Amendment of Class E Airspace; Altoona, PA, 28980-28981 [2018-13373]

Download as PDF 28980 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 121 / Friday, June 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Washington, DC, on June 13, 2018. Scott J. Gardner, Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group. John Fornito, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305–6364. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [FR Doc. 2018–13376 Filed 6–21–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0129; Airspace Docket No. 18–AEA–4] RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Class E Airspace; Altoona, PA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends amend Class E surface area airspace and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA. This action accommodates airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of Altoona VHF omnidirectional range navigation system (VOR) and cancellation of the VOR approaches. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at this airport. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, September 13, 2018. 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 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/ air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Jun 21, 2018 Jkt 244001 Authority for This Rulemaking 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 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 regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends Class E airspace at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA, to ensure the efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System. History The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register (83 FR 11446, March 15, 2018) for Docket No. FAA–2018–0129 to amend Class E surface area airspace, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments were received. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6002 and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11B dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document amends FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Rule This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by amending Class E surface area airspace, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface due to the decommissioning of the Altoona VOR and cancelation of associated approaches at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA. The Class E surface area airspace is amended to within a 4.7-mile (from a 4mile) radius of the airport, with a segment 1.0-mile each side of the 026° bearing from the airport to 8.7 miles northeast. The Altoona VOR segment is removed. The Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the surface is amended to within an 11.2-mile (from a 6.5-mile) radius of the airport. These changes enhance the safety and management of IFR operations at the airport. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore, this regulation: (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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,’’ paragraph 5–6.5a. 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. Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). E:\FR\FM\22JNR1.SGM 22JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 121 / Friday, June 22, 2018 / Rules and Regulations Adoption of the Amendment DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows: Federal Aviation Administration PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS [Docket No. FAA–2018–0470; Airspace Docket No. 18–ASW–2] 1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 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 Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, effective September 15, 2017, is amended as follows: ■ Paragraph 6002 Airspace. Class E Surface Area * * * * AEA PA E2 * Altoona, PA [Amended] Altoona-Blair County Airport, PA (Lat. 40°17′47″ N, long. 78°19′12″ W) Within a 4.7-mile radius of Altoona-Blair County Airport, and within 1.0 mile each side of the 026° bearing from the airport to 8.7 miles northeast of the airport. Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth. * * * AEA PA E5 * * Altoona, PA [Amended] Altoona-Blair County Airport, PA (Lat. 40°17′47″ N, long. 78°19′12″ W) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within an 11.2-mile radius of Altoona-Blair County Airport. Issued in College Park, Georgia, on June 14, 2018. Ken Brissenden, Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization. [FR Doc. 2018–13373 Filed 6–21–18; 8:45 am] daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:09 Jun 21, 2018 Jkt 244001 14 CFR Part 73 RIN 2120–AA66 Modification to Restricted Area R– 5601F and Establishment of Restricted Area R–5601J; Fort Sill, OK Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule, technical amendment. AGENCY: This action amends the restricted areas at Fort Sill, OK, to subdivide R–5601F into two subareas, R–5601F and R–5601J, make a minor correction to one boundary point in R– 5601G, and to update and standardize the using agency information for each restricted area in the Fort Sill restricted area complex. The FAA is taking this action to allow for more efficient use of the airspace during periods when military activities only require the eastern portions of the restricted area complex. The airspace modifications are fully contained within the existing lateral and vertical boundaries of the Fort Sill, OK, restricted airspace. The using agency information update to each of the restricted areas in the Fort Sill complex is editorial only. DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, September 13, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Authority for This Rulemaking 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 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 the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it amends existing restricted area R–5601F by subdividing it into R–5601F and R– PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 28981 5601J, and updates the using agency information for each of the restricted areas at Fort Sill, OK. History R–5601F is an irregularly shaped restricted area in the Fort Sill, OK, restricted area complex used to contain hazardous activities. It connects the Military Operations Areas located to the north with the R–5601 gunnery ranges located to the south and stretches the entire length of the Fort Sill restricted area complex laterally from west to east, from 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to Flight Level 400 in altitude. The United States (U.S.) Army normally trains in the eastern restricted areas, R– 5601A, R–5601B, and R–5601F, while the U.S. Air Force normally trains in the western areas, R–5601C, R–5601D, R– 5601E, R–5601F, and R–5601G. When the using agency only requires the eastern areas to support its hazardous training activities, it results in the R– 5601F restricted area being activated across the entire northern boundary of the restricted areas being activated, and creates a 14-mile extension of restricted area airspace that is not needed for the training activities being conducted. The activation of R–5601F, and the unintended consequences of the 14-mile extension of restricted area airspace extending westward beyond the eastern Fort Sill restricted areas, primarily impacts the high altitude commercial air carriers inbound to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. Routing aircraft to overfly the R–5601F restricted area results in descent delays that take aircraft off their optimized descent profiles, and vectoring aircraft to circumnavigate the R–5601F restricted area laterally to the west adds miles and flight time to each aircraft. Additionally, these mitigations to overcome the unneeded extension of the R–5601F restricted area when only the eastern Fort Sill restricted areas are required also increases air traffic complexity and controller workload. In December 2017, the FAA supported a U.S. Army laser air defense exercise conducted at Fort Sill, OK, using existing permanent restricted areas and two temporary restricted areas established overhead the Fort Sill restricted area complex. As part of a lessons learned review of the exercise, the FAA determined that subdividing the existing R–5601F restricted area laterally into two restricted areas, activated independently, would lessen aeronautical impacts to air traffic operating in the central United States. Further, subdividing the existing R– 5601F laterally into two separate restricted areas enhances the efficient E:\FR\FM\22JNR1.SGM 22JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 121 (Friday, June 22, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28980-28981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13373]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0129; Airspace Docket No. 18-AEA-4]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Class E Airspace; Altoona, PA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action amends amend Class E surface area airspace and 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the 
surface at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA. This action 
accommodates airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of 
Altoona VHF omnidirectional range navigation system (VOR) and 
cancellation of the VOR approaches. Controlled airspace is necessary 
for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) 
operations at this airport.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, September 13, 2018. 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 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can 
contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support 
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 
Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone (404) 305-6364.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 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 regulation is within the scope of that authority 
as it amends Class E airspace at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, 
PA, to ensure the efficient use of airspace within the National 
Airspace System.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register (83 FR 11446, March 15, 2018) for Docket No. FAA-2018-0129 to 
amend Class E surface area airspace, and Class E airspace extending 
upward from 700 feet above the surface at Altoona-Blair County Airport, 
Altoona, PA. Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the 
FAA. No comments were received.
    Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6002 and 
6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11B dated August 3, 2017, and 
effective September 15, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 
CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designations listed in this document 
will be published subsequently in the Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 
2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by amending Class E surface area airspace, and Class E airspace 
extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface due to the 
decommissioning of the Altoona VOR and cancelation of associated 
approaches at Altoona-Blair County Airport, Altoona, PA.
    The Class E surface area airspace is amended to within a 4.7-mile 
(from a 4-mile) radius of the airport, with a segment 1.0-mile each 
side of the 026[deg] bearing from the airport to 8.7 miles northeast. 
The Altoona VOR segment is removed.
    The Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the 
surface is amended to within an 11.2-mile (from a 6.5-mile) radius of 
the airport. These changes enhance the safety and management of IFR 
operations at the airport.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
Therefore, this regulation: (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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 5-6.5a. 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.

Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

[[Page 28981]]

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; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 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 Federal Aviation 
Administration Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, dated August 3, 2017, effective September 15, 2017, is amended 
as follows:

Paragraph 6002 Class E Surface Area Airspace.

* * * * *

AEA PA E2 Altoona, PA [Amended]

Altoona-Blair County Airport, PA
    (Lat. 40[deg]17'47'' N, long. 78[deg]19'12'' W)

    Within a 4.7-mile radius of Altoona-Blair County Airport, and 
within 1.0 mile each side of the 026[deg] bearing from the airport 
to 8.7 miles northeast of the airport.

Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

* * * * *

AEA PA E5 Altoona, PA [Amended]

Altoona-Blair County Airport, PA
    (Lat. 40[deg]17'47'' N, long. 78[deg]19'12'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within an 11.2-mile radius of Altoona-Blair County Airport.

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on June 14, 2018.
Ken Brissenden,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air 
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2018-13373 Filed 6-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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