class B and
Sanford Class D airspace areas until
they reach a 4-mile final.
The number of passenger
enplanements at Sanford have increased
above 600,000. This exceeds the FAA
threshold criteria of 250,000
enplanements for Class C airspace area
candidacy. Based on this, in addition to
the above mentioned problem areas, the
projected growth of traffic at Sanford,
and the need to enhance safety and
reduce the potential for midair
collisions in the Orlando terminal area,
this proposal to establish the Sanford
Class C airspace area was developed. A
Class C airspace area at Sanford would
keep instrument flight rules (IFR)
aircraft arriving at Sanford in controlled
airspace thus reducing traffic conflicts.
In addition, the Sanford ATCT’s
workload would be reduced since the
Orlando International Airport’s
Terminal Radar Approach Control
(TRACON) would take over arrival
sequencing responsibilities to the
Sanford runway and would work all
Sanford departures out of the proposed
Class C airspace area. This would
reduce Sanford Tower frequency
congestion and enable the tower
controller to focus on runway
operations thereby increasing safety and
efficiency.
FAA policy requires that, before
action is initiated to establish Class C
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airspace, nonrulemaking alternatives
that provide for an acceptable level of
safety must be implemented. In
compliance with that policy, a number
of safety measures were implemented at
Sanford and in the Orlando
International Airport terminal area.
Some of the safety measures that were
implemented include: Sanford ATCT
received Digital Bright Radar Indicator
Tower Equipment radar in 1997;
Operation Rain Check, a pilot-controller
forum, is held yearly; controller groups
attending local user meetings to discuss
safety; Orlando TRACON established a
procedure to keep large arriving aircraft
at higher altitudes on downwind legs to
avoid slower traffic; safety meetings
with flight school operators resulted in
preferred routings for COMAIR (now
known as Delta Connection Academy)
departures; standard visual flight rules
(VFR) arrival areas were set up for flight
school operations; Orlando Traffic
Management implemented voluntary
flow controls for flight school
operations in the Orlando area; and
introduced local use call signs and
standard climb-out procedures for flight
school aircraft. Although these
procedures have enhanced safety at
Sanford, their effectiveness is based on
current traffic levels with little room to
accommodate future growth. If
established, the proposed Sanford Class
C airspace area would replace the
current Sanford Class D airspace area.
In 1990, the FAA issued a final rule
establishing the Orlando Terminal
Control Area (TCA) at Orlando
International Airport (55 FR 9082). In
1993, the term ‘‘TCA’’ was replaced by
‘‘Class B airspace area’’ as a result of the
Airspace Reclassification Final Rule (56
FR 65638). The Orlando Class B
airspace was last modified in 1999 to
adjust several areas within the existing
lateral boundaries of the Class B
airspace (64 FR 42585).
In 2004, a fourth runway (17L/35R)
was commissioned at Orlando
International Airport. As a result, the
airport reference point (ARP) was
shifted eastward affecting the published
center point for the Class B airspace
area. In addition, there is a need to
further modify several areas within the
Orlando International Airport Class B
airspace to accommodate the proposed
Sanford Class C airspace and to provide
additional Class B airspace to ensure the
containment of Orlando International
Airport arrivals and departures.
Operational experience with departures
climbing off Orlando International to
the west has shown areas of airspace in
the Orlando terminal area that need to
be brought into the Class B airspace
area. Also, experience working air traffic
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north of Orlando Executive Airport, and
near Sanford International Airport at
low altitude, has shown that Class B
airspace is not needed in those areas to
support Orlando International Airport
operations and that airspace can be
released back to users. The proposed
Orlando Class B airspace modifications
would address these matters.
Pre-NPRM Public Input
In 2002, the FAA initiated action to
form an ad hoc committee to develop
recommendations for designing a
proposed Class C airspace at Sanford
International Airport and for
modifications to the Orlando Class B
airspace. Participants in the committee
included representatives from Sanford
International, Orlando Executive,
Kissimmee Gateway and Cedar Knoll
Flying Ranch airports, AOPA, local
Fixed Base Operators, and flight
schools. Three ad hoc committee
meetings were held. The first meeting
was held at Sanford on January 14,
2003; the second meeting was held on
February 25, 2003, at Kissimmee
Gateway Airport (ISM); and the third
meeting was held at Orlando Executive
Airport on March 23, 2003.
As a result of the meetings, several
operational procedures were developed
and airspace modifications were
incorporated into the proposed design.
The Sanford Class C northern 10
nautical mile (NM) circle was changed
to align with the current Orlando Class
B airspace boundary. The proposed
Class C airspace was modified to
provide a cutout for Cedar Knoll Flying
Ranch Airport (01FL). A draft letter of
agreement was formulated to establish
procedures and sterile routings out of
the proposed Class C airspace, enabling
VFR departures to stay with Sanford
ATCT, if desired, and terminate ATC
service at the 5-mile Class C airspace
ring. Provisions were established to
issue VFR codes to Orlando Executive
Airport users on the ground. Finally, a
VFR flyway east of Sanford
International Airport below 3,000 feet
outside the proposed Class C airspace
was established.
In addition, as announced in the
Federal Register (68 FR 53925),
informal airspace meetings were held on
November 6, 2003, at the Sanford
International Airport, Terminal A,
Vigilante Room, Sanford, FL; and
November 7, 2003, at the Orlando
Airport Marriott Hotel, Orlando, FL.
These meetings provided interested
airspace users with an opportunity to
present their views and offer
suggestions regarding the planned
establishment of the Sanford Class C
airspace and modification of the
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Orlando Class B airspace. All comments
received as a result of the informal
airspace meetings, along with the
recommendations made by the ad hoc
committee, were considered in
developing this proposal.
Analysis of Comments
One commenter was concerned that
the Sanford Class C airspace would
result in the loss of an aerobatic practice
box at Sanford. The FAA assures users
that the aerobatic box would not change
if the Sanford Class C airspace is
implemented.
Four commenters questioned whether
ATC staffing levels were adequate at the
Orlando TRACON and the Sanford
ATCT to handle the additional Class C
airspace workload. One commenter
stated that staffing resources need
further analysis. The FAA has
determined that no additional staffing is
required to support both the
implementation of the Sanford Class C
airspace and the modification of the
Orlando Class B airspace.
Three commenters stated that the
planned runway extension and
installation of a parallel ILS at Sanford
should be completed prior to
implementation of a Class C airspace
area. The FAA does not agree. Sanford
has several construction projects
scheduled during the next three years.
During construction, runway closures at
Sanford will compress traffic to the
open runways reducing airport capacity
and contributing to delays. During
runway closure periods, the Sanford
ATCT controller will need to devote
maximum focus on the open runways.
Under the current Class D airspace
configuration, the Sanford ATCT
controller responds to initial call-ups
from VFR inbound traffic, which
occupies much of the controller’s
attention. With the proposed Class C
airspace configuration, Sanford
inbounds would initially call Orlando
TRACON, thus enabling the Sanford
ATCT controller to focus more attention
on runway operations, reducing delays
and increasing the level of runway
safety. Therefore, the FAA believes that
the proposed Class C airspace is needed
in the interest of both safety and
operational efficiency.
One commenter contended that if the
Class C airspace area is implemented,
there should be a single, unified ATCT
and TRACON at Sanford airport. The
FAA does not agree. Orlando TRACON
is fully capable of efficiently managing
Sanford operations from its current
location. In fact, many large and
complex operations are worked from
remote TRACONs such as Atlanta, New
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York, Baltimore-Washington, DC, and
Southern California.
One commenter wrote that the local
users were not adequately consulted
during the development of the proposed
Sanford Class C airspace establishment
and Orlando Class B airspace
modification. The FAA does not agree.
An ad hoc committee was formed to
develop recommendations to the FAA
regarding the proposed design of the
Class C airspace. Three ad hoc user
meetings were held to solicit local input
on the proposal. A number of issues
were identified at these meetings and
several recommendations have been
incorporated into this proposal. In
addition, as announced in the Federal
Register (68 FR 53925, September 15,
2003), the FAA held Informal Airspace
Meetings in the local area on November
6 and November 7, 2003 to inform users
of the planned airspace changes and to
gather facts and information relevant to
the proposed airspace action. FAA
representatives have also attended
monthly user meetings at Orlando
Executive Airport and Sanford
International Airport and provided
briefings on the Class C and Class B
proposals. An internet link for user
comments is advertised on the Orlando
International Airport ATCT web page.
Finally, this NPRM provides users with
a 60-day period to submit comments or
recommendations on the proposal. All
comments received will be fully
considered before the FAA makes its
final determination on this proposal.
The proposal may be changed in light of
those comments.
Four commenters indicated that the
Sanford Class C airspace area would
have an adverse economic impact on
operations at Sanford. The cost of these
operations would rise significantly
because Class C airspace would result in
increased air traffic delays both on the
ground and in the air. The FAA does not
agree. The Class C airspace area is
expected to reduce Sanford delays.
Current traffic routings and proposed
Class C routings have been compared
and it was found that the Class C
airspace area would have minimal
negative impact on users. Procedures for
the proposed Class C airspace operation
would allow Sanford users to continue
flying as much as they do today. A
minimal increase in flying distance (5
miles further west or east of Sanford)
may be required for pilots transiting the
area outside the proposed Class C and
Class B airspace areas. Since Sanford
International Airport already lies within
the Orlando Class B airspace Mode C
Veil, no additional aircraft equipment
would be required as a result of the
proposed airspace changes.
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Notwithstanding, the FAA is soliciting
comments regarding possible economic
impacts from this proposal.
Two commenters stated that
alternative airspace modifications
should be evaluated before
implementing Class C airspace. These
commenters suggested that either the
existing Sanford Class D airspace be
extended outward beyond the Sanford
final approach fixes, or the existing
Orlando Class B airspace area be
lowered to protect the Sanford final
approach fixes, if needed. The FAA
examined these alternatives and
determined that they would not be
suitable in this case. Class B airspace is
designed to contain IFR operations at
the primary airport (in this case,
Orlando International). FAA Class B
airspace design criteria requires that
airspace over a satellite airport be
excluded from the Class B area if it is
not required for primary airport IFR
operations. Expanding the MCO Class B
airspace area over SFB as suggested
would be overly restrictive for users.
Extending the SFB Class D airspace
beyond the final approach fixes would
not resolve the SFB ATCT workload and
frequency congestion issues discussed
above.
Two commenters expressed concerns
that radio frequency congestion could
result from the implementation of Class
C airspace and that the FAA should
ensure that the Orlando TRACON has
additional frequencies available to
handle the proposed Class C traffic
volume. The FAA believes that
frequency congestion will not be an
issue. Orlando TRACON recently added
another control sector and frequency,
covering the Sanford area, to reduce
radio frequency congestion and prepare
Orlando TRACON for the additional
traffic volume. With the Class C airspace
area the Orlando TRACON would take
over responsibility for sequencing
Sanford arrivals and would work all
departures out of the proposed airspace.
As a result, the Sanford ATCT local
control frequency congestion would be
reduced. Additionally, the Sanford
ATCT clearance delivery position will
be open during all busy periods,
reducing congestion on the Sanford
ATCT ground control frequency.
Several commenters stated that, if the
Sanford Class C airspace area is
established, the current practice of
issuing transponder codes on the
ground for VFR aircraft at Orlando
Executive Airport should be continued.
The FAA agrees. Procedures are now
in place to issue codes, upon request, to
VFR pilots on a permanent basis.
Four commenters raised various
issues regarding the airspace design
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45601
reflected in the proposal. Two
commenters believed that an overall
evaluation of the Orlando terminal area
airspace should take place. Another
commenter stated that the east-west
VFR corridor between Orlando
Executive Airport and Sanford
International Airport creates
compression and puts aircraft near tall
towers and practice areas. This
commenter suggested that VFR
waypoints be considered to assist pilots
circumnavigating the complex Orlando
terminal area and to identify entry and
exit points on VFR corridors. The
commenter also stated that there may be
a need to redefine the areas within the
Orlando TRACON’s airspace to
minimize frequency hand-offs.
Regarding an evaluation of the
Orlando area airspace, such a review
has been conducted in association with
this proposal. The proposed design also
reflects modifications made to
accommodate user requests.
Additionally, FAA directives require
that Class B and Class C airspace be reevaluated every two years to determine
if any modifications should be made.
Regarding concerns about the east-west
corridor, located between the Orlando
Executive Airport and Sanford, this
proposal would widen the corridor
(with its 2,000 feet mean sea level
(MSL)) ceiling by approximately 3 NM.
This would increase the amount of
airspace available for VFR aircraft to
transit while remaining outside of Class
B and Class C airspace. The FAA agrees
with the suggestion for additional VFR
waypoints and these will be developed
for the area. Regarding the issue of
frequency changes, Orlando TRACON is
developing procedures and designing its
airspace sectors to minimize the need
for frequency changes.
Several commenters questioned the
validity of Sanford’s candidacy for Class
C airspace. One commenter wrote that
Sanford does not have enough passenger
carrying flights to qualify. Another
wrote that General Aviation makes up
the large majority of operations at
Sanford and those users oppose the
Class C airspace area. This commenter
also believed that the Near Midair
Collision (NMAC) and Traffic Alert and
Collision Avoidance System Resolution
Advisory (RA) data utilized in the study
were not valid. A third commenter said
that traffic count figures should be reevaluated based on today’s trends.
The FAA does not agree. For an
airport to be considered as a candidate
for Class C airspace, it must be served
by an operational airport traffic control
tower and a radar approach control. In
addition, the airport must meet one of
the following: (a) An annual instrument
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operations count of 75,000 at the
primary airport; (b) an annual
instrument operations count of 100,000
at the primary and secondary airports in
the terminal area hub; or (c) an annual
count of 250,000 enplaned passengers at
the primary airport. Sanford qualifies as
a Class C candidate based on its
enplaned passenger count. In calendar
year 2003 (the latest year for which
validated counts are available), Sanford
enplanements totaled 619,894; well
above the candidacy criteria. Regarding
NMAC and RA data, the reports cited in
the staff study were submitted officially
and met the required criteria. It should
be noted that such information is but
one of many factors that are considered
when conducting an analysis of a Class
C airspace candidate airport. A review
of current traffic counts and trends at
Sanford indicate steady growth.
One commenter stated that the
proposed Sanford Class C airspace area
would have a significant and potentially
adverse effect on Orlando Executive
Airport; therefore, it should only be
considered if the best interest of safety
requires it. The commenter further
stated that, if Class C airspace is
designated at Sanford, Orlando
Executive Airport should also have a
Class C airspace area. Another
commenter wrote that the Orlando
Executive Airport has a greater need for
a Class C airspace area than Sanford.
The FAA does not believe that the
Sanford Class C airspace would result in
delays in the Orlando Executive Airport
traffic. The proposed Sanford Class C
airspace would not degrade ATC
services provided to the users of the
Orlando Executive Airport. The airspace
classification at the Orlando Executive
Airport is being evaluated by the FAA
as a separate issue from this proposed
rulemaking action.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 71 to establish Class C
airspace and revoke the existing Class D
airspace at Sanford International
Airport, FL. In addition, the FAA is
proposing to modify the Orlando
International Airport Class B airspace to
accommodate the Sanford Class C
airspace; update the Orlando
International Airport ARP coordinates
in the Class B airspace legal description;
provide additional Class B airspace to
accommodate the new runway at
Orlando International; and ensure that
Orlando International arrival and
departure traffic remains within Class B
airspace. The specifics of this proposed
action (depicted on the attached chart)
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are discussed in the following
paragraphs.
Proposed Orlando Sanford International
Airport Class C Airspace
The proposed Sanford Class C
airspace area would be described as
follows:
That airspace extending upward from
the surface to but not including 3,000
feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of the
Sanford International Airport (SFB),
excluding that airspace from the surface
to but not including 700 feet MSL in the
vicinity of Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch
Airport within the area beginning at
lat.28°50′00″ N., long. 81°10′00″ W.,
thence clockwise along the SFB 5-mile
radius arc to lat. 28°43′20″ N., long.
81°10′00″ W., thence north to the point
of beginning; and that airspace
extending upward from 1,300 feet MSL
to but not including 3,000 feet MSL
within the area beginning northeast of
the primary airport at the intersection of
the SFB 10-mile radius arc and lat.
28°53′00″ N., then clockwise along the
SFB 10-mile radius arc to lat. 28°41′36″
N., then west along lat. 28°41′36″ N. to
the intersection of the SFB 10-mile
radius arc, then clockwise along the SFB
10-mile radius arc to lat. 28°53′00″ N.,
then east along lat. 28°53′00″ N., to the
point of beginning.
The SFB Class C airspace area would
be effective during times when the
Orlando Sanford International ATCT is
in operation. These times would be
published in the Airport/Facility
Directory.
If the Sanford Class C airspace is
established, it would replace the
existing Sanford Class D airspace area,
which would be revoked.
Orlando International Airport Class B
Airspace
The FAA is proposing to modify
several areas within the Orlando Class
B airspace to accommodate the
proposed Sanford Class C airspace area;
reflect the adjustment of the Orlando
International Airport ARP as a result of
the commissioning of the fourth runway
at Orlando International; and provide
additional Class B airspace to
accommodate the new runway and to
ensure that Orlando International
Airport arrivals and departures are
contained within Class B airspace. The
existing outer boundaries of the Orlando
Class B airspace area would remain
unchanged by these modifications.
The following describes the proposed
revisions to the Orlando Class B
airspace area:
Area A. Area A would be recentered
on lat. 28°25′46″ N., long. 81°18′32″ W.
This represents a shift of Area A slightly
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to the east to recenter the area on the
revised Orlando International Aiport
ARP, which was adjusted due to the
addition of the fourth runway at
Orlando International.
Area B. The eastern boundary of Area
B would be shifted approximately 1 NM
east to long. 81°10′00″ W. to
accommodate the new Orlando
International Airport runway.
Area C. The section of Area C in the
vicinity of Sanford International Airport
would be removed and replaced by the
Sanford Class C airspace area up to but
not including 3,000 feet MSL, and by
Area E from 3,000 feet MSL up to and
including 10,000 feet MSL. Area C in
the vicinity of Orlando Executive
Airport would be reduced in size. The
airspace removed from Area C to the
west, north, and northeast of Orlando
Executive Airport would be
incorporated into Area D with its higher
Class B airspace floor of 2,000 feet MSL.
This change would increase the amount
of airspace available to VFR aircraft
allowing them to utilize that area below
2,000 feet and remain outside of Class
B airspace. Also, the eastern boundary
of the Area C segments located to the
north and south of Orlando
International Airport would be modified
by moving the eastern boundary one
degree east to long. 81°10′00″ W. to
accommodate the new runway.
Area D. Area D would be expanded in
size in the vicinity of Orlando Executive
Airport by incorporating the airspace
removed from Area C, as described
above. This change would raise the floor
of Class B airspace in the affected area
from 1,600 feet MSL to 2,000 feet MSL,
providing additional VFR flyway
airspace between Sanford International
Airport and Orlando Executive Airport
while still protecting Orlando
International Airport arrivals. Also, the
eastern boundary of Area D would be
moved eastward to long. 81°10′00″ W. to
accommodate the new runway at
Orlando International Airport.
Area E. The boundary of Area E to the
east of Olando International, currently
defined by long. 81°11′00″ W., would be
moved eastward one degree to long.
81°10′00″ W. This modification
accommodates the new Orlando
International Airport runway.
Additionally, Area E would be
expanded in the vicinity of Sanford so
that Area E would overlie the Sanford
Class C airspace area and incorporate
the airspace from 3,000 feet MSL up to
and including 10,000 feet MSL over
Sanford, that was formerly in Area C.
Also, the southern boundary of Area E,
located to the south of Sanford, would
be moved further south by
approximately 2.5 NM to align it with
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the southern boundary of the Sanford
Class C airspace area, along lat.
28°41′36″ N.
Area F. That airspace described as
Area F in the existing Orlando Class B
airspace area would be renamed ‘‘Area
G.’’ A new Area F would be inserted to
the west of Orlando International,
adjacent to, and west of, Area D and
Area E. This new Area F would consist
of that airspace located between long,
81°27′30″ W. and long. 81°32′00″ W.,
and bounded by the ORL VORTAC 30mile radius on the south, and by lat.
28°53′00″ N., on the north. The floor of
the new Area F would be set at 4,000
feet MSL instead of the 6,000 feet MSL
floor in the existing Area F. The lower
floor provided by the new Area F would
ensure that departures climbing
westbound off MCO and arrivals on
downwind leg for landing at Orlando
International remain within Class B
airspace.
Area G. The remaining sections of the
existing Area F would be renamed Area
G as a result of the addition of a new
Area F, described above.
Implementation of the proposed
Sanford Class C airspace area and the
modifications to the Orlando Class B
airspace area would enhance the safe
and efficient use of airspace and reduce
the potential for midair collision in the
Orlando terminal area.
Regulatory Evaluation Summary
Changes to Federal Regulations must
undergo several economic analyses.
First, Executive Order 12866 directs that
each Federal agency shall propose or
adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned
determination that the benefits of the
intended regulation justify its costs.
Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act
requires agencies to analyze the
economic effect of regulatory changes
on small businesses and other small
entities. Third, the Office of
Management and Budget directs
agencies to assess the effect of
regulatory changes on international
trade. In conducting these analyses, the
FAA has determined that this proposed
rule: (1) Would generate benefits that
justify its minimal costs and is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ as
defined in the Executive Order; (2) is
not significant as defined in the
Department of Transportation’s
Regulatory Policies and Procedures; (3)
would not have a significant impact on
a substantial number of small entities;
(4) would not constitute a barrier to
international trade; and (5) would not
contain any Federal intergovernmental
or private sector mandate. These
analyses are summarized here in the
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Jkt 205001
preamble, and the full Regulatory
Evaluation is in the docket.
The FAA proposes to change the
Orlando Class B and the Orlando
Sanford Airport Class D airspace areas.
The Orlando Class B airspace area
modification would maintain the 10,000
feet mean sea level (MSL) airspace
ceiling and redefine the lateral limits of
several of the existing subareas to
improve the management of air traffic
operations in the Orlando terminal area.
The Orlando Sanford Airport Class D
airspace area upgrade to a Class C
airspace area would lower the airspace
area from 3,000 to 1,600 feet MSL and
would include a radius of 4.4 NM from
the Orlando Sanford Airport up to but
not including 1,600 feet MSL.
The FAA has determined that the
changes to the Orlando International
Airport Class B and the Orlando Sanford
International Airport Class D airspace
areas would improve the operational
efficiency while maintaining aviation
safety in the terminal area. Also, clearer
boundary definition and changes to
lateral and vertical limits of some
subareas would provide additional
airspace for use by VFR aircraft
transitioning to and from satellite
airports. This proposal would impose
only negligible costs on airspace users
and could potentially reduce
circumnavigation costs to some
operators.
The proposed rule would result in
negligible additional administrative
costs to the FAA and no additional
operational costs for personnel or
equipment to the agency. Notices would
be sent to pilots within a 100-mile
radius of the Orlando International
Airport at an estimated cost of $2,900.00
for postage. Printing of aeronautical
charts which reflect the changes to the
Class B and Class C airspace areas
would be accomplished during a
scheduled chart printing, and would
result in no additional costs for plate
modification and updating of charts.
Furthermore, no staffing changes would
be required to maintain the modified
Class B airspace area and the upgraded
Class D airspace area. Potential increase
in FAA operations workload could be
absorbed by current personnel and
equipment.
In view of the negligible cost of
compliance, enhanced aviation safety,
and improved operational efficiency,
the FAA has determined that the
proposed rule would be cost-beneficial.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility
Determination
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
establishes ‘‘as a principle of regulatory
issuance that agencies shall endeavor,
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45603
consistent with the objective of the rule
and of applicable statutes, to fit
regulatory and informational
requirements to the scale of the
business, organizations, and
governmental jurisdictions subject to
regulation.’’ To achieve that principal,
the Act requires agencies to solicit and
consider flexible regulatory proposals
and to explain the rational for their
actions. The Act covers a wide-range of
small entities, including small
businesses, not-for-profit organizations
and small governmental jurisdictions.
Agencies must perform a review to
determine whether a proposed or final
rule will have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. If the determination is that it
will, the agency must prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA) as
described in the Act.
However, if an agency determines that
a proposed or final rule is not expected
to have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small
entities, section 605(b) of the 1980 act
provides that the head of the agency
may so certify and an RFA is not
required. The certification must include
a statement providing the factual basis
for this determination, and the
reasoning should be clear.
The FAA has determined that the
proposed rule would have a de minimus
impact on small entities. All
commercial and general aviation
operators who presently use the
Orlando International Airport are
equipped to operate within the modified
Class B airspace area. As for aircraft that
regularly fly through the Orlando
Sanford Airport Class D airspace area,
since the airport is situated within the
established Orlando Mode C Veil, all
aircraft should already have the
necessary equipment to transition the
modified Class B airspace area.
Therefore, there would be no additional
equipment cost to these entities.
Accordingly, pursuant to the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
605(b), the Federal Aviation
Administration certifies that this rule
would not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The FAA solicits comments
from affected entities with respect to
this finding and determination.
International Trade Impact Assessment
Trade Impact Assessment
The Trade Agreement Act of 1979
prohibits Federal agencies from
establishing any standards or engaging
in related activities that create
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign
commerce of the United States.
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Legitimate domestic objectives, such as
safety, are not considered unnecessary
obstacles. The statute also requires
consideration of international standards
and, where appropriate, that they be the
basis for U.S. standards. The FAA has
assessed the potential effect of this
(proposed/final) rule and determined
that it would have only a domestic
impact and therefore no affect on any
trade-sensitive activity.
Unfunded Mandates Assessment
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (the Act) is intended, among
other things, to curb the practice of
imposing unfunded Federal mandates
on State, local, and tribal governments.
Title II of the Act requires each Federal
agency to prepare a written statement
assessing the effects of any Federal
mandate in a proposed or final agency
rule that may result in an expenditure
of $100 million or more (adjusted
annually for inflation) in any one year
by State, local, and tribal governments,
in the aggregate, or by the private sector;
such a mandate is deemed to be a
‘‘significant regulatory action.’’ The
FAA currently uses an inflationadjusted value of $120.7 million in lieu
of $100 million.
This proposed rule does not contain
such a mandate. The requirements of
Title II do not apply.
Conclusion
In view of the minimal cost of
compliance of the proposed rule,
compared to the improvements to
operational efficiency without reducing
aviation safety, the FAA has determined
that the proposed rule would be costbeneficial.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the
Federal Aviation Administration
proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as
follows:
PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,
B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for part 71
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113,
40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959–
1963 Comp., p. 389.
§ 71.1
[Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in
14 CFR 71.1 of the FAA Order 7400.9M,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
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20:26 Aug 05, 2005
Jkt 205001
Points, dated August 30, 2004, and
effective September 16, 2004, is
amended as follows:
Paragraph 3000—Class B Airspace.
*
*
*
*
*
ASO FL B Orlando, FL [Revised]
Orlando International Airport (Primary
Airport) (MCO)
(Lat. 28°25′46″ N., long. 81°18′32″ W.)
Orlando VORTAC (ORL)
(Lat. 28°32′34″ N., long. 81°20′06″ W.)
Boundaries
Area A—That airspace extending upward
from the surface to and including 10,000 feet
MSL within a 5 NM radius from the MCO.
Area B—That airspace extending upward
from 900 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of State Road (S.R.) 423 (John
Young Parkway SW of ORL VORTAC) and
Interstate 4, thence northeast along Interstate
4 to the intersection of Interstate 4 and S.R.
441 (Orange Blossom Trail), thence direct to
the intersection of Lake Underhill Road and
Palmer Street, thence east along Lake
Underhill Road to the intersection of Lake
Underhill Road and the Central Florida
Greenway (S.R. 417), thence direct to lat.
28°29′22″ N., long. 81°10′00″ W. (the Stanton
Power Plant), thence south to the intersection
of the ORL VORTAC 14-mile radius arc,
thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 14mile radius arc to the intersection of S.R. 423,
thence north along S.R. 423 to the point of
beginning.
Area C—That airspace extending upward
from 1,600 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of Interstate 4 and the Orlando
Executive Airport Class D airspace 4.2 mile
radius arc (lat. 28°30′35″ N., long. 81°24′02″
W.), thence clockwise on the Orlando
Executive Airport 4.2-mile radius to
University Blvd., thence east on University
Blvd. to the intersection of S.R. 434, thence
east on lat. 28°35′50″ N. to long. 81°10′00″
W., thence south to lat. 28°29′22″ N., thence
northwest direct to the intersection of Lake
Underhill Road and Central Florida
Greenway (S.R. 417), thence west along Lake
Underhill Road to the intersection of Palmer
Street, thence southwest to the point of
beginning. Also, that airspace south of the
primary airport extending upward from 1,600
feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL
beginning at the point of intersection of long.
81°24′06″ W., and the ORL VORTAC 14-mile
radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the
ORL VORTAC 14-mile radius arc to the
intersection of long. 81°10′00″ W., thence
south to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC
20-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along
the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to long.
81°24′06″ W., thence north to the point of
beginning.
Area D—That airspace extending upward
from 2,000 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of Interstate 4 and long.
81°27′30″ W., thence north to lat. 28°41′36″
N., thence east to long. 81°10′00″ W., thence
south to lat. 28°35′50″ N., thence west to the
intersection of S.R. 434 and University Blvd.,
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Sfmt 4702
thence west on University Blvd. to the
Orlando Executive Airport 4.2-mile radius
arc, thence counterclockwise on the Orlando
Executive Airport 4.2-mile radius arc to the
intersection of Interstate 4, southwest of the
ORL VORTAC, thence west on Interstate 4 to
the intersection of S.R. 423, thence south
along S.R. 423 to the intersection of the ORL
VORTAC 14-mile radius arc, thence
counterclockwise along the ORL VORTAC
14-mile radius arc to long. 81°24′06″ W.,
thence south to the intersection of the ORL
VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, thence
clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile
radius arc to the intersection of long.
81°27′30″ W., thence north to the point of
beginning.
Area E—That airspace extending upward
from 3,000 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of lat. 28°41′36″ N., long.
81°27′30″ W., thence north to the intersection
of lat. 28°53′00″ N., thence east to the
intersection of the MCO Mode C Veil 30–NM
radius arc, thence southeast along the MCO
Mode C Veil 30–NM radius arc to the
intersection of the power lines at lat.
28°50′20″ N., thence southeast along these
power lines to lat. 28°41′36″ N., thence west
to long. 81°05′09″ W., thence south along the
Florida Power transmission lines to the
intersection of Highway 50 at lat. 28°32′10″
N., long. 81°03′35″ W., thence south to the
Bee Line Expressway at lat. 28°27′05″ N.,
long. 81°03′45″ W., thence west along the Bee
Line Expressway to the intersection of lat.
28°27′00″ N., long. 81°04′40″ W., thence
south to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC
30-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along
the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc to long.
81°27′30″ W., thence north on long. 81°27′30″
W., to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC
20-mile radius arc, thence counterclockwise
along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc
to the intersection of long. 81°10′00″ W.,
thence north to the intersection of lat.
28°41′36″ N., thence west to the point of
beginning.
Area F—That airspace extending upward
from 4,000 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning south of the primary
airport at the intersection of the ORL
VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long.
81°27′30″ W., thence clockwise along the
ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc to long.
81°32′00″ W., thence north to lat. 28°53′00″
N., thence east to long. 81°27′30″ W., thence
south to the point of beginning.
Area G—That airspace extending upward
from 6,000 feet MSL to and including 10,000
feet MSL beginning south of the primary
airport at the intersection of the ORL
VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long.
81°32′00″ W., thence clockwise on the ORL
VORTAC 30-mile radius arc to the
intersection of Highway 27, thence north
along Highway 27 to the intersection of
Highway 27 and long. 81°45′00″ W., thence
north along long. 81°45′00″ W., to the
intersection of the ORL VORTAC 24-mile
radius arc, thence clockwise along the ORL
VORTAC 24-mile radius arc to the
intersection of lat. 28°53′00″ N., thence east
to the intersection of long. 81°32′00″ W.,
thence south to the point of beginning. Also
that airspace extending upward from 6,000
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feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL
beginning at the Florida Power transmission
lines at lat. 28°41′36″ N., long. 81°05′20″ W.,
thence east along lat. 28°41′36″ N. to the
Florida Power transmission lines at lat.
28°41′36″ N., long. 80°54′00″ W., thence
southeast and south along these power lines
to the intersection of Highway 50, thence
south to the power lines at lat. 28°22′14″ N.,
long. 80°52′30″ W., thence southwest along
these power lines to the intersection of long.
81°04′40″ W., thence north along long.
81°04′40″ W., to the intersection of the Bee
Line Expressway at lat. 28°27′00″ N., long.
81°04′40″ W., thence east along the Bee Line
Expressway to lat. 28°27′05″ N., long.
81°03′45″ W., thence north to the intersection
of Highway 50 and the Florida Power
transmission lines at lat. 28°32′10″ N., long.
81°03′45″ W., thence north along these power
lines to the point of beginning.
*
*
*
*
*
Paragraph 4000
Class C Airspace.
*
*
*
VerDate jul<14>2003
*
*
20:26 Aug 05, 2005
Jkt 205001
ASO FL C Sanford, FL [New]
Orlando Sanford International Airport
(Primary Airport)
(Lat. 28°46′40″ N., long. 81°14′15″ W.)
Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch Airport (Private
Airport)
(Lat. 28°46′55″ N., long. 81°09′33″ W.)
That airspace extending upward from the
surface to but not including 3,000 feet MSL
within a 5-mile radius of the Orlando
Sanford International Airport (SFB),
excluding that airspace, from the surface to
but not including 700 feet MSL in the
vicinity of Cedar Knoll Airport, within the
area beginning at lat. 28°50′00″ N., long.
81°10′00″ W., thence clockwise along the
SFB 5-mile radius arc to lat. 28°43′20″ N.,
long. 81°10′00″ W., thence north to the point
of beginning; and that airspace extending
upward from 1,300 feet MSL to but not
including 3,000 feet MSL within the area
beginning northeast of the primary airport at
the SFB 10-mile radius arc and lat. 28°53′00″
N., thence clockwise along the SFB 10-mile
radius arc to lat 28°41′36″ N., thence west
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Sfmt 4702
bound to the intersection of the SFB 10-mile
radius arc, thence clockwise on the SFB 10mile radius arc to lat. 28°53′00″ N., thence
east to the point of beginning. This Class C
airspace area is effective during the specific
days and hours of operation of the Orlando
Sanford International Airport Tower as
established in advance by Notice to Airmen.
The effective dates and times will thereafter
be continuously published in the Airport/
Facility Directory.
*
*
*
*
*
Paragraph 5000
Class D Airspace.
*
*
*
*
*
ASO FL D Sanford, FL
[Remove]
*
*
*
*
*
Issued in Washington DC, on July 29, 2005.
Edith V. Parish,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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20:26 Aug 05, 2005
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[FR Doc. 05–15567 Filed 8–5–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–C
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 110
[CGD08–05–045]
RIN 1625–AA01
Anchorage Regulations; Mississippi
River Below Baton Rouge, LA,
Including South and Southwest Passes
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The United States Coast
Guard will meet to discuss the
comments received relating to the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
for Kenner Bend Anchorage as
published in the Federal Register on
Wednesday April 27, 2005.
DATES: The meeting will be held on
Tuesday, September 13, 2005, from 9
a.m. to 12 p.m. This meeting may
adjourn early if all business is finished.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in
the Basement Conference Room at the
Hale Boggs Federal Building, 500
Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
This notice is available on the Internet
at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Melissa
Owens, Waterways Management
Division, telephone (504) 589–6196
extension 396, fax (504) 589–4216.
Background
Runway 1–19 at the Louis Armstrong
New Orleans International Airport is
positioned in a north-south line running
parallel to the Airport Access Road.
Aircraft approaching the runway from
the south or departing the runway from
the north pass over the Lower Kenner
Bend Anchorage. Due to the close
proximity of Runway 1–19 to Kenner
Bend, aircraft occasionally descend and
ascend directly over vessels anchored in
the Lower Kenner Bend Anchorage,
creating a potentially dangerous
situation that is of particular concern
during periods of reduced visibility.
Aircraft approaching the runway from
the south follow a descending glide
slope path with a minimum height of
311 feet above mean sea level over the
Kenner Bend Anchorage. Certain vessels
with cargo handling equipment such as
cranes and boom are capable of
extending equipment to a height
upwards of 300 feet above the waterline.
VerDate jul<14>2003
20:26 Aug 05, 2005
Jkt 205001
This amendment to the anchorage
regulations for the Mississippi River
below Baton Rouge, LA, including
South and Southwest Passes is proposed
to prohibit vessels that are anchored in
the Lower Kenner Bend Anchorage from
engaging in cargo transfer operations or
exercising any shipboard equipment
such as cranes and booms while at
anchor. This proposed revision is
needed to increase safety at Kenner
Bend by reducing the potential for
collision between aircraft and vessels
anchored in the Lower Kenner Bend
Anchorage.
Discussion of Issues
The Coast Guard received three
negative comments to the NPRM for
Kenner Bend Anchorage from the
Maritime Navigation Safety Association
(MNSA), the Steamship Association of
Louisiana (SALA), and the New Orleans
and Baton Rouge Port (NOBRA) Pilots.
All three organizations contend that the
complete prohibition against using
cargo-handling equipment is excessive,
and argue that some operations should
be allowed while at anchor. To better
express their concerns, all parties
requested a public meeting be held. This
meeting is open to the public. Please
note that the meeting may close early if
all business is finished.
Information on Services for Individuals
With Disabilities
For information on facilities or
services for individuals with
disabilities, or to request special
assistance at the meetings, contact
Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Melissa
Owens at the above phone numbers as
soon as possible.
Dated: July 26, 2005.
R. F. Duncan,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander,
Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 05–15566 Filed 8–5–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[RME Docket Number R08–OAR–2005–ND–
0001; FRL–7942–3]
Clean Air Act Approval and
Promulgation of Air Quality
Implementation Plan Revision for
North Dakota; Revisions to the Air
Pollution Control Rules
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
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45607
SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to take
direct final action approving certain
revisions to the State Implementation
Plan (SIP) as submitted by the Governor
of North Dakota with a letter dated April
11, 2003. The revisions affect certain
portions of air pollution control rules
regarding permitting and prevention of
significant deterioration. In the ‘‘Rules
and Regulations’’ section of this Federal
Register, EPA is approving the State’s
SIP revision as a direct final rule
without prior proposal because the
Agency views this as a noncontroversial
SIP revision and anticipates no adverse
comments. A detailed rationale for the
approval is set forth in the preamble to
the direct final rule. If EPA receives no
adverse comments, EPA will not take
further action on this proposed rule. If
EPA receives adverse comments, EPA
will withdraw the direct final rule and
it will not take effect. EPA will address
all public comments in a subsequent
final rule based on this proposed rule.
EPA will not institute a second
comment period on this action. Any
parties interested in commenting must
do so at this time. Please note that if
EPA receives adverse comment on an
amendment, paragraph, or section of
this rule and if that provision may be
severed from the remainder of the rule,
EPA may adopt as final those provisions
of the rule that are not the subject of an
adverse comment.
DATES: Written comments must be
received on or before September 7,
2005.
Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. R08-OAR–
2005-ND–0001, by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
• Agency Web site: https://
docket.epa.gov/rmepub/index.jsp.
Regional Materials in EDOCKET (RME),
EPA’s electronic public docket and
comment system for regional actions, is
EPA’s preferred method for receiving
comments. Follow the on-line
instructions for submitting comments.
E-mail: long.richard@epa.gov and
platt.amy@epa.gov.
Fax: (303) 312–6064 (please alert the
individual listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT if you are faxing
comments).
Mail: Richard R. Long, Director, Air
and Radiation Program, Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8,
Mailcode 8P-AR, 999 18th Street, Suite
300, Denver, Colorado 80202–2466.
Hand Delivery: Richard R. Long,
Director, Air and Radiation Program,
Environmental Protection Agency
ADDRESSES:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45599-45607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15567]
[[Page 45599]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20700; Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment of Class C Airspace and Revocation of
Class D Airspace, Orlando Sanford International Airport, FL; and
Proposed Modification of the Orlando International Airport Class B
Airspace Area, FL
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class C airspace at the
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), FL; revoke the existing
Sanford, FL, Class D airspace area; and modify the existing Orlando
International Airport (MCO), FL, Class B airspace area. The FAA is
proposing this action to improve the flow of air traffic, enhance
safety, and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Orlando,
FL, terminal area.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management
System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. You must identify FAA Docket
No. FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8, at the beginning
of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules,
Office of System Operations and Safety, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267-8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No.
FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8.''
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified closing date
for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for
examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date
for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRM's
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents
can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at https://www.faa.gov
or the Federal Register's Web page at https://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/
index.html.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An
informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at
the office of the Regional Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation
Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue College Park, GA 30337.
Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future
NPRM's should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677,
for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application
procedure.
Background
Currently, the Sanford Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)
provides air traffic control (ATC) service to a varied mix of air
carrier and other civil aircraft, including a dense volume of training
traffic from the numerous flight schools located in the central Florida
area. With the current Class D airspace configuration, the Sanford
tower controller is required to take initial calls from inbound
aircraft entering the traffic pattern and work departures out of the
Class D airspace area. These tasks divert the controller's attention
away from the busy runway operation. Consequently, delays and frequency
congestion are problems, and runway incursions have been a concern at
Sanford.
In addition, Sanford air carrier arrivals currently enter and leave
the Orlando International Airport Class B airspace area twice before
entering the Sanford Class D airspace area. During this transition,
encounters with unknown aircraft are common, resulting in vectors off
course, traffic alert and collision advance system (TCAS) alerts, and/
or Near Midair Collision Reports. Further, the Sanford instrument
landing system (ILS) glideslopes to runways 9L and 27R are both outside
the current Orlando International Class B and Sanford Class D airspace
areas until they reach a 4-mile final.
The number of passenger enplanements at Sanford have increased
above 600,000. This exceeds the FAA threshold criteria of 250,000
enplanements for Class C airspace area candidacy. Based on this, in
addition to the above mentioned problem areas, the projected growth of
traffic at Sanford, and the need to enhance safety and reduce the
potential for midair collisions in the Orlando terminal area, this
proposal to establish the Sanford Class C airspace area was developed.
A Class C airspace area at Sanford would keep instrument flight rules
(IFR) aircraft arriving at Sanford in controlled airspace thus reducing
traffic conflicts. In addition, the Sanford ATCT's workload would be
reduced since the Orlando International Airport's Terminal Radar
Approach Control (TRACON) would take over arrival sequencing
responsibilities to the Sanford runway and would work all Sanford
departures out of the proposed Class C airspace area. This would reduce
Sanford Tower frequency congestion and enable the tower controller to
focus on runway operations thereby increasing safety and efficiency.
FAA policy requires that, before action is initiated to establish
Class C
[[Page 45600]]
airspace, nonrulemaking alternatives that provide for an acceptable
level of safety must be implemented. In compliance with that policy, a
number of safety measures were implemented at Sanford and in the
Orlando International Airport terminal area. Some of the safety
measures that were implemented include: Sanford ATCT received Digital
Bright Radar Indicator Tower Equipment radar in 1997; Operation Rain
Check, a pilot-controller forum, is held yearly; controller groups
attending local user meetings to discuss safety; Orlando TRACON
established a procedure to keep large arriving aircraft at higher
altitudes on downwind legs to avoid slower traffic; safety meetings
with flight school operators resulted in preferred routings for COMAIR
(now known as Delta Connection Academy) departures; standard visual
flight rules (VFR) arrival areas were set up for flight school
operations; Orlando Traffic Management implemented voluntary flow
controls for flight school operations in the Orlando area; and
introduced local use call signs and standard climb-out procedures for
flight school aircraft. Although these procedures have enhanced safety
at Sanford, their effectiveness is based on current traffic levels with
little room to accommodate future growth. If established, the proposed
Sanford Class C airspace area would replace the current Sanford Class D
airspace area.
In 1990, the FAA issued a final rule establishing the Orlando
Terminal Control Area (TCA) at Orlando International Airport (55 FR
9082). In 1993, the term ``TCA'' was replaced by ``Class B airspace
area'' as a result of the Airspace Reclassification Final Rule (56 FR
65638). The Orlando Class B airspace was last modified in 1999 to
adjust several areas within the existing lateral boundaries of the
Class B airspace (64 FR 42585).
In 2004, a fourth runway (17L/35R) was commissioned at Orlando
International Airport. As a result, the airport reference point (ARP)
was shifted eastward affecting the published center point for the Class
B airspace area. In addition, there is a need to further modify several
areas within the Orlando International Airport Class B airspace to
accommodate the proposed Sanford Class C airspace and to provide
additional Class B airspace to ensure the containment of Orlando
International Airport arrivals and departures. Operational experience
with departures climbing off Orlando International to the west has
shown areas of airspace in the Orlando terminal area that need to be
brought into the Class B airspace area. Also, experience working air
traffic north of Orlando Executive Airport, and near Sanford
International Airport at low altitude, has shown that Class B airspace
is not needed in those areas to support Orlando International Airport
operations and that airspace can be released back to users. The
proposed Orlando Class B airspace modifications would address these
matters.
Pre-NPRM Public Input
In 2002, the FAA initiated action to form an ad hoc committee to
develop recommendations for designing a proposed Class C airspace at
Sanford International Airport and for modifications to the Orlando
Class B airspace. Participants in the committee included
representatives from Sanford International, Orlando Executive,
Kissimmee Gateway and Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch airports, AOPA, local
Fixed Base Operators, and flight schools. Three ad hoc committee
meetings were held. The first meeting was held at Sanford on January
14, 2003; the second meeting was held on February 25, 2003, at
Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM); and the third meeting was held at
Orlando Executive Airport on March 23, 2003.
As a result of the meetings, several operational procedures were
developed and airspace modifications were incorporated into the
proposed design. The Sanford Class C northern 10 nautical mile (NM)
circle was changed to align with the current Orlando Class B airspace
boundary. The proposed Class C airspace was modified to provide a
cutout for Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch Airport (01FL). A draft letter of
agreement was formulated to establish procedures and sterile routings
out of the proposed Class C airspace, enabling VFR departures to stay
with Sanford ATCT, if desired, and terminate ATC service at the 5-mile
Class C airspace ring. Provisions were established to issue VFR codes
to Orlando Executive Airport users on the ground. Finally, a VFR flyway
east of Sanford International Airport below 3,000 feet outside the
proposed Class C airspace was established.
In addition, as announced in the Federal Register (68 FR 53925),
informal airspace meetings were held on November 6, 2003, at the
Sanford International Airport, Terminal A, Vigilante Room, Sanford, FL;
and November 7, 2003, at the Orlando Airport Marriott Hotel, Orlando,
FL. These meetings provided interested airspace users with an
opportunity to present their views and offer suggestions regarding the
planned establishment of the Sanford Class C airspace and modification
of the Orlando Class B airspace. All comments received as a result of
the informal airspace meetings, along with the recommendations made by
the ad hoc committee, were considered in developing this proposal.
Analysis of Comments
One commenter was concerned that the Sanford Class C airspace would
result in the loss of an aerobatic practice box at Sanford. The FAA
assures users that the aerobatic box would not change if the Sanford
Class C airspace is implemented.
Four commenters questioned whether ATC staffing levels were
adequate at the Orlando TRACON and the Sanford ATCT to handle the
additional Class C airspace workload. One commenter stated that
staffing resources need further analysis. The FAA has determined that
no additional staffing is required to support both the implementation
of the Sanford Class C airspace and the modification of the Orlando
Class B airspace.
Three commenters stated that the planned runway extension and
installation of a parallel ILS at Sanford should be completed prior to
implementation of a Class C airspace area. The FAA does not agree.
Sanford has several construction projects scheduled during the next
three years. During construction, runway closures at Sanford will
compress traffic to the open runways reducing airport capacity and
contributing to delays. During runway closure periods, the Sanford ATCT
controller will need to devote maximum focus on the open runways. Under
the current Class D airspace configuration, the Sanford ATCT controller
responds to initial call-ups from VFR inbound traffic, which occupies
much of the controller's attention. With the proposed Class C airspace
configuration, Sanford inbounds would initially call Orlando TRACON,
thus enabling the Sanford ATCT controller to focus more attention on
runway operations, reducing delays and increasing the level of runway
safety. Therefore, the FAA believes that the proposed Class C airspace
is needed in the interest of both safety and operational efficiency.
One commenter contended that if the Class C airspace area is
implemented, there should be a single, unified ATCT and TRACON at
Sanford airport. The FAA does not agree. Orlando TRACON is fully
capable of efficiently managing Sanford operations from its current
location. In fact, many large and complex operations are worked from
remote TRACONs such as Atlanta, New
[[Page 45601]]
York, Baltimore-Washington, DC, and Southern California.
One commenter wrote that the local users were not adequately
consulted during the development of the proposed Sanford Class C
airspace establishment and Orlando Class B airspace modification. The
FAA does not agree. An ad hoc committee was formed to develop
recommendations to the FAA regarding the proposed design of the Class C
airspace. Three ad hoc user meetings were held to solicit local input
on the proposal. A number of issues were identified at these meetings
and several recommendations have been incorporated into this proposal.
In addition, as announced in the Federal Register (68 FR 53925,
September 15, 2003), the FAA held Informal Airspace Meetings in the
local area on November 6 and November 7, 2003 to inform users of the
planned airspace changes and to gather facts and information relevant
to the proposed airspace action. FAA representatives have also attended
monthly user meetings at Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford
International Airport and provided briefings on the Class C and Class B
proposals. An internet link for user comments is advertised on the
Orlando International Airport ATCT web page. Finally, this NPRM
provides users with a 60-day period to submit comments or
recommendations on the proposal. All comments received will be fully
considered before the FAA makes its final determination on this
proposal. The proposal may be changed in light of those comments.
Four commenters indicated that the Sanford Class C airspace area
would have an adverse economic impact on operations at Sanford. The
cost of these operations would rise significantly because Class C
airspace would result in increased air traffic delays both on the
ground and in the air. The FAA does not agree. The Class C airspace
area is expected to reduce Sanford delays. Current traffic routings and
proposed Class C routings have been compared and it was found that the
Class C airspace area would have minimal negative impact on users.
Procedures for the proposed Class C airspace operation would allow
Sanford users to continue flying as much as they do today. A minimal
increase in flying distance (5 miles further west or east of Sanford)
may be required for pilots transiting the area outside the proposed
Class C and Class B airspace areas. Since Sanford International Airport
already lies within the Orlando Class B airspace Mode C Veil, no
additional aircraft equipment would be required as a result of the
proposed airspace changes. Notwithstanding, the FAA is soliciting
comments regarding possible economic impacts from this proposal.
Two commenters stated that alternative airspace modifications
should be evaluated before implementing Class C airspace. These
commenters suggested that either the existing Sanford Class D airspace
be extended outward beyond the Sanford final approach fixes, or the
existing Orlando Class B airspace area be lowered to protect the
Sanford final approach fixes, if needed. The FAA examined these
alternatives and determined that they would not be suitable in this
case. Class B airspace is designed to contain IFR operations at the
primary airport (in this case, Orlando International). FAA Class B
airspace design criteria requires that airspace over a satellite
airport be excluded from the Class B area if it is not required for
primary airport IFR operations. Expanding the MCO Class B airspace area
over SFB as suggested would be overly restrictive for users. Extending
the SFB Class D airspace beyond the final approach fixes would not
resolve the SFB ATCT workload and frequency congestion issues discussed
above.
Two commenters expressed concerns that radio frequency congestion
could result from the implementation of Class C airspace and that the
FAA should ensure that the Orlando TRACON has additional frequencies
available to handle the proposed Class C traffic volume. The FAA
believes that frequency congestion will not be an issue. Orlando TRACON
recently added another control sector and frequency, covering the
Sanford area, to reduce radio frequency congestion and prepare Orlando
TRACON for the additional traffic volume. With the Class C airspace
area the Orlando TRACON would take over responsibility for sequencing
Sanford arrivals and would work all departures out of the proposed
airspace. As a result, the Sanford ATCT local control frequency
congestion would be reduced. Additionally, the Sanford ATCT clearance
delivery position will be open during all busy periods, reducing
congestion on the Sanford ATCT ground control frequency.
Several commenters stated that, if the Sanford Class C airspace
area is established, the current practice of issuing transponder codes
on the ground for VFR aircraft at Orlando Executive Airport should be
continued.
The FAA agrees. Procedures are now in place to issue codes, upon
request, to VFR pilots on a permanent basis.
Four commenters raised various issues regarding the airspace design
reflected in the proposal. Two commenters believed that an overall
evaluation of the Orlando terminal area airspace should take place.
Another commenter stated that the east-west VFR corridor between
Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford International Airport creates
compression and puts aircraft near tall towers and practice areas. This
commenter suggested that VFR waypoints be considered to assist pilots
circumnavigating the complex Orlando terminal area and to identify
entry and exit points on VFR corridors. The commenter also stated that
there may be a need to redefine the areas within the Orlando TRACON's
airspace to minimize frequency hand-offs.
Regarding an evaluation of the Orlando area airspace, such a review
has been conducted in association with this proposal. The proposed
design also reflects modifications made to accommodate user requests.
Additionally, FAA directives require that Class B and Class C airspace
be re-evaluated every two years to determine if any modifications
should be made. Regarding concerns about the east-west corridor,
located between the Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford, this
proposal would widen the corridor (with its 2,000 feet mean sea level
(MSL)) ceiling by approximately 3 NM. This would increase the amount of
airspace available for VFR aircraft to transit while remaining outside
of Class B and Class C airspace. The FAA agrees with the suggestion for
additional VFR waypoints and these will be developed for the area.
Regarding the issue of frequency changes, Orlando TRACON is developing
procedures and designing its airspace sectors to minimize the need for
frequency changes.
Several commenters questioned the validity of Sanford's candidacy
for Class C airspace. One commenter wrote that Sanford does not have
enough passenger carrying flights to qualify. Another wrote that
General Aviation makes up the large majority of operations at Sanford
and those users oppose the Class C airspace area. This commenter also
believed that the Near Midair Collision (NMAC) and Traffic Alert and
Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (RA) data utilized in
the study were not valid. A third commenter said that traffic count
figures should be re-evaluated based on today's trends.
The FAA does not agree. For an airport to be considered as a
candidate for Class C airspace, it must be served by an operational
airport traffic control tower and a radar approach control. In
addition, the airport must meet one of the following: (a) An annual
instrument
[[Page 45602]]
operations count of 75,000 at the primary airport; (b) an annual
instrument operations count of 100,000 at the primary and secondary
airports in the terminal area hub; or (c) an annual count of 250,000
enplaned passengers at the primary airport. Sanford qualifies as a
Class C candidate based on its enplaned passenger count. In calendar
year 2003 (the latest year for which validated counts are available),
Sanford enplanements totaled 619,894; well above the candidacy
criteria. Regarding NMAC and RA data, the reports cited in the staff
study were submitted officially and met the required criteria. It
should be noted that such information is but one of many factors that
are considered when conducting an analysis of a Class C airspace
candidate airport. A review of current traffic counts and trends at
Sanford indicate steady growth.
One commenter stated that the proposed Sanford Class C airspace
area would have a significant and potentially adverse effect on Orlando
Executive Airport; therefore, it should only be considered if the best
interest of safety requires it. The commenter further stated that, if
Class C airspace is designated at Sanford, Orlando Executive Airport
should also have a Class C airspace area. Another commenter wrote that
the Orlando Executive Airport has a greater need for a Class C airspace
area than Sanford.
The FAA does not believe that the Sanford Class C airspace would
result in delays in the Orlando Executive Airport traffic. The proposed
Sanford Class C airspace would not degrade ATC services provided to the
users of the Orlando Executive Airport. The airspace classification at
the Orlando Executive Airport is being evaluated by the FAA as a
separate issue from this proposed rulemaking action.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish Class C airspace and revoke
the existing Class D airspace at Sanford International Airport, FL. In
addition, the FAA is proposing to modify the Orlando International
Airport Class B airspace to accommodate the Sanford Class C airspace;
update the Orlando International Airport ARP coordinates in the Class B
airspace legal description; provide additional Class B airspace to
accommodate the new runway at Orlando International; and ensure that
Orlando International arrival and departure traffic remains within
Class B airspace. The specifics of this proposed action (depicted on
the attached chart) are discussed in the following paragraphs.
Proposed Orlando Sanford International Airport Class C Airspace
The proposed Sanford Class C airspace area would be described as
follows:
That airspace extending upward from the surface to but not
including 3,000 feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of the Sanford
International Airport (SFB), excluding that airspace from the surface
to but not including 700 feet MSL in the vicinity of Cedar Knoll Flying
Ranch Airport within the area beginning at lat.28[deg]50'00'' N., long.
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence clockwise along the SFB 5-mile radius arc to
lat. 28[deg]43'20'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the
point of beginning; and that airspace extending upward from 1,300 feet
MSL to but not including 3,000 feet MSL within the area beginning
northeast of the primary airport at the intersection of the SFB 10-mile
radius arc and lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., then clockwise along the SFB 10-
mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., then west along lat.
28[deg]41'36'' N. to the intersection of the SFB 10-mile radius arc,
then clockwise along the SFB 10-mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]53'00''
N., then east along lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., to the point of beginning.
The SFB Class C airspace area would be effective during times when
the Orlando Sanford International ATCT is in operation. These times
would be published in the Airport/Facility Directory.
If the Sanford Class C airspace is established, it would replace
the existing Sanford Class D airspace area, which would be revoked.
Orlando International Airport Class B Airspace
The FAA is proposing to modify several areas within the Orlando
Class B airspace to accommodate the proposed Sanford Class C airspace
area; reflect the adjustment of the Orlando International Airport ARP
as a result of the commissioning of the fourth runway at Orlando
International; and provide additional Class B airspace to accommodate
the new runway and to ensure that Orlando International Airport
arrivals and departures are contained within Class B airspace. The
existing outer boundaries of the Orlando Class B airspace area would
remain unchanged by these modifications.
The following describes the proposed revisions to the Orlando Class
B airspace area:
Area A. Area A would be recentered on lat. 28[deg]25'46'' N., long.
81[deg]18'32'' W. This represents a shift of Area A slightly to the
east to recenter the area on the revised Orlando International Aiport
ARP, which was adjusted due to the addition of the fourth runway at
Orlando International.
Area B. The eastern boundary of Area B would be shifted
approximately 1 NM east to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. to accommodate the
new Orlando International Airport runway.
Area C. The section of Area C in the vicinity of Sanford
International Airport would be removed and replaced by the Sanford
Class C airspace area up to but not including 3,000 feet MSL, and by
Area E from 3,000 feet MSL up to and including 10,000 feet MSL. Area C
in the vicinity of Orlando Executive Airport would be reduced in size.
The airspace removed from Area C to the west, north, and northeast of
Orlando Executive Airport would be incorporated into Area D with its
higher Class B airspace floor of 2,000 feet MSL. This change would
increase the amount of airspace available to VFR aircraft allowing them
to utilize that area below 2,000 feet and remain outside of Class B
airspace. Also, the eastern boundary of the Area C segments located to
the north and south of Orlando International Airport would be modified
by moving the eastern boundary one degree east to long. 81[deg]10'00''
W. to accommodate the new runway.
Area D. Area D would be expanded in size in the vicinity of Orlando
Executive Airport by incorporating the airspace removed from Area C, as
described above. This change would raise the floor of Class B airspace
in the affected area from 1,600 feet MSL to 2,000 feet MSL, providing
additional VFR flyway airspace between Sanford International Airport
and Orlando Executive Airport while still protecting Orlando
International Airport arrivals. Also, the eastern boundary of Area D
would be moved eastward to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. to accommodate the
new runway at Orlando International Airport.
Area E. The boundary of Area E to the east of Olando International,
currently defined by long. 81[deg]11'00'' W., would be moved eastward
one degree to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. This modification accommodates
the new Orlando International Airport runway. Additionally, Area E
would be expanded in the vicinity of Sanford so that Area E would
overlie the Sanford Class C airspace area and incorporate the airspace
from 3,000 feet MSL up to and including 10,000 feet MSL over Sanford,
that was formerly in Area C. Also, the southern boundary of Area E,
located to the south of Sanford, would be moved further south by
approximately 2.5 NM to align it with
[[Page 45603]]
the southern boundary of the Sanford Class C airspace area, along lat.
28[deg]41'36'' N.
Area F. That airspace described as Area F in the existing Orlando
Class B airspace area would be renamed ``Area G.'' A new Area F would
be inserted to the west of Orlando International, adjacent to, and west
of, Area D and Area E. This new Area F would consist of that airspace
located between long, 81[deg]27'30'' W. and long. 81[deg]32'00'' W.,
and bounded by the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius on the south, and by lat.
28[deg]53'00'' N., on the north. The floor of the new Area F would be
set at 4,000 feet MSL instead of the 6,000 feet MSL floor in the
existing Area F. The lower floor provided by the new Area F would
ensure that departures climbing westbound off MCO and arrivals on
downwind leg for landing at Orlando International remain within Class B
airspace.
Area G. The remaining sections of the existing Area F would be
renamed Area G as a result of the addition of a new Area F, described
above.
Implementation of the proposed Sanford Class C airspace area and
the modifications to the Orlando Class B airspace area would enhance
the safe and efficient use of airspace and reduce the potential for
midair collision in the Orlando terminal area.
Regulatory Evaluation Summary
Changes to Federal Regulations must undergo several economic
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each Federal agency
shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. Second,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to analyze the
economic effect of regulatory changes on small businesses and other
small entities. Third, the Office of Management and Budget directs
agencies to assess the effect of regulatory changes on international
trade. In conducting these analyses, the FAA has determined that this
proposed rule: (1) Would generate benefits that justify its minimal
costs and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in the
Executive Order; (2) is not significant as defined in the Department of
Transportation's Regulatory Policies and Procedures; (3) would not have
a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities; (4)
would not constitute a barrier to international trade; and (5) would
not contain any Federal intergovernmental or private sector mandate.
These analyses are summarized here in the preamble, and the full
Regulatory Evaluation is in the docket.
The FAA proposes to change the Orlando Class B and the Orlando
Sanford Airport Class D airspace areas. The Orlando Class B airspace
area modification would maintain the 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL)
airspace ceiling and redefine the lateral limits of several of the
existing subareas to improve the management of air traffic operations
in the Orlando terminal area. The Orlando Sanford Airport Class D
airspace area upgrade to a Class C airspace area would lower the
airspace area from 3,000 to 1,600 feet MSL and would include a radius
of 4.4 NM from the Orlando Sanford Airport up to but not including
1,600 feet MSL.
The FAA has determined that the changes to the Orlando
International Airport Class B and the Orlando Sanford International
Airport Class D airspace areas would improve the operational efficiency
while maintaining aviation safety in the terminal area. Also, clearer
boundary definition and changes to lateral and vertical limits of some
subareas would provide additional airspace for use by VFR aircraft
transitioning to and from satellite airports. This proposal would
impose only negligible costs on airspace users and could potentially
reduce circumnavigation costs to some operators.
The proposed rule would result in negligible additional
administrative costs to the FAA and no additional operational costs for
personnel or equipment to the agency. Notices would be sent to pilots
within a 100-mile radius of the Orlando International Airport at an
estimated cost of $2,900.00 for postage. Printing of aeronautical
charts which reflect the changes to the Class B and Class C airspace
areas would be accomplished during a scheduled chart printing, and
would result in no additional costs for plate modification and updating
of charts. Furthermore, no staffing changes would be required to
maintain the modified Class B airspace area and the upgraded Class D
airspace area. Potential increase in FAA operations workload could be
absorbed by current personnel and equipment.
In view of the negligible cost of compliance, enhanced aviation
safety, and improved operational efficiency, the FAA has determined
that the proposed rule would be cost-beneficial.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Determination
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 establishes ``as a principle
of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, consistent with
the objective of the rule and of applicable statutes, to fit regulatory
and informational requirements to the scale of the business,
organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation.''
To achieve that principal, the Act requires agencies to solicit and
consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the rational for
their actions. The Act covers a wide-range of small entities, including
small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and small governmental
jurisdictions.
Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a proposed or
final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. If the determination is that it will, the
agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA) as
described in the Act.
However, if an agency determines that a proposed or final rule is
not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities, section 605(b) of the 1980 act provides that
the head of the agency may so certify and an RFA is not required. The
certification must include a statement providing the factual basis for
this determination, and the reasoning should be clear.
The FAA has determined that the proposed rule would have a de
minimus impact on small entities. All commercial and general aviation
operators who presently use the Orlando International Airport are
equipped to operate within the modified Class B airspace area. As for
aircraft that regularly fly through the Orlando Sanford Airport Class D
airspace area, since the airport is situated within the established
Orlando Mode C Veil, all aircraft should already have the necessary
equipment to transition the modified Class B airspace area. Therefore,
there would be no additional equipment cost to these entities.
Accordingly, pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C.
605(b), the Federal Aviation Administration certifies that this rule
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. The FAA solicits comments from affected entities with
respect to this finding and determination.
International Trade Impact Assessment
Trade Impact Assessment
The Trade Agreement Act of 1979 prohibits Federal agencies from
establishing any standards or engaging in related activities that
create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United
States.
[[Page 45604]]
Legitimate domestic objectives, such as safety, are not considered
unnecessary obstacles. The statute also requires consideration of
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis
for U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed the potential effect of this
(proposed/final) rule and determined that it would have only a domestic
impact and therefore no affect on any trade-sensitive activity.
Unfunded Mandates Assessment
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) is intended,
among other things, to curb the practice of imposing unfunded Federal
mandates on State, local, and tribal governments. Title II of the Act
requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement assessing
the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency rule
that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more (adjusted
annually for inflation) in any one year by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate
is deemed to be a ``significant regulatory action.'' The FAA currently
uses an inflation-adjusted value of $120.7 million in lieu of $100
million.
This proposed rule does not contain such a mandate. The
requirements of Title II do not apply.
Conclusion
In view of the minimal cost of compliance of the proposed rule,
compared to the improvements to operational efficiency without reducing
aviation safety, the FAA has determined that the proposed rule would be
cost-beneficial.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24
FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the FAA Order
7400.9M, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30,
2004, and effective September 16, 2004, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 3000--Class B Airspace.
* * * * *
ASO FL B Orlando, FL [Revised]
Orlando International Airport (Primary Airport) (MCO)
(Lat. 28[deg]25'46'' N., long. 81[deg]18'32'' W.)
Orlando VORTAC (ORL)
(Lat. 28[deg]32'34'' N., long. 81[deg]20'06'' W.)
Boundaries
Area A--That airspace extending upward from the surface to and
including 10,000 feet MSL within a 5 NM radius from the MCO.
Area B--That airspace extending upward from 900 feet MSL to and
including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the intersection
of State Road (S.R.) 423 (John Young Parkway SW of ORL VORTAC) and
Interstate 4, thence northeast along Interstate 4 to the
intersection of Interstate 4 and S.R. 441 (Orange Blossom Trail),
thence direct to the intersection of Lake Underhill Road and Palmer
Street, thence east along Lake Underhill Road to the intersection of
Lake Underhill Road and the Central Florida Greenway (S.R. 417),
thence direct to lat. 28[deg]29'22'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W.
(the Stanton Power Plant), thence south to the intersection of the
ORL VORTAC 14-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC
14-mile radius arc to the intersection of S.R. 423, thence north
along S.R. 423 to the point of beginning.
Area C--That airspace extending upward from 1,600 feet MSL to
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of Interstate 4 and the Orlando Executive Airport Class
D airspace 4.2 mile radius arc (lat. 28[deg]30'35'' N., long.
81[deg]24'02'' W.), thence clockwise on the Orlando Executive
Airport 4.2-mile radius to University Blvd., thence east on
University Blvd. to the intersection of S.R. 434, thence east on
lat. 28[deg]35'50'' N. to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence south to
lat. 28[deg]29'22'' N., thence northwest direct to the intersection
of Lake Underhill Road and Central Florida Greenway (S.R. 417),
thence west along Lake Underhill Road to the intersection of Palmer
Street, thence southwest to the point of beginning. Also, that
airspace south of the primary airport extending upward from 1,600
feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at the point of
intersection of long. 81[deg]24'06'' W., and the ORL VORTAC 14-mile
radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL VORTAC 14-mile
radius arc to the intersection of long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence
south to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc,
thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to long.
81[deg]24'06'' W., thence north to the point of beginning.
Area D--That airspace extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL to
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of Interstate 4 and long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence
north to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., thence east to long. 81[deg]10'00''
W., thence south to lat. 28[deg]35'50'' N., thence west to the
intersection of S.R. 434 and University Blvd., thence west on
University Blvd. to the Orlando Executive Airport 4.2-mile radius
arc, thence counterclockwise on the Orlando Executive Airport 4.2-
mile radius arc to the intersection of Interstate 4, southwest of
the ORL VORTAC, thence west on Interstate 4 to the intersection of
S.R. 423, thence south along S.R. 423 to the intersection of the ORL
VORTAC 14-mile radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL
VORTAC 14-mile radius arc to long. 81[deg]24'06'' W., thence south
to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, thence
clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to the
intersection of long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence north to the point
of beginning.
Area E--That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the
intersection of lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long. 81[deg]27'30'' W.,
thence north to the intersection of lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., thence
east to the intersection of the MCO Mode C Veil 30-NM radius arc,
thence southeast along the MCO Mode C Veil 30-NM radius arc to the
intersection of the power lines at lat. 28[deg]50'20'' N., thence
southeast along these power lines to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., thence
west to long. 81[deg]05'09'' W., thence south along the Florida
Power transmission lines to the intersection of Highway 50 at lat.
28[deg]32'10'' N., long. 81[deg]03'35'' W., thence south to the Bee
Line Expressway at lat. 28[deg]27'05'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45'' W.,
thence west along the Bee Line Expressway to the intersection of
lat. 28[deg]27'00'' N., long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., thence south to the
intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc, thence clockwise
along the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc to long. 81[deg]27'30'' W.,
thence north on long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., to the intersection of the
ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL
VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to the intersection of long.
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the intersection of lat.
28[deg]41'36'' N., thence west to the point of beginning.
Area F--That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning south of the primary airport
at the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long.
81[deg]27'30'' W., thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 30-mile
radius arc to long. 81[deg]32'00'' W., thence north to lat.
28[deg]53'00'' N., thence east to long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence
south to the point of beginning.
Area G--That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning south of the primary airport
at the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long.
81[deg]32'00'' W., thence clockwise on the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius
arc to the intersection of Highway 27, thence north along Highway 27
to the intersection of Highway 27 and long. 81[deg]45'00'' W.,
thence north along long. 81[deg]45'00'' W., to the intersection of
the ORL VORTAC 24-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along the ORL
VORTAC 24-mile radius arc to the intersection of lat. 28[deg]53'00''
N., thence east to the intersection of long. 81[deg]32'00'' W.,
thence south to the point of beginning. Also that airspace extending
upward from 6,000
[[Page 45605]]
feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at the Florida
Power transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long.
81[deg]05'20'' W., thence east along lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N. to the
Florida Power transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long.
80[deg]54'00'' W., thence southeast and south along these power
lines to the intersection of Highway 50, thence south to the power
lines at lat. 28[deg]22'14'' N., long. 80[deg]52'30'' W., thence
southwest along these power lines to the intersection of long.
81[deg]04'40'' W., thence north along long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., to
the intersection of the Bee Line Expressway at lat. 28[deg]27'00''
N., long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., thence east along the Bee Line
Expressway to lat. 28[deg]27'05'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45'' W.,
thence north to the intersection of Highway 50 and the Florida Power
transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]32'10'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45''
W., thence north along these power lines to the point of beginning.
* * * * *
Paragraph 4000 Class C Airspace.
* * * * *
ASO FL C Sanford, FL [New]
Orlando Sanford International Airport (Primary Airport)
(Lat. 28[deg]46'40'' N., long. 81[deg]14'15'' W.)
Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch Airport (Private Airport)
(Lat. 28[deg]46'55'' N., long. 81[deg]09'33'' W.)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to but not
including 3,000 feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of the Orlando
Sanford International Airport (SFB), excluding that airspace, from
the surface to but not including 700 feet MSL in the vicinity of
Cedar Knoll Airport, within the area beginning at lat.
28[deg]50'00'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence clockwise along
the SFB 5-mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]43'20'' N., long.
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the point of beginning; and that
airspace extending upward from 1,300 feet MSL to but not including
3,000 feet MSL within the area beginning northeast of the primary
airport at the SFB 10-mile radius arc and lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N.,
thence clockwise along the SFB 10-mile radius arc to lat
28[deg]41'36'' N., thence west bound to the intersection of the SFB
10-mile radius arc, thence clockwise on the SFB 10-mile radius arc
to lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., thence east to the point of beginning.
This Class C airspace area is effective during the specific days and
hours of operation of the Orlando Sanford International Airport
Tower as established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective
dates and times will thereafter be continuously published in the
Airport/Facility Directory.
* * * * *
Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.
* * * * *
ASO FL D Sanford, FL [Remove]
* * * * *
Issued in Washington DC, on July 29, 2005.
Edith V. Parish,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules.
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[[Page 45606]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP08AU05.044
[[Page 45607]]
[FR Doc. 05-15567 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C