Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport; Extension of Comment Period; Availability of Further Data; Request for Public Meeting, 12355-12357 [2015-05381]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 45 / Monday, March 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules airport has been abandoned, therefore, the airspace is no longer necessary. Class E airspace designations are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9Y, dated August 6, 2014, and effective September 15, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore, (1) is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency’s authority. This proposed rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This proposed regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would remove Class E airspace at Franklin Wilkins Airport, Lexington, TN. This proposal would be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final regulatory action. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Lists 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Mar 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 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 FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2014, effective September 15, 2014, is amended as follows: ■ Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth. * * * ASO TN E5 * * Lexington, TN [Removed] Issued in College Park, Georgia, on February 25, 2015. Gerald E. Lynch, Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization. [FR Doc. 2015–05114 Filed 3–6–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 93 [Docket No. FAA–2014–1073; Notice No. 14– 11A] RIN 2120–AJ89 Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport; Extension of Comment Period; Availability of Further Data; Request for Public Meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; Extension of comment period. AGENCY: This action extends the comment period for a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on January 8, 2015. In the NPRM, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA proposed to replace the Orders limiting scheduled operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and limiting scheduled and unscheduled operations at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 12355 The Orders are scheduled to expire when the rulemaking is final and in effect, but not later than October 29, 2016. The proposed rule is intended to provide a longer-term and comprehensive approach to slot management at JFK, EWR, and LGA. The FAA has also placed further information in support of the proposal in the docket for this rulemaking. Finally, this document responds to a request for a public meeting regarding this rulemaking. DATES: The comment period for the NPRM is extended until May 8, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by docket number FAA– 2014–1073 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251. Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at https://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning this action, contact Molly Smith, Office of Aviation Policy and Plans, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–3274; email molly.w.smith@faa.gov; Susan Pfingstler, System Operations Services, Air Traffic Organization, E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1 12356 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 45 / Monday, March 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–6462; email susan.pfingstler@ faa.gov; or Peter Irvine, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Analysis, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366–3156; email: peter.irvine@dot.gov. For legal questions concerning this action, contact Bonnie Dragotto, Office of the Chief Counsel, Regulations Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–3808; email bonnie.dragotto@faa.gov; or Cindy Baraban, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366–9159; email cindy.baraban@ dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On January 8, 2015, the DOT and the FAA published an NPRM entitled ‘‘Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport’’ (80 FR 1274). Comments regarding the proposal were to be received on or before April 8, 2015. By letters posted to the public docket, Airlines for America and the International Air Transport Association, as well as the Airports Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority), and the Regional Plan Association, have requested that the comment period for the NPRM be extended for an additional 60 days up to and including June 8, 2015. In support of the extension request, the petitioners noted that the NPRM was lengthy and technical in nature, and included approximately 40 questions for comment, some of which require the public to analyze the impact of the provisions on operations at the affected airports and submit supporting data and analysis of the anticipated impacts. While the DOT and the FAA concur with the petitioners’ requests for an extension of the comment period for the NPRM, we are not persuaded that an additional 60 days is necessary to provide comment on this proposal. The DOT and the FAA find that providing an additional 30 days is sufficient for these petitioners to analyze the NPRM and provide meaningful comment. Absent unusual circumstances, we do not anticipate any further extension of the comment period for this rulemaking. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Mar 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 Request for Data and Analysis The petitioners also requested that the FAA provide certain data and analysis referenced in the NPRM and the regulatory impact analysis (RIA) accompanying the rule. Specifically, the petitioners requested that the FAA provide all models, data and analysis, including the MITRE queuing models and the University of Maryland (UMD) Delay Model, as well as the raw data used in the model to forecast the impact of the changes as a result of the proposed use-or-lose requirement. As described in the NPRM, MITRE Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) Modeling and Analysis conducted a series of operational analyses and modeling for the FAA. In response to the petitioners’ requests, the following documents have been placed in the docket for this rulemaking: • Overview of MITRE Queuing Delay Model; • Modeling reflecting Summer 2008 Orders Limiting Scheduled Operations at JFK and EWR; • Additional Scheduled Operations Analysis for JFK and EWR; • Airport Runway Capacity Analyses for JFK, LGA, and EWR; • Operational Performance Analyses for JFK, LGA, and EWR; and • Historical Unscheduled Traffic Counts at JFK, LGA, and EWR. The FAA has also placed the UMD Delay Model and supporting data, as used in the RIA, in the docket for this rulemaking. Additionally, the Port Authority requested slot utilization records including slot holder, operator, and terms of any slot lease and trade agreements in a form such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or Microsoft Access database. The FAA does not track or maintain slot information in the form and manner as requested. The FAA also does not have information on the terms of slot leases or trade agreements, as the current Orders do not require carriers to submit terms to the FAA. Nonetheless, additional information to address this request has been placed in the docket, including information to help the public understand this proposal as well as information relied upon by the agency in developing the NPRM. This additional information includes: • Slot allocation reports for summer and winter seasons from 2009–2012 (January and July) for JFK, LGA, and EWR. • Uneven slot transfers at JFK, LGA, and EWR from 2009–2012 reflecting slots that were transferred between PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 carriers on other than a one-for-one basis at the same airport. Transfers between carriers under unified market control, such as mainline and regional partners, are not included in the uneven transfer lists. • Slot allocation reports for Mondays in August 2009 to reflect the analysis of scheduled and actual operations compared to allocated slots as discussed in the RIA. • Scheduled flight information from FAA’s Innovata data base for Mondays in August 2009. Slot usage information is submitted to the FAA in various formats by carriers to report their actual operations using an allocated slot. Under current practice, the FAA uses this information along with supporting FAA air traffic control and operational data to determine if the minimum usage requirement has been met by a particular operator. The FAA uses information on actual and planned flights, rather than carrier slot usage reports, for operational and historical trend analyses at slot controlled airports.1 Scheduled demand was compared to allocated slots, as discussed in the RIA. Information on published schedules for other dates is available from commercial and other sources outside the FAA. Request for Public Meeting By letter posted to the public docket on February 17, 2015, the National Air Transportation Association requested that the DOT and the FAA hold a public meeting to allow affected stakeholders to ask clarifying questions and discuss the NPRM. The DOT and the FAA have carefully considered this request. In light of the comment period extension and additional information provided for review, analysis, and comment, the DOT and the FAA will not hold a public meeting at this time. We encourage all interested persons to submit detailed comments on the NPRM to the docket. All comments submitted to the docket will be considered by the agency in developing a final rule. The submission of comments to the public docket provides the most transparent means for all interested parties to participate at this stage in the rulemaking process. Extension of Comment Period In accordance with § 11.47(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the 1 The NPRM discusses slot usage reporting practices permitted under the current Orders, which allow carriers to optimize slot use by distributing flights between all the slots the carrier holds in a particular half-hour slot time. 80 FR 1287 (Jan. 8, 2015). The FAA observes the results of this practice using operational data. E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 45 / Monday, March 9, 2015 / Proposed Rules DOT and the FAA have reviewed the petitions for an extension of the comment period for the proposal. The petitioners have shown a substantive interest in the proposed rule and good cause for extending the comment period. Accordingly, the comment period for the NPRM is extended until May 8, 2015. Additional Information tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Comments Invited The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The agency also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit only one time. The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, the DOT and the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the closing date for comments. We will also consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The agency may change this proposal in light of the comments it receives. Proprietary or Confidential Business Information: Do not file proprietary or confidential business information in the docket. Such information must be sent or delivered directly to the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document, and marked as proprietary or confidential. If submitting information on a disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM, and identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is proprietary or confidential. Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), if the FAA is aware of proprietary information filed with a comment, the agency does not place it in the docket. It is held in a separate file to which the public does not have access, and the FAA places a note in the docket that it has received it. If the FAA receives a request to examine or copy this information, it VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Mar 06, 2015 Jkt 235001 treats it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). The FAA processes such a request under the DOT procedures found in 49 CFR part 7. Availability of Rulemaking Documents An electronic copy of rulemaking documents may be obtained from the Internet by— 1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov); 2. Visiting the FAA’s Regulations and Policies Web page at https:// www.faa.gov/regulations_policies or 3. Accessing the Government Publishing Office’s Web page at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/. Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM–1, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267–9680. Commenters must identify the docket or notice number of this rulemaking. All documents the FAA considered in developing this proposed rule, including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed from the Internet through the Federal eRulemaking Portal referenced in item (1) above. Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f) in Washington, DC, on March 3, 2015. Richard M. Swayze, Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and Environment. [FR Doc. 2015–05381 Filed 3–6–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2015–0252; Airspace Docket No. 15–AEA–1] Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; Ashland, VA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to amend Class E Airspace at Ashland, VA as new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures have been developed at Hanover County Municipal Airport. This action would enhance the safety and airspace management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action also would update the geographic coordinates of airport. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 12357 Comments must be received on or before April 23, 2015. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA, Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this rule to: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Bldg. Ground Floor Rm. W12–140, Washington, DC 20590– 0001; Telephone: 1–800–647–5527; Fax: 202–493–2251. You must identify the Docket Number FAA–2015–0252; Airspace Docket No. 15–AEA–1, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit and review received comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–5527), is on the ground floor of the building at the above address. FAA Order 7400.9Y, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this proposed incorporation by reference material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_ register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_ locations.html. FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202–267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule 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 E:\FR\FM\09MRP1.SGM 09MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 45 (Monday, March 9, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12355-12357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05381]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 93

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1073; Notice No. 14-11A]
RIN 2120-AJ89


Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. 
Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International 
Airport; Extension of Comment Period; Availability of Further Data; 
Request for Public Meeting

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking; Extension of comment period.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action extends the comment period for a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published on January 8, 2015. In the NPRM, 
the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA proposed to 
replace the Orders limiting scheduled operations at John F. Kennedy 
International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport 
(EWR), and limiting scheduled and unscheduled operations at LaGuardia 
Airport (LGA). The Orders are scheduled to expire when the rulemaking 
is final and in effect, but not later than October 29, 2016. The 
proposed rule is intended to provide a longer-term and comprehensive 
approach to slot management at JFK, EWR, and LGA.
    The FAA has also placed further information in support of the 
proposal in the docket for this rulemaking.
    Finally, this document responds to a request for a public meeting 
regarding this rulemaking.

DATES: The comment period for the NPRM is extended until May 8, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments identified by docket number FAA-2014-
1073 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
https://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the 
West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, 
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For technical questions concerning 
this action, contact Molly Smith, Office of Aviation Policy and Plans, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3274; email 
molly.w.smith@faa.gov; Susan Pfingstler, System Operations Services, 
Air Traffic Organization,

[[Page 12356]]

Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-6462; email 
susan.pfingstler@faa.gov; or Peter Irvine, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Office of Aviation Analysis, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202) 366-3156; email: 
peter.irvine@dot.gov.
    For legal questions concerning this action, contact Bonnie 
Dragotto, Office of the Chief Counsel, Regulations Division, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone (202) 267-3808; email bonnie.dragotto@faa.gov; or 
Cindy Baraban, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the General 
Counsel, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590; telephone 
(202) 366-9159; email cindy.baraban@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On January 8, 2015, the DOT and the FAA published an NPRM entitled 
``Slot Management and Transparency for LaGuardia Airport, John F. 
Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International 
Airport'' (80 FR 1274). Comments regarding the proposal were to be 
received on or before April 8, 2015.
    By letters posted to the public docket, Airlines for America and 
the International Air Transport Association, as well as the Airports 
Council International-North America, American Association of Airport 
Executives, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port 
Authority), and the Regional Plan Association, have requested that the 
comment period for the NPRM be extended for an additional 60 days up to 
and including June 8, 2015. In support of the extension request, the 
petitioners noted that the NPRM was lengthy and technical in nature, 
and included approximately 40 questions for comment, some of which 
require the public to analyze the impact of the provisions on 
operations at the affected airports and submit supporting data and 
analysis of the anticipated impacts.
    While the DOT and the FAA concur with the petitioners' requests for 
an extension of the comment period for the NPRM, we are not persuaded 
that an additional 60 days is necessary to provide comment on this 
proposal. The DOT and the FAA find that providing an additional 30 days 
is sufficient for these petitioners to analyze the NPRM and provide 
meaningful comment.
    Absent unusual circumstances, we do not anticipate any further 
extension of the comment period for this rulemaking.

Request for Data and Analysis

    The petitioners also requested that the FAA provide certain data 
and analysis referenced in the NPRM and the regulatory impact analysis 
(RIA) accompanying the rule. Specifically, the petitioners requested 
that the FAA provide all models, data and analysis, including the MITRE 
queuing models and the University of Maryland (UMD) Delay Model, as 
well as the raw data used in the model to forecast the impact of the 
changes as a result of the proposed use-or-lose requirement.
    As described in the NPRM, MITRE Center for Advanced Aviation System 
Development (CAASD) Modeling and Analysis conducted a series of 
operational analyses and modeling for the FAA. In response to the 
petitioners' requests, the following documents have been placed in the 
docket for this rulemaking:
     Overview of MITRE Queuing Delay Model;
     Modeling reflecting Summer 2008 Orders Limiting Scheduled 
Operations at JFK and EWR;
     Additional Scheduled Operations Analysis for JFK and EWR;
     Airport Runway Capacity Analyses for JFK, LGA, and EWR;
     Operational Performance Analyses for JFK, LGA, and EWR; 
and
     Historical Unscheduled Traffic Counts at JFK, LGA, and 
EWR.
    The FAA has also placed the UMD Delay Model and supporting data, as 
used in the RIA, in the docket for this rulemaking.
    Additionally, the Port Authority requested slot utilization records 
including slot holder, operator, and terms of any slot lease and trade 
agreements in a form such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or Microsoft 
Access database. The FAA does not track or maintain slot information in 
the form and manner as requested. The FAA also does not have 
information on the terms of slot leases or trade agreements, as the 
current Orders do not require carriers to submit terms to the FAA. 
Nonetheless, additional information to address this request has been 
placed in the docket, including information to help the public 
understand this proposal as well as information relied upon by the 
agency in developing the NPRM. This additional information includes:
     Slot allocation reports for summer and winter seasons from 
2009-2012 (January and July) for JFK, LGA, and EWR.
     Uneven slot transfers at JFK, LGA, and EWR from 2009-2012 
reflecting slots that were transferred between carriers on other than a 
one-for-one basis at the same airport. Transfers between carriers under 
unified market control, such as mainline and regional partners, are not 
included in the uneven transfer lists.
     Slot allocation reports for Mondays in August 2009 to 
reflect the analysis of scheduled and actual operations compared to 
allocated slots as discussed in the RIA.
     Scheduled flight information from FAA's Innovata data base 
for Mondays in August 2009. Slot usage information is submitted to the 
FAA in various formats by carriers to report their actual operations 
using an allocated slot. Under current practice, the FAA uses this 
information along with supporting FAA air traffic control and 
operational data to determine if the minimum usage requirement has been 
met by a particular operator. The FAA uses information on actual and 
planned flights, rather than carrier slot usage reports, for 
operational and historical trend analyses at slot controlled 
airports.\1\ Scheduled demand was compared to allocated slots, as 
discussed in the RIA. Information on published schedules for other 
dates is available from commercial and other sources outside the FAA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The NPRM discusses slot usage reporting practices permitted 
under the current Orders, which allow carriers to optimize slot use 
by distributing flights between all the slots the carrier holds in a 
particular half-hour slot time. 80 FR 1287 (Jan. 8, 2015). The FAA 
observes the results of this practice using operational data.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Request for Public Meeting

    By letter posted to the public docket on February 17, 2015, the 
National Air Transportation Association requested that the DOT and the 
FAA hold a public meeting to allow affected stakeholders to ask 
clarifying questions and discuss the NPRM. The DOT and the FAA have 
carefully considered this request.
    In light of the comment period extension and additional information 
provided for review, analysis, and comment, the DOT and the FAA will 
not hold a public meeting at this time. We encourage all interested 
persons to submit detailed comments on the NPRM to the docket. All 
comments submitted to the docket will be considered by the agency in 
developing a final rule. The submission of comments to the public 
docket provides the most transparent means for all interested parties 
to participate at this stage in the rulemaking process.

Extension of Comment Period

    In accordance with Sec.  11.47(c) of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, the

[[Page 12357]]

DOT and the FAA have reviewed the petitions for an extension of the 
comment period for the proposal. The petitioners have shown a 
substantive interest in the proposed rule and good cause for extending 
the comment period.
    Accordingly, the comment period for the NPRM is extended until May 
8, 2015.

Additional Information

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The agency 
also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, 
or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in 
this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion 
of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written 
comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should 
submit only one time.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the DOT and the FAA will consider all comments received on or 
before the closing date for comments. We will also consider comments 
filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so 
without incurring expense or delay. The agency may change this proposal 
in light of the comments it receives.
    Proprietary or Confidential Business Information: Do not file 
proprietary or confidential business information in the docket. Such 
information must be sent or delivered directly to the person identified 
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document, and 
marked as proprietary or confidential. If submitting information on a 
disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM, and identify 
electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that 
is proprietary or confidential.
    Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), if the FAA is aware of proprietary 
information filed with a comment, the agency does not place it in the 
docket. It is held in a separate file to which the public does not have 
access, and the FAA places a note in the docket that it has received 
it. If the FAA receives a request to examine or copy this information, 
it treats it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(5 U.S.C. 552). The FAA processes such a request under the DOT 
procedures found in 49 CFR part 7.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    An electronic copy of rulemaking documents may be obtained from the 
Internet by--
    1. Searching the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov);
    2. Visiting the FAA's Regulations and Policies Web page at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies or
    3. Accessing the Government Publishing Office's Web page at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
    Copies may also be obtained by sending a request to the Federal 
Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM-1, 800 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-9680. 
Commenters must identify the docket or notice number of this 
rulemaking.
    All documents the FAA considered in developing this proposed rule, 
including economic analyses and technical reports, may be accessed from 
the Internet through the Federal eRulemaking Portal referenced in item 
(1) above.

    Issued under authority provided by 49 U.S.C. 106(f) in 
Washington, DC, on March 3, 2015.
Richard M. Swayze,
Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, and 
Environment.
[FR Doc. 2015-05381 Filed 3-6-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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