Modification of the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B Airspace Area; TX, 3315-3326 [2014-00941]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3315-3326]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-00941]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1168; Airspace Docket No. 07-AWA-3]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B Airspace Area; TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Class B 
airspace area to ensure containment of large turbine-powered aircraft 
flying instrument procedures to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth 
International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) within 
Class B airspace. The FAA is taking this action to further support its 
national airspace redesign goal of optimizing terminal and en route 
airspace areas to enhance safety, improve the flow of air traffic, and 
reduce the potential for near midair collision in the DFW terminal 
area.

DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, March 6, 2014. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
3 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy and 
Regulations Group, AJV-11, Office of Airspace Services, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    On January 22, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify the Dallas/Fort Worth, 
TX, Class B airspace area (78 FR 4356). This action proposed to expand 
the lateral and vertical dimensions of the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B 
airspace area to provide additional airspace needed to contain large 
turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to and from the 
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field 
Airport (DAL) within Class B airspace. The NPRM noted that large 
turbine-powered aircraft routinely entered, exited, and then re-entered 
Class B airspace while flying published instrument approach procedures 
to DFW runway13R and DAL runways 13L/13R and 31R/31L, which is contrary 
to FAA policy.
    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. A total of 73 
responses to the NPRM were received; of which, 13 responses opposed the 
proposed action and did not provide any rationale or information for 
consideration. On April 25, 2013, and subsequent to the close of the 
public comment period, the FAA received an inquiry from two 
Congressional members requesting that the FAA withdraw the NPRM and 
consider the alternative solution submitted by a commenter to the NPRM. 
This inquiry was added to the docket (making 74 responses total) and 
considered along with the responses received during the comment period. 
The FAA considered all substantive comments received before making a 
determination on the final rule.

Discussion of Comments

    Of the 74 responses received to the NPRM, 61 concerned the airspace 
in the vicinity of Addison Airport (ADS). All of these commenters 
opposed the proposed modification to Area F, contending that it would 
result in lower flight paths for DAL arrivals and ADS arrivals and 
departures, and lead to various adverse impacts such as compression of 
VFR aircraft, safety of flight issues, increased noise, air pollution 
and health issues, lower property values, detrimental effect on local 
businesses, and decreased commerce at ADS.
    The above perceived impacts appear to be based on the belief that 
the Class B airspace modification would lead to an increased number of 
IFR and VFR flights operating at lower altitudes than they do today. 
This is incorrect. The Class B airspace modifications, including Area 
F, are based on the need to contain existing large turbine-powered IFR 
aircraft that are now operating below Class B airspace. It is important 
to note that existing DAL IFR arrival and departure operating 
altitudes, flight paths, traffic patterns, and procedures will not 
change. As stated in the NPRM, the Area F modification will continue to 
support IFR and VFR aircraft arriving and departing ADS as they do 
today without compression and ensure large turbine-powered aircraft 
flying instrument procedures to DAL runways 13L/13R are contained 
within Class B airspace.
    Five commenters argued that the FAA should not lower the Class B 
airspace over the entire Addison Class D airspace area. They believed 
it would create an unsafe condition with arrivals and departures to 
from ADS from the north and east would be forced to operate at the 
same, or close to the same altitudes; create the possibility of 
unintentional airspace incursions; and have operational issues 
associated with separation from the existing DAL traffic patterns at 
1,600 feet MSL and 2,000 feet MSL. Additionally, one of the commenters 
also argued that lowering the entire ADS Class D airspace to a 2,500-
foot MSL ceiling under the 3,000-foot MSL Class B airspace floor would 
result in a wedge of uncontrolled airspace above ADS to the north and 
east.
    As noted in the NPRM, the FAA reduced the lateral dimensions of 
Area F over the ADS Class D airspace to only extend from the 10-
nautical mile (NM) arc from the Point of Origin to the 13-NM arc from 
the Point of Origin; matching the outer boundary with the adjacent Area 
B outer boundary at 13-NM arc from the Point of Origin, and not overlay 
the entire ADS Class D airspace. The ADS Class D airspace beyond the 
13-NM arc is unchanged and the existing 3,000-foot MSL ceiling is 
unaffected by this rule. By lowering only the portion of Class B 
airspace necessary to contain aircraft flying instrument procedures to 
DAL within Class B airspace [Area F] and retaining the existing 
arrival/departure traffic flows, altitudes, and procedures, the 
concerns that the ADS arrival/departure aircraft from the north and 
east would be operating at the same altitudes are addressed. ADS 
arrival and departure aircraft will be unaffected and are not expected 
to create any unintentional Class B incursions or impact the two 
existing ADS traffic patterns. Finally, the ADS Class D airspace beyond 
the 13-NM arc of the Point of Origin will remain unchanged by this 
airspace action.
    Thirty commenters stated that VFR flights operating at ADS would be 
compressed as a result of establishing Area F with a 2,500 feet MSL 
floor over a portion of the ADS Class D airspace. They further argue 
that this compression into less airspace at ADS, below Area F, could 
result in the loss of operational flexibility and options for VFR 
aircraft to vary from air traffic control (ATC) recommended arrival and 
departure altitudes; the introduction of new flight safety hazards to 
VFR pilots forced to fly 500 feet lower; a greater potential for midair 
collision; and inadvertent incursions into Class B

[[Page 3316]]

airspace through the Area F 2,500-foot MSL floor. Lastly, they contend 
that ADS departures at 2,000 feet MSL and arrivals at 2,500 feet MSL 
today would be forced to operate at the same (or close to the same) 
altitudes, which would reduce traffic separation for VFR pilots and 
introduce a greater possibility of wake turbulence due to more large 
aircraft flying at lower altitudes.
    The primary purpose of a Class B airspace area is to reduce the 
potential for midair collisions in the airspace surrounding airports 
with high density air traffic operations by providing an area in which 
all aircraft are subject to certain operating rules and equipment 
requirements. FAA directives require Class B airspace areas be designed 
to contain all instrument procedures, and that air traffic controllers 
vector aircraft as appropriate to remain within Class B airspace after 
entry.
    The FAA recognizes that VFR pilots electing to fly below the floor 
of Class B airspace may be compressed. However, the airspace designated 
as Area F with a 2,500-foot MSL floor over the ADS Class D airspace is 
necessary to contain the large turbine-powered aircraft flying 
instrument procedures to/from DAL within Class B airspace. The Dallas/
Fort Worth terminal area encompasses DFW (third busiest airport in the 
U.S. with over 646,800 airport operations in 2011), DAL (over 179,190 
airport operations in 2011), ADS (over 91,120 airport operations in 
2011), plus numerous other airports situated in and around the terminal 
area. These airport operations create a complex, high density airspace 
environment containing a highly diverse mix of aircraft types and 
aviation activities. In some areas, large turbine-powered aircraft and 
non-participating VFR aircraft are flying simultaneously in the same 
airspace. It is essential to segregate the large turbine-powered 
aircraft arriving/departing DFW/DAL and the non-participating VFR 
aircraft in the vicinity of ADS, who may not be communicating with ATC.
    Additionally, it must be noted that there are no planned changes to 
existing flight paths, altitudes, or procedures supporting ADS IFR/VFR 
arrivals and departures. Due to the high volume of VFR traffic mixed 
with IFR corporate aircraft, the Dallas Terminal Radar Control (TRACON) 
(D10) will continue to sequence all arrivals to ADS. Aircraft on the 
downwind also will continue to be sequenced inbound at 2,500 feet MSL 
while IFR departures will be climbing to 2,000 feet MSL. VFR aircraft 
will be assigned 2,000 feet MSL altitude initially until conflicts 
between arrivals and departures are resolved. ADS departures (IFR/VFR) 
will continue to be issued a 050 degree heading at 2,000 feet MSL to 
avoid a tower located 8-miles east of ADS with a minimum vectoring 
altitude (MVA) restriction of 2,200 feet MSL. While this obstruction 
reduces multiple headings that could be used for departing and arriving 
aircraft, the use of additional altitude segregation by local 
procedures ensure flight safety in the area. VFR aircraft in the ADS 
Class D airspace will continue to receive traffic advisories.
    Consequently, some non-participating VFR aircraft may have to fly 
further, or at different altitudes, in order to remain clear of the 
modified Class B airspace. Ultimately, it is the pilot's responsibility 
to evaluate all factors that could affect a planned flight and 
determine the safest course of action whether it is circumnavigating 
the Class B airspace, flying over or beneath the Class B airspace, 
utilizing a charted VFR flyway, or requesting Class B clearance and 
services from D10.
    Seven commenters recommended that the FAA move the Area F outer 
boundary over the ADS Class D airspace to an 11.5-NM arc of the Point 
of Origin instead of the 13-NM mile arc that was proposed. The 
requested boundary move would lower Class B airspace to 2,500 feet MSL 
west of ADS only and was considered a reasonable alternative by the 
commenters attempting to minimize the compression concerns while 
containing the majority of large turbine-powered aircraft flying 
instrument procedures to DFW and DAL within Class B airspace. Three 
commenters asserted that the FAA's own radar data slides presented at 
the Informal Airspace Meetings suggested that there was no need to 
lower the Class B airspace floor east of ADS. One commenter stated that 
moving the Area F outer boundary to an 11.5-NM arc from the Point of 
Origin was consistent with the recommendation of the Ad Hoc Committee 
and would provide easily-identified landmarks to aid VFR pilots in 
identifying the boundary of the lowered Class B airspace; whereas, the 
FAA's own proposal provided no such visual references for VFR pilots.
    To address the counter-proposal submitted by the commenters to 
limit Area F to an area between the 10-NM and 11.5-NM arcs from the 
Point of Origin, the FAA accomplished new radar track data analysis and 
modeling for DAL arrivals flying over the ADS Class D airspace. The FAA 
determined that, on average, 209 aircraft per day landed at DAL from 
the east over the ADS Class D airspace and an average of 130 aircraft 
per day descended below 3,000 feet MSL over ADS between the 10-NM and 
13-NM arcs from the Point of Origin. Of those 130 aircraft, an average 
of 60 aircraft per day (approximately 45 percent) descended below 3,000 
feet MSL outside an 11.5-NM arc from the Point of Origin. Therefore, if 
Area F was limited to between the 10-NM and 11.5-NM arcs from the Point 
of Origin, as recommended by the commenters, only 70 (out of 130) 
aircraft arriving to DAL each day, on average, would be contained 
within Class B airspace and 60 aircraft arriving to DAL each day, on 
average, would continue to descend below Class B airspace into the ADS 
Class D airspace area. Moving the outer boundary of Area F to an 11.5-
NM arc from the Point of Origin would not ensure containment of all 
large turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to and from 
DFW and DAL, as intended by this rule.
    Because of the close proximity of the DFW, DAL and ADS airports, 
access to the congested airspace northeast of DFW for aircraft not 
landing or departing one of these airports is very limited. The FAA 
determined that the number of VFR aircraft flying in the ADS Class D 
airspace and not receiving any ATC flight services reached 2,500 feet 
MSL in Area F less than twice per day, on average. The modeling also 
revealed that aircraft landing and departing ADS, using existing 
procedures, remained below the floor of Area F.
    The FAA has confirmed that establishing Area F, between the 10 NM 
and 13 NM arcs from the Point of Origin, will contain all the DAL 
arrival aircraft conducting instrument procedures within Class B 
airspace and that the 2,500-foot MSL Class B airspace floor will not 
affect ADS IFR and VFR arrivals, departures, traffic flows, or 
departure release procedures. Although the FAA is reclassifying a small 
portion of the ADS Class D airspace to become part of Area F, the 
operational procedures used today by the ADS tower and D10 will remain 
unchanged. Access to ADS by VFR aircraft is also not impacted by Area F 
because it is shadowed by existing Class B airspace (being renamed Area 
C) with a 2,000 foot MSL floor from the southeast clockwise to the 
north-northwest of ADS and by the existing Class B surface area (Area 
A) from the southeast clockwise to the west-northwest of ADS. VFR 
aircraft, not in contact with D10, that are arriving or departing ADS 
must avoid Area C and the surface area that surround ADS from the 
southeast clockwise to the north-northwest before Area F with its 
2,500-foot MSL floor becomes a factor.

[[Page 3317]]

    Lastly, the FAA acknowledges that the 13-NM arc from the Point of 
Origin used to define the outer boundary for Area F does not share the 
same opportunity for prominent visual landmarks as the counter-proposal 
submitted by the commenters. The FAA remains supportive of using 
prominent landmarks, when available, to describe airspace boundaries. 
However, matching the outer boundary of Area F with the 13-NM arc outer 
boundary of Area B has benefit too; it avoids potential confusion for 
pilots faced with multiple arcs in a relatively confined area to define 
differing Class B airspace subarea boundaries.
    Three comments concerned lowering the floors of two areas of Class 
B airspace southeast of DFW, Area D and Area I, to contain large 
turbine-powered aircraft during arrival procedures to DAL runways 31L/
31R. Two of the commenters were concerned with compression and 
circumnavigation associated with transitioning the area east and west 
around Dallas Executive Airport (RBD) and Mesquite Airport (HQZ) (being 
renamed Mesquite Metro Airport) past Area D lowered to 2,000 feet MSL 
between the 15-NM and 20-NM arcs of the Point of Origin and Area I 
lowered to 3,000 feet MSL between the 20-NM and 25-NM arcs of the Point 
of Origin. One of these commenters added that lowering the Class B 
airspace in this area reduces the separation between transitioning 
aircraft and the aircraft operating at HQZ. The commenter argued 
aircraft overflying uncontrolled airports are not required to monitor 
frequencies at those locations and that would increase the potential 
for loss of situational awareness and potential for a midair collision 
among VFR pilots flying below Area D and Area I, but over HQZ. The 
commenter suggested that the amount of traffic surrounding HQZ demanded 
immediate attention for establishing Class D airspace around HQZ. The 
third commenter argued that Area D and Area I were unnecessary and 
addressed instrument procedure glideslope corrections, that are address 
later in this rule.
    The FAA recognizes that VFR pilots electing to fly below the floor 
of Class B airspace may be compressed. However, the Dallas/Fort Worth 
Class B airspace Area D and Area I subareas, with 2,000-foot MSL and 
3,000-foot MSL floors, respectively, are necessary to contain large 
turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to/from DAL 
within Class B airspace and to segregate them from the VFR aircraft 
flying outside Class B airspace. Non-participating VFR general aviation 
aircraft have their choice of flying either above or below the Class B 
airspace, or circumnavigating it by five to ten NM further southeast to 
remain clear should they decide not to contact D10 to receive Class B 
services.
    As mentioned before, it is ultimately the pilot's responsibility to 
evaluate all factors that could affect a planned flight and determine 
the safest course of action whether it is circumnavigating the Class B 
airspace, flying over or beneath the Class B airspace, utilizing a 
charted VFR flyway, or requesting Class B services from D10.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter that suggested establishing Class 
D airspace around HQZ in the interest of flight safety. As such, the 
FAA built a control tower at HQZ, which began providing limited traffic 
advisory services in December of 2013, and published a final rule in 
the Federal Register (78 FR 67296, November 12, 2013) establishing 
Class D airspace around HQZ with an effective date of February 6, 2014. 
The Class D airspace area extends upward from the surface up to but not 
including 2,000 feet MSL, within a 3.5-mile radius of the Mesquite 
Metro Airport, Mesquite, TX, with an extension from the 3.5-mile radius 
to 4.1-miles south of the airport. The Mesquite, TX, Class D airspace 
area and control tower, when open, will enhance the safety and 
management of IFR and VFR operations at the airport with transient 
traffic around HQZ.
    Twenty six comments were received expressing flight safety concerns 
associated with lowering the Class B airspace over ADS. Many of the 
commenters alleged that the lower Class B airspace of Area F over ADS, 
and the corresponding reduction of ADS Class D airspace, would 
negatively impact the overall operational safety of the single engine 
VFR operations at ADS. Eight commenters stated the limited amount of 
available altitude in case of low-altitude emergencies raised the risk 
of aircraft accidents. Seven commenters raised safety related concerns 
as a result of their perceived reduction in vertical separation options 
for aircraft operating at ADS. Four commenters argued there were 
already numerous close calls at ADS and the reduced airspace under Area 
F invited an increase in midair collisions. Three commenters criticized 
that limited inbound and outbound routes to and from ADS would be 
further constrained; whereas, one commenter each contended the lower 
Class B airspace would force VFR aircraft to fly below the 1,000-foot 
above ground level requirement over congested areas, would induce more 
``head down'' operation and less ``see and avoid'' procedures, and 
would put VFR aircraft at risk of cell towers and other low-altitude 
obstructions near ADS.
    The FAA disagrees with the flight safety related concerns presented 
by the commenters because no arrival or departure flight paths, 
altitudes, or operational procedures for IFR and VFR aircraft flying 
to/from DAL or ADS are being changed as a result of Area F. Again, the 
commenters' perceived flight safety impacts appear to be based on the 
belief that the Area F Class B airspace modification over ADS would 
lead to an increased number of IFR and VFR flights operating at lower 
altitudes than they do today. Due to the high volume of VFR and IFR 
aircraft operating in the vicinity of ADS, D10 will continue to 
sequence all arrivals and departures to and from ADS.
    Mixing DAL IFR arrivals and VFR aircraft outside the Class B 
airspace presents a hazard to safety. This rule addresses the safety 
impact of large turbine-powered aircraft arriving to DAL that routinely 
entered, exited, and then re-entered Class B airspace, while being 
vectored and flying instrument procedures to DAL runways 13L/13R over 
ADS, as well as to DAL runways 31L/31R from the southeast. The FAA 
believes that the Class B design in this rule establishes the minimum 
Class B airspace required for containment of large turbine-powered 
aircraft flying instrument procedures to/from DFW and DAL, while 
leaving as much airspace as possible for IFR and VFR flight operations 
in the ADS area, outside Class B airspace.
    Twenty-nine commenters raised noise concerns related to the Area F 
being established over a portion of the ADS Class D airspace area. 
Commenters stated, ``increased noise pollution will reduce property 
values,'' ``increase noise will make it less desirable to dine outdoors 
in a community where restaurants are the largest contributor to sales 
tax,'' ``with the increase in air traffic planned for DAL, the 
frequency of jet traffic noise will increase to levels that are 
unacceptable,'' and ``this modification would create a significant 
increase in noise and general disturbance over a highly populated 
residential area.'' One commenters also requested a new review and 
updated environmental impact study or noise study be accomplished since 
a long time had passed from when the Class B modifications were 
originally proposed.
    The FAA does not agree because the Class B airspace being lowered 
over ADS is not associated with any changes to traffic flows, 
altitudes, or procedures; but rather, the containment of existing 
aircraft operations within Class B

[[Page 3318]]

airspace. The FAA believes that the submitted noise concerns presume an 
increased number of aircraft would be overflying ADS and that aircraft 
would be flying at lower altitudes over the communities surrounding 
ADS. Aircraft are already flying in the areas and at the same altitudes 
they will be after Area F is established. The Class B airspace 
modification over ADS is being accomplished purely to contain existing 
large turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures, and their 
associated traffic patterns, to/from DFW and DAL within Class B 
airspace. The Class B airspace modification over ADS is simply an 
airspace classification change from Class D to Class B and will not 
have any impact on noise.
    The FAA completed its environmental review and Categorical 
Exclusion Declaration on May 1, 2013, in support of the Dallas/Fort 
Worth Class B airspace modifications. In accordance with FAA Order 
1050.1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 311a, 
rulemaking actions that modify Class B airspace are categorically 
excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact statement. The FAA determined that there were no 
extraordinary circumstances that would necessitate further 
environmental review since the flight tracks and altitudes used will 
not change as a result of the Class B airspace modifications and 
aircraft will continue to fly the same flight tracks, patterns, and 
altitudes that they fly today. There are no adverse effects on any of 
the environmental impact categories required to be analyzed in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1, nor are there any cumulative impacts.
    Eleven commenters argued lowering the Class B airspace over ADS 
would have a negative economic impact to ADS, the residents in the 
area, and to the North Dallas region. They were concerned that 
reclassifying a portion of ADS Class D airspace as Class B would impact 
ADS economically by serving as a disincentive to current/future ADS 
customers to remain at ADS and result in them going elsewhere less 
congested and impact local business success in the area. They were also 
concerned that the business and commerce attractiveness of ADS to 
businesses outside the Dallas County/North Texas region would be 
decreased and that lower property values of the residential communities 
surrounding ADS would result.
    The FAA disagrees that establishing Area F over ADS will cause the 
economic impacts raised by the commenters. The Area F 2,500-foot MSL 
Class B airspace floor over the Addison Class D airspace area will have 
no effect on ADS IFR or VFR arrivals, departures, altitudes, traffic 
flows, or departure release procedures. Additionally, the IFR aircraft 
arriving and departing DFW and DAL will continue to fly the same flight 
tracks, patterns, and altitudes that they fly today.
    As noted previously, Area F is shadowed by Area C, with its 2,000-
foot MSL floor, and Area A, the surface area, from the southeast 
clockwise to the west-northwest of ADS. Any perceived aerial access 
impacts to ADS, caused by Area F, are overcome by the requirements for 
aircraft to avoid these previously existing Class B airspace subareas. 
Modeling did show that on average less than 3 VFR aircraft per day, 
squawking 1200, flew at lower altitudes for short periods of time, but 
these aircraft were determined to be VFR practice aircraft and not 
receiving sequencing ATC services for arrival or departure. As such, 
the FAA does not expect IFR or VFR operators to cease operating at ADS, 
does not expect IFR and VFR aircraft to fly lower than they currently 
do, and does not expect an increase in large turbine-powered aircraft 
operations at DAL. Therefore, the FAA does not find that Area F has any 
economic impact to the airport, the local community, or the North 
Dallas region, as argued by the commenters.
    Two commenters offered that the need to lower Class B airspace to 
contain large turbine-powered aircraft could be averted by raising the 
glide paths for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Area Navigation 
(RNAV) approaches to DAL. One commenter also argued that DAL is not a 
primary airport of the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace area and that 
lowering the Class B airspace southeast of DFW to contain aircraft 
flying DAL approaches is a misuse of aviation regulations. The 
commenter suggested raising the published altitudes on ILS and RNAV 
procedures to DAL runways 31L/31R (in essence raising the approach 
glideslopes from the standard 3 degree angle) to overcome DAL arrivals 
not being contained in Class B airspace. The second commenter's focus 
was the airspace over the Addison Class D airspace and simply requested 
the FAA consider raising the approach procedure glideslopes to DAL 
runways 13L/13R before seeking an airspace solution to containing DAL 
arrival aircraft within Class B airspace.
    The FAA acknowledges that DAL is not listed as a primary airport in 
the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace description, but disagrees that 
it is inappropriate to lower the Class B airspace southeast of DFW to 
contain the aircraft flying instrument procedures to DAL within Class B 
airspace. As noted in the NPRM, the FAA revoked the Airport Radar 
Service Area (ARSA) surrounding DAL and incorporated the airport and 
its airspace into the surface area of the Dallas Fort-Worth Terminal 
Control Area (TCA) [Class B airspace today] in 1992. The FAA took this 
action in the interest of flight safety as a result of the complex mix 
of aircraft operating in the Dallas/Fort Worth terminal flying 
environment and to lower the risk of midair collisions in the airspace 
around DFW and DAL; thereby reducing the chance of casualty loss (i.e. 
aviation fatalities and injuries). Revoking the DAL ARSA and making the 
airspace part of the Dallas-Fort Worth TCA was expected to result in 
increased safety in the entire TCA [Class B airspace today] and it has. 
As such, the FAA continues to consider the midair collision avoidance 
and airspace requirements associated with Class B airspace to apply to 
the operations at DFW and DAL, when addressing the Dallas/Fort Worth 
terminal airspace area.
    The FAA re-evaluated the suggestion to raise the ILS and RNAV 
approach procedure glideslopes into DAL and does not agree. Raising the 
existing 3 degree approach procedure glideslopes, in lieu of lowering 
Class B airspace, was considered previously when the proposal was 
developed and in response to pre-NPRM public input. In order to retain 
the current traffic flows in Class B airspace without the proposed 
modifications, the instrument procedure glideslope angles to the DAL 
runways 13L/13R and 31L/R would have to be raised in excess of 3.1 
degrees; resulting in the loss of approach minimums for category D and 
E aircraft. A 3 degree glideslope angle for instrument procedures is 
the standard for safety.
    Another commenter suggested the need for lower Class B airspace 
floors could be addressed by raising the glide paths for the instrument 
approaches to DAL using an extension of the Optimized Profile Descent 
for the close-in terminal area and creating a two-stage glideslope 
approach. The commenter offered that by flying an average 6 degree 
descent angle initially, aircraft would no longer be forced to fly 
shallow paths to the airport. Then, since jets are not as responsive as 
light general aviation aircraft, the aircraft would transition to a 
standard 3 degree glide path at some pre-determined distance from the 
runway, most likely 1,500 feet to 1,000 feet AGL and 1 NM prior to 
passing the final approach fix.

[[Page 3319]]

    This suggestion for a two-stage glideslope approach would require a 
revision of instrument flight procedures and the development of new or 
additional glideslope equipment, which may not be technically feasible 
and/or may involve flight safety issues. As such, it is outside the 
scope of this rule.
    Five commenters were concerned that lower Class B airspace, 
primarily over ADS, would cause a related increase in ATC workload to 
ensure flight safety. One commenter asserted that the lower Class B 
airspace floors would force pilots to participate with D10, which often 
time could not handle the load they already have, while another 
commenter stated that sometimes controllers are too busy to offer 
clearances through the Class B airspace. A third commenter was 
concerned that the lower Class B airspace at ADS would result in more 
departure holds, as well as increased vectoring for arrivals and 
departures to and from ADS.
    The FAA remains committed to providing Class B airspace services to 
all National Airspace System (NAS) users operating in the airspace 
surrounding DFW, DAL, and ADS in a manner that keeps the Dallas/Fort 
Worth terminal area safe for all users. As mentioned earlier, the 
primary purpose of a Class B airspace area is to reduce the potential 
for midair collisions in the airspace surrounding airports with high 
density air traffic operations by providing an area in which all 
aircraft are subject to certain operating rules and equipment 
requirements.
    Based on historical data and forecast trends, the average D10 daily 
traffic count includes 1,515 air carrier, 764 air taxi, 445 general 
aviation, 51 military IFR operations and 421 VFR operations. In 2012, 
D10 provided Class B services to approximately 200 VFR aircraft 
operations per day. When VFR aircraft request Class B services, they 
are initially told to remain outside the Class B airspace until radar 
identification is established; oftentimes, this is misunderstood as 
denial of Class B services. D10 routinely provides Class B airspace 
clearances and services to VFR aircraft requesting access into and 
through the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace on a workload permitted 
basis when the arrival/departure traffic volume and airspace capacity 
conditions enable doing so safely. Lastly, it should be noted that the 
existence of Class B airspace has no impact on IFR delays or aircraft 
vectoring, the determining factors for these activities are normally 
traffic volume and weather.
    Three commenters suggested that the FAA should establish VFR routes 
through the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace area over Dallas and 
Fort Worth to retain efficiency, safety and access for all operators. 
Two of the commenters offered that the transition routes would allow 
VFR aircraft to navigate through the Class B airspace without adding 
additional burden to the controllers and provide a predictable routing 
for the VFR pilots. The third commenter stated that flying the existing 
VFR transition routes is very time consuming and involves flying in 
congested airspace, and that the routes are exceedingly frustrating to 
transition safely and legally given the number of Class D and 
uncontrolled airports that must be transitioned.
    The FAA interpreted the commenters' suggestion to mean they were 
recommending VFR corridors through the Class B airspace area and 
acknowledges that VFR corridors provide general aviation flight paths 
for pilots planning flights into, out of, or through complex terminal 
airspace so as to avoid Class B airspace. However, the FAA has 
determined establishing VFR corridors over DFW and DAL through the 
Class B airspace surface area is not feasible and would result in 
adverse impacts to the arrival and departure flows, and associated 
traffic patterns, supporting DFW and DAL operations. Specifically, DFW 
and DAL fan departures off their airports covering as much as 220 
degrees around the compass in a north flow and 250 degrees around the 
compass in a south flow. Depending upon the runway configuration in 
use, low altitude VFR corridors, as suggested, would conflict with the 
over 1,250 departures from DFW and DAL daily, on average, and force 
departures to be restricted below the corridor altitude(s) until clear 
of the corridor. Additionally, the geographic relationship between DFW, 
DAL, and ADS, as well as HQZ, RBQ, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Ft Worth 
Meacham International, and Ft Worth Alliance airports, with their 
arrival and departure flows, does not support establishing VFR 
corridors through the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace area.
    The FAA recognizes that using the existing flyways takes more time 
to fly around the DFW and DAL area than flying directly through it, but 
does not agree that the existing VFR flyways are difficult to 
transition safely or legally. The Class B airspace floors over the low 
altitude VFR flyways are not changing and the flyways remain unaffected 
by this rule. There are two VFR flyways that route north and south, one 
located east and one located west of DFW and DAL, and four VFR flyways 
that route east and west, two located north and two located south of 
DFW and DAL. These six VFR flyways surround DFW and DAL and provide 
both low and high altitude route alternatives to circumnavigate the 
Class B airspace area for those pilots that opt not to request ATC 
services through Class B airspace from D10.
    Bell Helicopter requested that the FAA modify the Class B airspace 
surface area, Area A. Bell Helicopter advised that they plan to move 
their training area back to an area southwest of DFW, near where they 
previously conducted helicopter training, and expand their facility to 
support a training program conducting 3,500 flight hours per year. They 
requested the FAA modify the Class B airspace surface area to exclude a 
portion of airspace southwest of DFW extending upward from the surface 
to and including 1,500 feet MSL in the area south of State Highway 10 
and west of the Texas Star Golf Course. The requested exclusion would 
support a helicopter training area near the area Bell Helicopter 
operated at from the mid 1970's through 2006.
    The FAA evaluated Bell Helicopter's request and determined that the 
Class B airspace surface area modification can be incorporated, as 
requested, without compromising the containment of large turbine-
powered IFR aircraft conducting instrument procedures within Class B 
airspace. As a result of Bell Helicopter's modification request and 
details of their impending helicopter training program, the FAA is 
modifying the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace surface area to 
include an exclusion of airspace as described below in the ``Difference 
From the NPRM'' section. This modification supports Bell Helicopter's 
returning training program in the area; enables ATC to stay focused on 
the arrival, departure, and overflight aircraft operating in the DFW 
terminal area; addresses ATC frequency congestion issues; and reduces 
the potential for unauthorized airspace incursions without impacting 
the containment of large turbine-powered IFR aircraft conducting 
instrument procedures within Class B airspace.

Differences From the NPRM

    The description of the subarea A has been modified from that 
proposed in the NPRM. In light of public input, the FAA evaluated a 
request to exclude a portion of airspace located southwest of DFW from 
the Class B airspace surface area and determined the airspace exclusion 
could be incorporated without effecting containment of large turbine-
powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to

[[Page 3320]]

and from DFW and DAL within Class B airspace. This is accomplished by 
excluding the a small portion of airspace located southwest of DFW, 
bounded by the surface area boundary, State Highway 10, and the western 
boundary of the Texas Star Golf Course, from the surface to and 
including 1,500 feet MSL, from Area A. The revised surface area 
description is listed in the ``Adoption of the Amendment'' section, 
below.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 
CFR) part 71 to modify the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Class B airspace 
area. This action lowers the floor of Class B airspace in four areas, 
redefines the northern boundary, and incorporates an exclusion of a 
small area of airspace within the Class B surface area. The first area, 
Area J lowers a portion Class B airspace located northwest of DFW 
between 23-NM and 30-NM arcs from the Point of Origin from 5,000 feet 
MSL to 4,000 feet MSL. The second area, Area F, lowers a portion of 
Class B airspace northeast of DFW between the 10-NM and 13-NM arcs from 
the Point of Origin from 3,000 feet MSL to 2,500 feet MSL. The third 
area, Area D, lowers a portion of Class B airspace located southeast of 
DAL between the 15-NM and 20-NM arcs from the Point of Origin from 
2,500 feet MSL to 2,000 feet MSL. And, the fourth area, Area I, lowers 
a portion of Class B airspace located southeast of DAL between the 20-
NM and 25-NM arcs from the Point of Origin from 4,000 feet MSL to 3,000 
feet MSL. This action also redefines the northern boundary of the Class 
B airspace area using the Ray Roberts Lake dam. Lastly, in response to 
public input to the NPRM, an exclusion of a small portion of airspace 
located southwest of DFW is incorporated in the Class B airspace 
surface area. The Class B airspace ceiling remains unchanged. These 
modifications to the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace area provide 
the minimum airspace necessary to contain existing large turbine-
powered aircraft flying the instrument procedures to and from DFW and 
DAL within the confines of Class B airspace.
    Except for Area A, which extends upward from the surface to and 
including 11,000 feet MSL within an area surrounding DFW and DAL, the 
descriptions of all other subareas that make up the Dallas/Fort Worth 
Class B airspace area are reconfigured, re-described, and realigned by 
geographic position in relation to the point of origin, rather than the 
previous practice of combining geographically separate areas that share 
a common altitude floor into one large, complex subarea description. 
This action modifies the original eight Dallas/Fort Worth Class B 
subareas (A through H) and adds six new subareas (I through N). The 
modifications to the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B airspace, by subarea, 
are outlined below.
    Area A. Area A is the surface area that extends from the surface up 
to 11,000 feet MSL. The FAA is incorporating an exclusion of the 
airspace located southwest of DFW bounded by the surface area boundary, 
State Highway 10, and the western boundary of the Texas Star Golf 
Course, from the surface to an including 1,500 feet MSL, in this 
portion of Class B airspace.
    Area B. Area B extends upward from 2,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the Class B airspace contained in the previous Area B 
description that is located north, west, and south of DFW. The FAA is 
not changing this portion of Class B airspace.
    Area C. Area C extends upward from 2,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining Class B airspace contained in the previous Area B 
description that is located east of DFW. The FAA is not changing this 
portion of Class B airspace.
    Area D. Area D is a new area extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL 
to 11,000 feet MSL located southeast of DAL from the Cowboy VOR/DME 
(CVE) 117[deg] radial clockwise to the 129[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin, between 15-NM and 20-NM of the Point of Origin. This new 
area lowers a portion of Class B airspace contained in the previous 
Area C description, located south of the CVE 117[deg] radial, by 500 
feet to overcome aircraft arriving DAL runways 31R and 31L from the 
southeast exiting the bottom of Class B airspace with a 2,500-foot MSL 
floor, flying under the Class B airspace area, and then reentering the 
side of the Class B airspace surface area.
    Area E. Area E extends upward from 2,500 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining Class B airspace contained in the previous Area C 
description that is not incorporated in the new Area D described above. 
The FAA is not changing this portion of Class B airspace.
    Area F. Area F is a new area extending upward from 2,500 feet MSL 
to 11,000 feet MSL located northeast of DFW from the 023[deg] bearing 
from the Point of Origin clockwise to Interstate I-635, between 10-NM 
and 13-NM of the Point of Origin. This new area lowers a portion of 
Class B airspace contained in the previous Area D description, located 
northeast of DFW, by 500 feet to overcome aircraft arriving DAL runways 
13R and 13L from the northeast exiting the bottom of Class B airspace 
with a 3,000-foot MSL floor, flying through the ADS Class D airspace, 
and then reentering the side of Class B airspace with a 2,000-foot MSL 
floor or the side of the Class B airspace surface area.
    Area G. Area G extends upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the Class B airspace contained in the previous Area D 
description that is located south of DFW. The FAA is not changing this 
portion of Class B airspace.
    Area H. Area H extends upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining Class B airspace contained in the previous Area D 
description that is located north of DFW and not incorporated in the 
new Area F described above. The FAA is not changing this portion of 
Class B airspace.
    Area I. Area I is a new area extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL 
to 11,000 feet MSL located southeast of DAL from the Cowboy VOR/DME 
(CVE) 117[deg] radial clockwise to the 129[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin, between 20-NM and 25-NM of the Point of Origin. This new 
area lowers a portion of Class B airspace contained in the previous 
Area E description by 1,000 feet to overcome aircraft arriving DAL 
runways 31R and 31L from the southeast exiting the bottom of Class B 
airspace with a 4,000-foot MSL floor, flying under the Class B airspace 
area, and then reentering the side of Class B airspace with a 2,500-
foot MSL floor.
    Area J. Area J extends upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining Class B airspace contained in the previous Area E 
description that is not incorporated in the new Area I described above 
and a portion of Class B airspace contained in the previous Area G 
description, located northwest of the 311[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin. This new area lowers the portion of Class B airspace 
contained in the previous Area G description by 1,000 feet to overcome 
aircraft arriving DFW runways 13R and 13L from the northwest exiting 
the bottom of the Class B airspace with a 5,000-foot MSL floor, flying 
under the Class B airspace area, and then reentering the side of the 
Class B airspace with a 4,000-foot MSL floor.
    Area K. Area K extends upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet 
MSL in the Class B airspace contained in the previous Area F 
description that is located south of DFW. The FAA is not changing this 
portion of Class B airspace.

[[Page 3321]]

    Area L. Area L extends upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining Class B airspace contained in the previous Area F 
description that is located north of DFW. The FAA is extending the 
northern boundary further north to intercept the southern-most point of 
the Ray Roberts Lake dam for visual reference.
    Area M. Area M extends upward from 5,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the remaining portion of Class B airspace contained in the 
current Area G that is not incorporated in the new Area J described 
above. The FAA is not changing this portion of Class B airspace.
    Area N. Area N extends upward from 6,000 feet MSL to 11,000 feet 
MSL in the Class B airspace contained in the previous Area H 
description. The FAA is not changing this Class B airspace.
    Finally, this action updates the DFW airport reference point (ARP) 
coordinates and includes the Cowboy VOR/DME (CVE) navigation aid 
information in the Class B airspace legal description to reflect 
current National Airspace System data.
    Implementation of these modifications to the Dallas/Fort Worth 
Class B airspace area ensure the containment of instrument procedures 
and large turbine-powered aircraft flying those procedures within Class 
B airspace, as required by FAA directives, and enhance the efficient 
use of the airspace, the management of aircraft operations, and flight 
safety in the DFW and DAL terminal area.
    All radials and bearings listed in the Dallas/Fort Worth Class B 
airspace description in this rule are stated in degrees relative to 
True North. Additionally, all geographic coordinates are stated in 
degrees, minutes, and seconds based on North American Datum 83.
    Class B airspace areas are published in paragraph 3000 of FAA Order 
7400.9X, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 7, 
2013, and effective September 15, 2013, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR section 71.1. The Class B airspace area listed in 
this document would be published subsequently in the Order.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 311a. This airspace action is not expected to 
cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no 
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an 
environmental assessment.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507 (d)) requires 
that the FAA consider the impact of paperwork and other information 
collection burdens imposed on the public. We have determined that there 
is no new information collection requirement associated with this final 
rule.

Regulatory Evaluation Summary

    Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563 direct 
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 of 1980 (Pub. 
L. 96-354) requires agencies to analyze the economic impact of 
regulatory changes on small entities. Third, the Trade Agreements Act 
(Pub. L. 96-39) prohibits agencies from setting standards that create 
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. In 
developing U.S. standards, the Trade Act requires agencies to consider 
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis 
of U.S. standards. Fourth, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
(Pub. L. 104-4) requires agencies to prepare a written assessment of 
the costs, benefits, and other effects of proposed or final rules that 
include a Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, 
local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100 million or more annually (adjusted for inflation with 
base year of 1995). This portion of the preamble summarizes the FAA's 
analysis of the economic impacts of this final rule.
    The FAA has, therefore, determined that this final rule is not a 
``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866, and is not ``significant'' as defined in DOT's 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures.
    Department of Transportation Order DOT 2100.5 prescribes policies 
and procedures for simplification, analysis, and review of regulations. 
If the expected cost impact is so minimal that a proposed or final rule 
does not warrant a full evaluation, this order permits that a statement 
to that effect and the basis for it to be included in the preamble if a 
full regulatory evaluation of the cost and benefits is not prepared. 
Such a determination has been made for this final rule. The reasoning 
for this determination follows.
    This action proposes to modify the DFW Class B airspace area to 
ensure the containment of large turbine-powered aircraft flying 
instrument procedures to and from the Dallas/Fort Worth International 
Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport within Class B airspace, reduce 
controller workload and reduce the potential for near midair collision 
in the DFW terminal area. This action lowers the Class B airspace floor 
in some sections to encompass existing IFR traffic. Lowering the floor 
of the Class B airspace will increase safety by segregating large 
turbine-powered aircraft from aircraft that may not be in contact with 
ATC. It will reduce air traffic controller workload by reducing the 
number of radio communications that air traffic controllers must use to 
inform IFR aircraft when they are leaving and re-entering Class B 
airspace. This will reduce the amount of distraction that air traffic 
controllers face in issuing these communications and free radio time 
for more important control instructions. IFR traffic will not be 
rerouted as a result of this proposal.
    The airspace restructuring will result in safety benefits and 
increased operational efficiencies. This final rule will enhance safety 
by reducing the number of aircraft entering, exiting, and reentering 
Class B airspace and consequently reducing air traffic controller 
workload and radio frequency congestion. By expanding the Class B area 
where aircraft are subject to certain operating rules and equipment 
requirements this final rule will also reduce the potential for midair 
collisions. The modification of the Class B airspace will provide 
operational advantages as well by establishing necessary airspace for 
controllers to sequence aircraft within Class B airspace and thereby 
reduce the need for controllers to vector arrivals and departures to 
avoid nonparticipating traffic. The change may cause some VFR pilots to 
have to choose between flying below Class B airspace, circumnavigating 
the Class B airspace area, or requesting Class B clearance to 
transition the area. If these responses occur then some alternative 
routes will be longer, take more time, and burn more fuel. However, due 
to the specific restructuring, we do not anticipate that such VFR 
flights will have to travel far to circumnavigate the new Class B 
airspace.
    The FAA expects an increase in safety and some operational 
efficiencies from the larger Class B airspace to be offset slightly by 
possible VFR reroutings, which will result in minimal cost

[[Page 3322]]

overall. This final rule will not require updating of materials outside 
the normal update cycle, and will not require rerouting of IFR traffic. 
The expected outcome will be a minimal impact with positive net 
benefits.
    The FAA did request comments about the FAA determination of minimal 
impact in the NPRM. The FAA received no comments on this determination 
of minimal impact in the NPRM.
    Although the FAA received no comments specifically related to the 
above determination several commenters, as described earlier in this 
Preamble, expressed a concern about possible adverse economic impacts, 
including an increase in aircraft noise as a result of the proposed 
rule. As discussed earlier in this preamble, these perceived impacts 
appear to be based on the belief that the Class B airspace modification 
would lead to an increased number of IFR and VFR flights operating at 
lower altitudes than they do today. The FAA finds that existing DAL IFR 
arrival and departure altitudes, flight paths, traffic patterns and 
procedures will not change. As noted in the NPRM, the Area F 
modification will continue to support IFR and VFR aircraft arriving and 
departing ADS as they do today without compression and ensure large 
turbine-powered aircraft flying instrument procedures to DAL runways 
13L/13R are contained within Class B airspace.
    Therefore, the FAA expects that the outcome of this final rule will 
be a minimal impact with positive benefits.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-354) (RFA) 
establishes ``as a principle of regulatory issuance that agencies shall 
endeavor, consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable 
statutes, to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale 
of the businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions 
subject to regulation. To achieve this principle, agencies are required 
to solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain 
the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given 
serious consideration.'' The RFA 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 rule will 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. If the agency determines that it will, the agency must 
prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described in the RFA.
    However, if an agency determines that a rule is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the head of the 
agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis is not 
required. The certification must include a statement providing the 
factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
clear.
    As stated in the NPRM, the proposed rule would improve safety and 
efficiency by redefining Class B airspace boundaries and would have 
imposed only minimal costs because it would not have required rerouting 
of IFR traffic, could possibly have caused some VFR aircraft to travel 
alternative routes that were not expected to be appreciably longer than 
with the current airspace design, and would not have required updating 
of materials outside the normal update cycle. Therefore, the expected 
outcome would have been a minimal economic impact on small entities 
affected by the proposed rulemaking action.
    In the NPRM, the FAA certified that the proposed rule would not 
have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The FAA solicited comments regarding this determination in the NPRM. 
Specifically, the FAA requested comments on whether the proposed rule 
would create any specific compliance costs unique to small entities 
with detailed economic analysis to support any cost claims. The FAA 
also invited comments regarding other small entity concerns with 
respect to the proposed rule. The FAA received no comments on this 
determination.
    If an agency determines that a rulemaking will not result in a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, 
the head of the agency may so certify under section 605(b) of the RFA. 
Therefore, as provided in section 605(b), the head of the FAA certifies 
that this rulemaking will not result in a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities.

International Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-39), as amended by the 
Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Pub. L. 103-465), prohibits Federal 
agencies from establishing standards or engaging in related activities 
that create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Pursuant to these Acts, the establishment of standards is not 
considered an unnecessary obstacle to the foreign commerce of the 
United States, so long as the standard has a legitimate domestic 
objective, such as the protection of safety, and does not operate in a 
manner that excludes imports that meet this objective. The statute also 
requires consideration of international standards and, where 
appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards.
    The FAA assessed the potential effect of the proposed rule in the 
NPRM and determined that it would have only a domestic impact and 
therefore no effect on international trade. The FAA received no 
comments on this determination.
    Therefore the FAA determines that this final rule will have only a 
domestic impact and therefore no effect on international trade.

Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-
4) 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 
(in 1995 dollars) 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 $151.0 million in lieu of $100 
million. This final rule does not contain such a mandate; therefore, 
the requirements of Title II of the Act do not apply.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; 
AIRWAYS; ROUTES, AND REPORTING POINTS

0
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]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9X, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 
2013, is amended as follows:

[[Page 3323]]

Paragraph 3000 Class B Airspace.

* * * * *

ASW TX B Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Primary Airport)
    (Lat. 32[deg]53'49'' N., long. 97[deg]02'17'' W.)
Point of Origin
    (Lat. 32[deg]51'57'' N., long. 97[deg]01'41'' W.)
Cowboy VOR/DME (CVE)
    (Lat. 32[deg]53'25'' N., long. 96[deg]54'14'' W.)

Boundaries

    Area A. That airspace extending upward from the surface to and 
including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning 
at the intersection of the 10-NM radius from the Point of Origin and 
Josey Lane at lat. 32[deg]59'08'' N., long. 96[deg]53'26'' W., 
thence southbound along Josey Lane to intersect Forest Lane at lat. 
32[deg]54'34'' N., long. 96[deg]52'54'' W., thence eastbound along 
Forest Lane to intersect the 15-NM radius from the Point of Origin 
at lat. 32[deg]54'33'' N., long. 96[deg]44'07'' W., thence clockwise 
along the 15-NM radius to intersect the 129[deg] bearing from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]42'29'' N., long. 96[deg]47'52'' W., 
thence northwest along the 129[deg] bearing to intersect I-30 at 
lat. 32[deg]46'04'' N., long. 96[deg]53'07'' W., thence west along 
I-30 to intersect the 7-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]45'34'' N., long. 97[deg]05'07'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 7-NM radius to intersect the 310[deg] bearing from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]56'27'' N., long. 97[deg]08'03'' W., thence 
northwest along the 310[deg] bearing to intersect the 10-NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]58'23'' N., long. 
97[deg]10'47'' W., thence clockwise along the 10-NM radius to the 
point of beginning; excluding that airspace extending upward from 
the surface to and including 1,500 feet MSL within the area bounded 
by a line beginning at the intersection of the 7-NM radius from the 
Point of Origin and State Highway 10 at lat. 32[deg]48'39'' N., 
long. 97[deg]09'01'' W.; thence eastbound along State Highway 10 to 
lat. 32[deg]49'22'' N., long. 97[deg]07'03'' W.; thence south to 
intersect the 7-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]46'38'' N., long. 97[deg]07'06'' W.; thence clockwise along 
the 7-NM radius from the Point of Origin to State Highway 10 at lat. 
32[deg]48'39'' N., long. 97[deg]09'01'' W.
    Area B. That airspace extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 10-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin and the 310[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]58'23'' N., long. 97[deg]10'47'' W., thence southeast along 
the 310[deg] bearing to intersect the 7-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]56'27'' N., long. 97[deg]08'03'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 7-NM radius to intersect I-30 at lat. 
32[deg]45'34'' N., long. 97[deg]05'07'' W., thence east along I-30 
to intersect the 129[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]46'04'' N., long. 96[deg]53'07'' W., thence southeast on the 
129[deg] bearing to intersect the 10-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]45'38'' N., long. 96[deg]52'28'' W., thence 
clockwise along the 10-NM radius to intersect SH-303 at lat. 
32[deg]42'23'' N., long. 96[deg]58'18'' W., thence west along SH-303 
to intersect the 10-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]42'29'' N., long. 97[deg]05'30'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 10-NM radius to intersect the 300[deg] bearing from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]56'57'' N., long. 97[deg]11'58'' W., thence 
northwest along the 300[deg] bearing to intersect the 13-NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]58'27'' N., long. 
97[deg]15'04'' W., thence clockwise along the 13-NM radius to 
intersect the 023[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]03'56'' N., long. 96[deg]55'38'' W., thence southwest along 
the 023[deg] bearing to intersect the 10-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 33[deg]01'10'' N., long. 96[deg]57'02'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 10-NM radius to the point of beginning.
    Area C. That airspace extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 10-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin and Josey Lane at lat. 32[deg]59'08'' N., long. 
96[deg]53'26'' W., thence southbound along Josey Lane to intersect 
Forest Lane at lat. 32[deg]54'34'' N., long. 96[deg]52'54'' W., 
thence eastbound along Forest Lane to intersect the 15-NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]54'33'' N., long. 
96[deg]44'07'' W., thence counter-clockwise along the 15-NM radius 
to intersect I-635 at lat. 32[deg]54'42'' N., long. 96[deg]44'09'' 
W., thence west along I-635 to intersect the 10-NM radius from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]55'25'' N., long. 96[deg]50'32'' W., 
thence counterclockwise along the 10-NM radius to the point of 
beginning.
    Area D. That airspace extending from 2,000 feet MSL up to and 
including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning 
at the intersection of the CVE 117[deg] radial and the 15-NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]49'06'' N., long. 
96[deg]44'12'' W., thence clockwise along the 15-NM radius to 
intersect the 129[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]42'29'' N., long. 96[deg]47'52'' W., thence southeast along 
the 129[deg] bearing to intersect the 20-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]39'19'' N., long. 96[deg]43'16'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 20-NM radius to intersect the CVE 
117[deg] radial at lat. 32[deg]46'45'' N., long. 96[deg]38'46'' W., 
thence northwest along the CVE 117[deg] radial to the point of 
beginning.
    Area E. That airspace extending upward from 2,500 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of I-635 and the 15-NM radius from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]54'42'' N., long. 96[deg]44'09'' W., 
thence clockwise along the 15-NM radius to intersect the CVE 
117[deg] radial at lat. 32[deg]49'06'' N., long. 96[deg]44'12'' W., 
thence southeast along the CVE 117[deg] radial to intersect the 20-
NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]46'45'' N., long. 
96[deg]38'46'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 20-NM radius to 
intersect I-635 at lat. 32[deg]50'40'' N., long. 96[deg]38'03'' W., 
thence northwest along I-635 to the point of beginning.
    Area F. That airspace extending upward from 2,500 feet MSL, to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 023[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin and the 13-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]03'56'' N., long. 96[deg]55'38'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 13-NM radius to intersect I-635 at lat. 32[deg]55'26'' N., long. 
96[deg]46'49'' W., thence west along I-635 to intersect the 10-NM 
radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]55'25'' N., long. 
96[deg]50'32'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 10-NM radius to 
intersect the 023[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]01'10'' N., long. 96[deg]57'02'' W., thence northeast along 
the 023[deg] bearing to the point of beginning.
    Area G. That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 300[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin and the 10-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]56'57'' N., long. 97[deg]11'58'' W., thence counterclockwise 
along the 10-NM radius to intersect SH-303 at lat. 32[deg]42'29'' 
N., long. 97[deg]05'30'' W., thence east along SH-303 to intersect 
the 10-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]42'23'' N., 
long. 96[deg]58'18'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 10-NM 
radius to intersect the 129[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at 
lat. 32[deg]45'38'' N., long. 96[deg]52'28'' W., thence southeast 
along the 129[deg] bearing to intersect the 20-NM radius from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]39'19'' N., long. 96[deg]43'16'' W., 
thence clockwise along the 20-NM radius to intersect the 217[deg] 
bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]35'56'' N., long. 
97[deg]15'56'' W., thence northeast along the 217[deg] bearing to 
intersect the 13-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]41'32'' N., long. 97[deg]10'57'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 13-NM radius to intersect the 300[deg] bearing from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 32[deg]58'27'' N., long. 97[deg]15'04'' W., thence 
southeast along the 300[deg] bearing to the point of beginning.
    Area H. That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 13-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin and the 300[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]58'27'' N., long. 97[deg]15'04'' W., thence northwest along 
the 300[deg] bearing to intersect the 20-NM radius from the Point of 
Origin at lat. 33[deg]01'56'' N., long. 97[deg]22'17'' W., thence 
clockwise along the 20-NM radius to intersect I-635 at lat. 
32[deg]50'40'' N., long. 96[deg]38'03'' W., thence northwest along 
I-635 to intersect the 13-NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]55'26'' N., long. 96[deg]46'49'' W., thence counterclockwise 
along the 13-NM radius to the point of beginning.
    Area I. That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 20- NM radius from the Point of 
Origin and the 129[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]39'19'' N., long. 96[deg]43'16'' W., thence southeast along 
the 129[deg] bearing to intersect the 25- NM radius from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 32[deg]36'09'' N., long. 96[deg]38'41'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 25- NM radius to intersect the CVE 
117[deg] radial at lat. 32[deg]44'25'' N., long. 96[deg]33'24'' W., 
thence northwest along the CVE 117[deg] radial to intersect the 20- 
NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]46'45'' N., long. 
96[deg]38'46'' W., thence clockwise along the 20- NM radius to the 
point of beginning.
    Area J. That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000

[[Page 3324]]

feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at the 
intersection of the 217[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin and 
the 20- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]35'56'' 
N., long. 97[deg]15'56'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 20- 
NM radius to intersect the 129[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin 
at lat. 32[deg]39'19'' N., long. 96[deg]43'16'' W., thence southeast 
along the 129[deg] bearing to intersect the 25- NM radius from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]36'09'' N., long. 96[deg]38'41'' W., 
thence counterclockwise along the 25- NM radius to intersect the CVE 
117[deg] radial at lat. 32[deg]44'25'' N., long. 96[deg]33'24'' W., 
thence northwest along the CVE 117[deg] radial to intersect the 20- 
NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]46'45'' N., long. 
96[deg]38'46'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 20- NM radius 
to intersect the 300[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]01'56'' N., long. 97[deg]22'17'' W., thence southeast along 
the 300[deg] bearing to intersect the 13- NM radius from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 32[deg]58'27'' N., long. 97[deg]15'04'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 13- NM radius to intersect the 217[deg] 
bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]41'32'' N., long. 
97[deg]10'57'' W., thence southwest along the 217[deg] bearing to 
intersect the 20- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]35'56'' N., long. 97[deg]15'56'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 20- NM radius to intersect I-20 at lat. 32[deg]39'56'' N., long. 
97[deg]20'39'' W., thence west along I-20 to intersect I-820 at lat. 
32[deg]41'51'' N., long. 97[deg]28'14'' W., thence north along I-820 
to intersect the 23- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]46'46'' N., long. 97[deg]28'17'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 23- NM radius to intersect the 311[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 33[deg]07'02'' N., long. 97[deg]22'21'' W., thence 
northwest along the 311[deg] bearing to intersect the 30- NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 33[deg]11'37'' N., long. 
97[deg]28'40'' W., thence clockwise along the 30- NM radius to 
intersect the 315[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]13'10'' N., long. 97[deg]26'58'' W., thence east to the 
intersection of the 041[deg] bearing of the Point of Origin and the 
30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 33[deg]14'36'' N., 
long. 96[deg]38'13'' W., thence clockwise along the 30- NM radius to 
intersect the 138[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]29'34'' N., long. 96[deg]37'57'' W., thence west to the 
intersection of the 217[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin and 
the 28.3 NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]29'17'' 
N., long. 97[deg]21'49'' W., thence northeast along the 217[deg] 
bearing to the point of beginning.
    Area K. That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 138[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin and the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]29'34'' N., long. 96[deg]37'57'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 30- NM radius to intersect the 149[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 32[deg]26'10'' N., long. 96[deg]43'26'' W., thence 
west to the intersection of the 210[deg] bearing from the Point of 
Origin and the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]25'54'' N., long. 97[deg]19'24'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 30- NM radius to intersect the 217[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 32[deg]27'55'' N., long. 97[deg]23'01'' W., thence 
northeast along the 217[deg] bearing to intersect the 28.3- NM 
radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]29'17'' N., long. 
97[deg]21'49'' W., thence east to the point of beginning.
    Area L. That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 315[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin and the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]13'10'' N., long. 97[deg]26'58'' W., thence clockwise along 
the 30- NM radius to the intersection of the 30- NM radius from the 
Point of Origin and the 344[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at 
lat. 33[deg]20'50'' N., long. 97[deg]11'33'' W., thence east to the 
intersection of the 012[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin and 
the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 33[deg]21'21'' 
N., long. 96[deg]54'14'' W., thence clockwise along the 30- NM 
radius to intersect the 041[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at 
lat. 33[deg]14'36'' N., long. 96[deg]38'13'' W., thence west to the 
point of beginning.
    Area M. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL up to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 311[deg] bearing from the Point 
of Origin and the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]11'37'' N., long. 97[deg]28'40'' W., thence counterclockwise 
along the 30- NM radius to intersect the 293[deg] bearing from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 33[deg]03'37'' N., long. 97[deg]34'32'' W., 
thence southeast along the 293[deg] bearing to intersect the 26- NM 
radius from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]02'04'' N., long. 
97[deg]30'09'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 26- NM radius 
to intersect SH-377 at lat. 32[deg]39'49'' N., long. 97[deg]28'58'' 
W., thence southwest along SH-377 to intersect the 30- NM radius 
from the Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]36'56'' N., long. 
97[deg]32'26'' W., thence counterclockwise along the 30- NM radius 
to intersect the 217[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
32[deg]27'55'' N., long. 97[deg]23'01'' W., thence northeast along 
the 217[deg] bearing to intersect the 20- NM radius from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 32[deg]35'56'' N., long. 97[deg]15'56'' W., thence 
clockwise along the 20- NM radius to intersect I-20 at lat. 
32[deg]39'56'' N., long. 97[deg]20'38'' W., thence west along I-20 
to intersect I-820 at lat. 32[deg]41'51'' N., long. 97[deg]28'14'' 
W., thence north along I-820 to intersect the 23- NM radius from the 
Point of Origin at lat. 32[deg]46'46'' N., long. 97[deg]28'17'' W., 
thence clockwise along the 23- NM radius to intersect the 311[deg] 
bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 33[deg]07'02'' N., long. 
97[deg]22'21'' W., thence northwest along the 311[deg] bearing to 
the point of beginning.
    Area N. That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to 
and including 11,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line 
beginning at the intersection of the 30- NM radius from the Point of 
Origin and the 293[deg] bearing from the Point of Origin at lat. 
33[deg]03'37'' N., long. 97[deg]34'32'' W., thence southeast along 
the 293[deg] bearing to intersect the 26- NM radius from the Point 
of Origin at lat. 33[deg]02'04'' N., long. 97[deg]30'09'' W., thence 
counterclockwise along the 26- NM radius to intersect SH-377 at lat. 
32[deg]39'49'' N., long. 97[deg]28''58'' W., thence southwest along 
SH-377 to intersect the 30- NM radius from the Point of Origin at 
lat. 32[deg]36'56'' N., long. 97[deg]32'26'' W., thence clockwise 
along the 30- NM radius to the point of beginning.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2014.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 3325]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JA14.001


[[Page 3326]]


[FR Doc. 2014-00941 Filed 1-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C