Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace; Chicago, IL, 64737-64749 [2022-22779]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 26, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64737-64749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22779]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0999; Airspace Docket No. 22-AWA-2]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment of Class C Airspace; Chicago, IL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the Chicago Midway International 
Airport, IL (MDW) Class C airspace area by extending the existing MDW 
Class C airspace shelf within 10 nautical miles (NM) of MDW from the 
southeast counterclockwise to the northeast. The FAA is proposing this 
action to reduce the risk of midair collisions and enhance the 
efficient management of air traffic operations in the MDW terminal 
area.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0999; Airspace Docket No. 22-AWA-2, at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at 
www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the 
Rules and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

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

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 
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 would modify the airspace structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National 
Airspace System (NAS).

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-

[[Page 64738]]

2022-0999; Airspace Docket No. 22-AWA-2) and be submitted in triplicate 
to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for address 
and phone number). You may also submit comments through the internet at 
www.regulations.gov.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2022-0999; Airspace Docket No. 22-AWA-2.'' The 
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified comment 
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed 
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of 
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for 
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment 
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with 
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRM

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's website at 
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 
9:00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal 
business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Central 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective 
September 15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as 
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G 
lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service 
routes, and reporting points.

Background

    In 1988, the FAA issued a final rule that established the Chicago 
Midway Airport, IL, Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA) (53 FR 11020; 
April 4, 1988). As a result of the Airspace Reclassification final rule 
(56 FR 65638; December 17, 1991), which became effective in September 
1993, the term ``Airport Radar Service Area'' was replaced by ``Class C 
airspace area.'' Further, as a result of the Terminal Airspace 
Reconfiguration final rule (57 FR 38962; August 27, 1992), also 
effective in September 1993, the Chicago Midway Airport, IL, ARSA was 
amended to lower the ceiling from 4,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) to 
3,600 feet MSL so it would not overlap the floor of the Chicago O'Hare 
International Airport, IL, Terminal Control Area (TCA), which is the 
Chicago, IL, Class B airspace area today. The Chicago Midway Airport, 
IL, ARSA is now the MDW Class C airspace area.
    As with the former ARSA, the primary purpose of a Class C airspace 
area is to reduce the potential for midair collisions in terminal areas 
and promote the efficient management of air traffic in those areas. 
Pilots are required to establish two-way radio communications with air 
traffic control (ATC) before entering Class C airspace and they must 
maintain two-way radio communications with ATC while operating in Class 
C airspace. These requirements are designed to keep ATC informed of all 
aircraft operating within the Class C airspace area.

Developments Since the Designation of the MDW Class C Airspace Area

    Despite increases in aircraft operations and passenger 
enplanements, as well as establishment and amendment of instrument 
arrival procedures at MDW over the years, the MDW Class C airspace area 
has not been modified since 1993.
    Prior to 2014, the proximity of buildings in the downtown Chicago 
area precluded the establishment of ground based precision instrument 
approach procedures to Runway (RWY) 22L at MDW. As a result, instrument 
flight rules (IFR) aircraft landing RWY 22L had to conduct an 
instrument approach to RWY 31C and then circled the airport to land RWY 
22L. Although this procedure was necessary when weather or airfield 
conditions dictated the use of RWY 22L for arriving aircraft, the 
circling maneuver was considered inefficient and was avoided whenever 
possible.
    The incorporation of Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning 
System (GPS) systems within the aviation industry and the FAA's 
implementation of three new RNAV standard instrument approach 
procedures to RWY 22L in February 2014, eliminated the circling 
maneuver that was necessary when using the ground based system. These 
new Performance Based Navigation (PBN) approaches featured a curved 
course to avoid the obstructions in downtown Chicago and have accounted 
for approximately one-third of MDW's annual IFR arrivals from 2017 to 
2022.
    The MDW RNAV RWY 22L approach procedures provide a significant 
benefit to the airlines and general aviation aircraft landing MDW, but 
have created safety concerns within the airspace east of the MDW Class 
C airspace between RWY 22L arriving IFR aircraft and visual flight 
rules (VFR) general aviation aircraft operating along the Lake Michigan 
shoreline. The flight tracks of the RNAV RWY 22L approaches for 
arrivals from the east trace a descending path for IFR aircraft that 
crosses the Lake Michigan shoreline from east to west. While at the 
same time, general aviation VFR aircraft use the Lake Michigan 
shoreline as a visual reference to transit along a north-south flow 
east of the MDW Class C airspace.

Impact of MDW Class C Airspace Area Configuration on Operations

    The current MDW Class C airspace area surrounds MDW within 5 NM of 
the airport from the surface to 3,600 feet MSL and within 5 NM to 10 NM 
around MDW from 1,900 feet MSL to 3,600 feet MSL beginning at a line 2 
NM northeast of and parallel to the MDW RWY 31C localizer course 
clockwise to the boundary of the Chicago, IL, Class B airspace area. 
The MDW Class C airspace area encompasses the final approach courses 
for runways 4, 13, and 31, but does not include the final approach 
course for IFR arrivals conducting instrument approach procedures to 
RWY 22L. The MDW Class C airspace has not kept pace with PBN procedures 
development, increasing operations, or newer aircraft designs.
    The MDW Class C airspace design provides VFR aircraft the maximum 
use of the airspace located east of MDW and south of downtown Chicago 
along the Lake Michigan shoreline without the requirement to be in two-
way communication with ATC. This was possible because the VFR flyway 
located along the Lake Michigan shoreline did not conflict with inbound 
IFR aircraft conducting an approach to RWY 31C

[[Page 64739]]

and then circling MDW to land RWY 22L.
    With the implementation of RNAV approaches to RWY 22L at MDW, IFR 
arrival aircraft are now routinely descending east to west across the 
VFR flyway along the Lake Michigan shoreline that is often densely 
populated with itinerant VFR aircraft. Although the VFR flyway is 
charted along the Lake Michigan shoreline with recommended altitude 
information ``AT OR BELOW 2,000 [feet MSL]'', VFR aircraft routinely 
operate to the base of the overlying Chicago, IL, Class B airspace at 
3,600 feet MSL. The combination of IFR aircraft flying RNAV approaches 
to land RWY 22L and VFR aircraft using the VFR flyway along the Lake 
Michigan shoreline, sometimes upwards to the overlying Chicago, IL, 
Class B airspace, has increased the possibility of loss of separation, 
near midair, or midair collision situations between IFR and VFR 
aircraft over Chicago. Under this proposal, the final approach courses 
for all RNAV RWY 22L approaches would be encompassed in Class C 
airspace and VFR aircraft desiring to fly within the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf would be required to establish two-way communications 
with ATC so all aircraft, IFR and VFR, would be communicating with ATC 
within the proposed Class C airspace shelf extension; enabling greater 
safety and efficiency for all.

Benefits of Modifying the MDW Class C Airspace Area

    Modifications of the current MDW Class C airspace area would 
enhance safety by lessening the likelihood of IFR aircraft flying RNAV 
procedures to RWY 22L encountering VFR aircraft, that are not in 
contact with ATC, flying along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The unique 
combination of high volumes of general aviation and commercial 
operations within the immediate vicinity of the MDW terminal area 
support a proposal to expand the MDW Class C airspace area in the 
interest of safety and the efficient use of the airspace.
    The FAA believes that all users would benefit from participation in 
the proposed expanded availability of Class C airspace and services 
around MDW which include: sequencing of all aircraft to the primary 
airport (MDW); standard IFR services to IFR aircraft; separation, 
traffic advisories, and safety alerts between IFR and VFR aircraft; 
and, traffic advisories and safety alerts between VFR aircraft.

Pre-NPRM Public Input

    In 2019, the FAA initiated an action to form an Ad Hoc Committee 
(Committee) to seek input and recommendations from representatives of 
effected aviation segments for the FAA to consider in designing 
proposed modifications to the Class C airspace surrounding MDW. The 
Committee, composed of local airspace users and aviation interested 
organizations, was formed and held two meetings. The basis for the 
FAA's proposed action was aimed at addressing issues associated with 
IFR aircraft (communicating with ATC) flying MDW RNAV RWY 22L 
approaches inbound from over Lake Michigan receiving Traffic Alert and 
Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Resolution Advisory (RA) warnings for 
VFR aircraft (not communicating with ATC) flying along the Lake 
Michigan shoreline. Participants in the Committee included 
representatives from the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association, 
Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Department of Aviation, 
Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Gary/Chicago International Airport 
(GYY), Waukegan National Airport (UGN), Southwest Airlines, Walsh 
Group/Griffith Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), 
and congressional staff members from three aviation interested 
Congressional offices.

Discussion of Ad Hoc Committee Recommendations

    The Committee submitted a recommended airspace design for 
consideration, as well as five requested items for the FAA to consider 
in designing the proposed modifications of the MDW Class C airspace 
area.
    The Committee recommended that the FAA align the boundaries of the 
Class C airspace with prominent geographical features (visual 
landmarks) whenever possible. After considering the Chicago, IL, Class 
B airspace floor over the airspace between MDW and Lake Michigan; the 
MDW RNAV RWY 22L approaches and associated descent points; and the VFR 
aircraft flying along the Lake Michigan shoreline using the charted VFR 
flyway, sometimes operating upwards to the floor of the Chicago Class B 
airspace, the Committee agreed with FAA's proposed action, but 
recommended extending the MDW Class C airspace shelf between 5 NM and 
10 NM further around the east side of MDW to Interstate 290. The 
recommended altitudes for the portion of the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf extension over land would remain consistent with the existing 
airspace shelf, having a 1,900 foot MSL floor and a 3,600 foot MSL 
ceiling. The recommended altitudes for the portion of the proposed MDW 
Class C airspace shelf extension over Lake Michigan would have a 2,300 
foot MSL floor and a 3,600 foot MSL ceiling. The Committee offered that 
this would encompass the MDW RNAV RWY 22L approaches for IFR aircraft 
landing at MDW, enable VFR aircraft to continue to use the Lake 
Michigan shoreline for reference in circumnavigating the MDW Class C 
airspace if they did not want to establish two-way communications with 
ATC to operate in the MDW Class C airspace shelf, and allow aerial 
sightseeing operations north of Interstate 290 to continue unhampered.
    The FAA agrees and tries to adopt the use of geographical features 
whenever possible, but acknowledges that the proposed Class C airspace 
area that overlies Lake Michigan lacks prominent landmarks. However, 
there are currently four VFR checkpoints and multiple geographic 
references on the shoreline, including Interstate 290, Soldier Field, 
the Navy Pier located north of Interstate 290, and the electric power 
plant located southeast of MDW depicted on the VFR Flyway Planning 
Chart in the MDW area. All of these reference points would aid in VFR 
pilots determining the boundary of the proposed Class C airspace shelf 
extension.
    The Committee recommended that the FAA update the Chicago VFR 
Flyway Planning Chart in the MDW area to reflect the status of the MDW 
RNAV RWY 22L approaches to provide awareness for the VFR aircraft using 
the charted VFR flyway along the Lake Michigan shoreline, as well as 
the VFR aircraft operating in the Class E airspace beneath the Chicago, 
IL, Class B airspace and east of the MDW Class C airspace.
    The FAA agrees with this recommendation and has already adopted 
charting the MDW RNAV RWY 22L approach paths to the Lake Michigan 
shoreline and the VFR flyway depicted on the Chicago VFR Flyway 
Planning Chart and the Chicago Terminal Area Chart. The charted 
approach paths will continue to be charted and updated on future charts 
as required should the approaches be amended from the existing 
depiction. The FAA does not support extending the charted approach 
paths beyond the Lake Michigan shoreline or VFR flyway due to the chart 
clutter that would be created in the charted area east of MDW. The FAA 
continues to urge VFR pilots to use the charted VFR flyway along the 
Lake Michigan shoreline and to comply with the recommended altitudes as 
the

[[Page 64740]]

proposed Class C airspace shelf is considered for adoption to support 
the safety and efficiency of IFR and VFR aircraft operations in the 
airspace east of the existing MDW Class C airspace area.
    The Committee also recommended that anytime an IFR aircraft is 
arriving to MDW from the east and is approved to fly visually to RWY 
22L, that ATC require the inbound IFR aircraft to maintain 3,000 feet 
MSL to the Lake Michigan shoreline or the DXXON Fix before initiating 
its descent to MDW. Specifically, this would keep IFR aircraft arriving 
to MDW from the east from descending early and causing potential loss 
of separation, near midair, or midair collision situations with VFR 
aircraft operating on the chart VFR flyway at the recommended 
altitudes.
    The FAA does not agree with this recommendation. Currently, ATC 
requires inbound IFR aircraft on a visual approach to RWY 22L to 
maintain 2,500 feet MSL until contacting Midway Airport Traffic Control 
Tower (ATCT) for landing or a lower altitude assignment. A Letter of 
Agreement between the Chicago Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) 
and Midway ATCT requires that IFR aircraft cleared for a visual 
approach to maintain 2,500 feet MSL for all landing runways. This 
requirement ensures appropriate separation between MDW IFR arrivals 
worked by Chicago TRACON and VFR traffic worked by Midway ATCT is 
provided. Additionally, the 2,500-foot MSL altitude restriction keeps 
all MDW IFR arrivals conducting a visual approach above the VFR flyway 
recommended altitude of 2,000 feet MSL along the Lake Michigan 
shoreline. Finally, visual approaches to MDW RWY 22L are infrequently 
issued due to the proximity of RWY 22L approach course to IFR traffic 
inbound to Chicago O'Hare International Airport to their runways used 
during west flow operations. MDW IFR arrivals on a visual approach 
maintain 2,500 feet MSL until a lower altitude is assigned by Midway 
ATCT, e.g., clearance to land.
    The Committee further recommended that when RWY 22L is not being 
used, and traffic flows allow, that ATC (Midway ATCT and Chicago 
TRACON) allow aircraft to fly through the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf east of the Lake Michigan shoreline. This would support an 
efficient use of the airspace by enabling VFR aircraft flying north and 
south along the shoreline, ensure ATC is aware of and communicating 
with VFR aircraft within the Class C airspace shelf, and not interrupt 
IFR aircraft arrival operations to the other runways that may be in 
use. The recommendation was aimed at ensuring the efficient use of the 
regularly congested airspace east of MDW, while supporting ATC, IFR 
aircraft, and VFR aircraft operating requirements all at the same time.
    The FAA agrees with the Committee's recommendation and encourages 
VFR pilots to establish two-way communications with ATC to fly through 
the proposed Class C airspace shelf, if established, along the Lake 
Michigan shoreline in the interest of flight safety for IFR and VFR 
aircraft alike. As the Committee noted, the airspace east of MDW, 
included in the proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf extension, is 
regularly congested. Safety of both IFR and VFR aircraft operating in 
the proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf is the goal of this proposed 
action.
    The Committee also recommended the FAA work with the appropriate 
organizations and agency offices that coordinate and produce the 
Oshkosh Airshow Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) to ensure detailed 
information and instructions for IFR and VFR pilots to fly through the 
airspace proposed for the Class C airspace shelf extension is included. 
As the Oshkosh Airshow is conducted annually in Oshkosh, WI, and draws 
a high volume of general aviation enthusiasts, providing detailed 
information and instructions to transit the airspace east of MDW is 
vital to ensuring flight safety and efficiency in that congested 
airspace area.
    Planning for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 
event at Oshkosh, WI, is a yearlong process that includes collaboration 
between ATC, EAA, the U.S. military, and pilots who support and attend 
EAA's AirVenture. Public outreach is accomplished by a Notice published 
in the Domestic Notices link of the Air Traffic Plans and Publications 
website at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ and a NOTAM booklet 
with detailed information for aircraft transitioning the Lake Michigan 
shoreline and nearby airspace. In the 2022 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 
Notice and NOTAM booklet, a ``VFR Transition through Chicago Approach'' 
section details how pilots are urged to use the Chicago VFR Flyway 
Planning Chart for the Chicago area. Specifically addressed for 
aircraft transiting the shoreline is to listen to the MDW Airport 
Traffic Information System (ATIS), as well as information addressing 
jet traffic crossing the shoreline at 3,000 feet MSL if MDW is landing 
on RWY 22L. It further urges pilots to comply with the VFR flyway 
altitudes south of the Navy Pier and north of the Electric Power Plant, 
as published. The Chicago TRACON will continue to collaborate with EAA 
on future AirVenture Oshkosh events to ensure flight safety is 
maintained in the congested airspace east along the Lake Michigan 
shoreline.
    Lastly, the Committee recommended ATC use of a single frequency VFR 
aircraft operations using the VFR flyway or using the Lake Michigan 
shoreline for reference as they transit north and south along the 
shoreline. The Committee acknowledged and understood that ATC has a 
staffing issue currently that prevents the use of a single frequency, 
but wanted the recommendation to be considered for implementation 
should the FAA make a determination to adopt the proposed amendment 
action.
    The FAA is unable to adopt the Committee's recommendation for 
operational reasons. The Chicago TRACON has two separate low altitude 
sectors, one northeast of Chicago O'Hare International Airport and one 
southeast of the airport, that work VFR traffic transitioning the Lake 
Michigan shoreline below the Chicago, IL, Class B airspace. Both low 
altitude sectors, which use separate frequencies, will continue to use 
the existing frequencies even if the proposed MDW Class C airspace 
shelf extension is established. It is not possible to combine these two 
low altitude sectors in order to use a single frequency due to the 
complexity, traffic volume, and geographic size of each of the sectors. 
Pilots would continue to be able to fly along the shoreline underneath 
the proposed Class C airspace shelf with no change in their operating 
practice. For the pilots flying along the shoreline that would be 
within the proposed Class C airspace shelf, they would be required to 
establish two-way communication with ATC for their transition. The use 
of the existing frequencies along the Lake Michigan shoreline is based 
on the ATC sectors and facilities providing service, not on staffing 
issues.
    After full consideration of the Committee's discussions and 
recommendations, the FAA decided to pursue the Committee's proposed 
airspace configuration. However, rather than extending the Class C 
airspace shelf between 5 NM and 10 NM at MDW further around the east 
side of MDW to Interstate 290, the FAA proposes to extend it to a point 
short of the interstate defined by the 090[deg] bearing of the 
intersection of the 10-mile radius around the Chicago O'Hare 
International Airport and the 5-mile radius of the Chicago Midway 
International Airport. The FAA supports the altitudes recommended by 
the Committee for the proposed Class C airspace shelf extension for the 
portions over land and

[[Page 64741]]

over Lake Michigan. This alternative would still provide the benefits 
of using geographic landmarks, while keeping the Class C airspace 
extension from extending beyond what is necessary for encompassing the 
MDW RNAV RWY 22L approaches for IFR aircraft and enabling the VFR 
sightseeing operations north of Interstate 290 from being affected. 
This NPRM proposes modifications to the MDW Class C airspace shelf.

Discussion of Informal Airspace Meeting Comments

    As announced in the Federal Register on August 23, 2021 (86 FR 
47043), the FAA conducted two virtual informal airspace meetings using 
the Zoom teleconferencing tool: September 28, 2021, beginning at 1:00 
p.m. (Central Time) and on September 29, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. 
(Central Time). The virtual informal airspace meetings were also 
available to watch on the FAA's Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube social 
media channels. These meetings provided interested airspace users with 
an opportunity to present their views and offer recommendations 
regarding the planned modification of the MDW Class C airspace area. 
The FAA received comments from 32 individuals in response to the 2 
meetings and all substantive comments received were considered in 
developing this proposal.
    Seven commenters, including AOPA, commended the FAA for its efforts 
in developing this proposal, the public outreach and inclusion in 
developing the proposal, and the professional and courteous ATC 
services they receive. One of the commenters thanked the FAA for 
switching to the RNAV RWY 22L approaches instead of the RWY 31C 
localizer approach to then circling to RWY 22L when arriving from the 
east. A second commenter, who flies a local news helicopter, thought 
the proposal is a great idea. Two other commenters appreciated the 
opportunity to establish two-way communications with ATC while 
operating within the Class C shelf as they transited the Lake Michigan 
shoreline; one further acknowledging the benefit of doing that so 
they're not flying too low, and the other seeing the proposal as an 
opportunity to educate the pilot community and increase VFR pilots' ATC 
communications proficiency. A commenter shared that he had initial 
concerns about the impact of the proposal on recreational pilots; 
however, he now understands the FAA's IFR/VFR traffic safety related 
concerns and has determined it will not significantly affect the 
freedom of shoreline flights and is in full support of the proposal.
    The FAA appreciates the positive comments received acknowledging 
the FAA's work on this proposal so far, the public outreach efforts to 
include the local flying community in the proposal development process, 
and the efforts to minimize impacts to the VFR general aviation traffic 
flying along the Lake Michigan shoreline, or lakefront.
    Two commenters challenged the basis for the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf being extended to cover the east side of MDW. The first 
commenter alluded that the increase in IFR traffic to MDW RWY 22L is 
due to the change in Chicago O'Hare International Airport's arrival 
traffic due to the change in runways, which are all on an east/west 
orientation. The commenter stated further, previously, many airliners 
would come in from the southeast for landing. The second commenter 
asserted that besides the increase in safety margin for IFR traffic 
from VFR traffic, this proposal was indirectly trying to reduce VFR 
traffic flying along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
    The FAA does not agree with these comments. The purpose of Class C 
airspace is to reduce the risk of midair collisions in the terminal 
area. A number of considerations are evaluated before determining 
whether an airport qualifies for the establishment or modification of a 
Class C airspace area. Proposed Class C airspace area designs are based 
on site-specific factors and for MDW it is specifically due to the 
development and availability of RNAV approach procedures to MDW RWY 22L 
that did not exist prior to 2014. The arrival flow at Chicago O'Hare 
International Airport (ORD) may affect the approach procedures in use 
at MDW; however, the proposal to extend the MDW Class C airspace shelf 
to include the east side of MDW is due to the RNAV RWY22L arrival 
procedures. The ORD arrivals still arrive from the southeast, mostly 
using the WATSN ARRIVAL (RNAV) procedure; flying from the southeast 
over Lake Michigan and then turning straight in to land on one of the 
ORD west runways.
    The assertion this proposal was indirectly aimed at reducing VFR 
traffic along the Lake Michigan shoreline is not correct. With IFR 
aircraft inbound to MDW flying RNAV RWY 22L procedures, the aircraft 
begin descending out of 3,000 feet MSL, east to west, as they cross the 
VFR flyway which is often times full of itinerate VFR aircraft at and 
above the recommended 2,000 feet MSL altitude and not communicating 
with ATC. The Class C airspace shelf is intended to enhance flight 
safety by ensuring all aircraft, IFR and VFR, that are flying in the 
area surrounding where the MDW RNAV RWY 22L approaches cross the VFR 
flyway are communicating with ATC. The FAA remains committed to 
providing Class C services in a manner that keeps the area safe for all 
users.
    Two commenters questioned the floor altitude of the proposed Class 
C airspace shelf over Lake Michigan, while two additional commenters 
addressed the airspace shelf in general. The first two commenters were 
interested in why the floor altitude of the airspace shelf over Lake 
Michigan was proposed to extend upward from 2,300 feet MSL. One of the 
two commenters went on to ask further if a higher floor could be 
considered, sharing that a 2,600-foot floor would still provide a 400-
foot buffer below the RNAV RWY 22L procedures and allow VFR aircraft to 
transition at 2,500 feet MSL. The two additional commenters asked if 
there was any consideration taken for airline pilots flying the RNAV Z 
RWY 22L procedure in the proposal, and were departure and missed 
approach procedures considered in the extension of the Class C airspace 
shelf or just IFR arrivals.
    The proposed Class C airspace area boundaries, and the proposed 
altitude of the airspace areas, are shaped by the operational 
requirements of aviation users at and around MDW; the MDW terminal 
airspace environment; and the geographic, operation, and procedural 
factors specific to MDW. The 2,300-foot MSL Class C airspace shelf 
floor over Lake Michigan was a Committee recommendation that the FAA 
adopted. The proposed 2,300-foot floor of the airspace shelf over Lake 
Michigan ensures a safe operating environment for all aircraft flying 
within the shelf by enabling timely and effective traffic advisories 
for VFR overflight aircraft and IFR arrival aircraft operating in two-
way communication with ATC. Further, it provides a higher Class C 
airspace shelf floor for VFR aircraft to transit below the Class C 
airspace from what was originally being considered. The original design 
the FAA provided to the Committee, as a starting point, was a single 
airspace shelf between 5 NM and 10 NM of MDW that extended from the 
Chicago, IL, Class B airspace northwest of MDW all the way around to 
the Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace northeast of MDW from 1,900 feet 
MSL to 3,600 feet MSL. With respect to the question of whether a higher 
airspace shelf floor could be considered from that proposed, the FAA 
offers that as noted above in the Comments Invited section, the 
proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments 
received.

[[Page 64742]]

    In the development of the proposed Class C airspace shelf extension 
around the east side of MDW, the FAA considered all of the RNAV and 
conventional IFR arrival and departure procedures operating within the 
proposed airspace area to ensure the IFR aircraft receive the 
communications benefit of the ATC traffic advisory exchanges with VFR 
overflight aircraft also operating with the Class C airspace area. 
Additionally, the FAA considered the impacts associated with the VFR 
aircraft operating along the VFR flyway and proposed Class C airspace 
shelf floor altitudes with the intention of enabling enough airspace 
for VFR aircraft that opt to not establish two-way communications with 
ATC to fly beneath the Class C airspace or farther offshore safely.
    One commenter asked whether the Class C airspace expansion would 
result in increased ATC staffing levels; thereby making VFR flight 
following request for VFR aircraft transiting the area more likely to 
be supported by ATC on a workload basis.
    The ATC facility staffing levels are determined by numerous factors 
and criteria, and classification of airspace is only one factor 
considered. Based on the extent of the proposed Class C airspace shelf 
extension, the FAA does not anticipate this proposed action to affect 
the Chicago TRACON or Midway ATCT staffing levels. Further, the FAA 
does not expect an increase in VFR aircraft flying outside the Chicago, 
IL, Class B airspace area or the proposed Chicago Midway Class C 
airspace shelf requesting flight following. The Chicago TRACON will 
continue to provide VFR aircraft flight following services on a 
workload basis. Likewise, the FAA does not anticipate a large number of 
VFR aircraft seeking flight following within the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf. However, those VFR pilots who opt to fly within the 
proposed Class C airspace shelf and establish two-way communications 
with ATC will receive Class C services commensurate with the service 
provided in the existing MDW Class C airspace area.
    Five commenters raised questions about airspace violations and 
aircraft conflicts in the airspace area of the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf. One commenter asked if there had been any studies or 
surveys to show actual airspace violations or aircraft conflicts and 
another commenter stated the ATO should make available all Class C and 
Class B airspace incursions within 15 NM from MDW between the 000 
bearing to the 180 bearing. Two commenters asked about documented 
conflicts and TCAS RA warnings, and the nature of the conflicts, 
occurring under the current airspace configuration. One of those 
commenters went on to ask if there was a plan to use the RNAV (RNP) X 
RWY 22L approach more when aircraft are arriving from the west to avoid 
crossing over the shoreline and VFR traffic flying in that area. A 
final commenter asked if the affected area east of MDW along the 
shoreline had any accident history.
    The FAA finds that the questions and comments addressing studies, 
surveys, or reporting of airspace violations in the airspace of the 
proposed Class C airspace shelf to be outside the scope of this 
rulemaking. The airspace area of the proposed Class C airspace shelf is 
currently Class E airspace and there is no requirement to obtain a 
clearance or establish two-way communications with ATC to operate 
within that airspace area.
    To the comments addressing aircraft conflicts and RAs, the FAA 
offers the following. On May 18, 2018, the Chicago TRACON accomplished 
a staff study to initiate consideration of this proposal. In the staff 
study, the TRACON reported 69 TCAS RA events by IFR aircraft landing 
MDW RWY 22L between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2017, with the 
Midway ATCT reporting 17 additional TCAS RA events during the same time 
period. With a total of 86 TCAS RA events occurring between IFR 
arrivals descending to MDW flying RNAV RWY 22L procedures and VFR 
transient traffic flying near the Lake Michigan shoreline for the 
timeframe reported, that amounts to just over 7 incidents per month, on 
average. Since then, there have been an additional 89 TCAS RA events, 
collectively, by IFR aircraft landing MDW RWY 22L; further confirming 
the necessity for the proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf in this 
action.
    Normally, the TCAS RA results in the IFR pilot conducting a climb 
or descent evasive maneuver. In rare cases, the IFR pilots may also 
turn the aircraft. If the IFR aircraft is near MDW when the TCAS RA 
event occurs, then often the IFR pilots must conduct a missed approach. 
This proposal to establish the Class C airspace shelf is intended to 
avoid these aircraft conflicts between MDW RWY 22L arrivals and VFR 
traffic operating near the MDW RWY 22L final approach course, and to 
avoid IFR aircraft arriving to MDW RWY 22L conducting missed approaches 
due to TCAS RA events.
    It should be noted that the vast majority of ``conflicts'' are 
actually ``potential conflicts'' in which an air traffic controller 
detects that two or more aircraft will come within unsafe proximity of 
each other unless some type of control action is taken, and then the 
controller takes that action. The number of documented conflicts only 
include TCAS RA events and close-proximity events involving non-TCAS-
equipped aircraft and not events where air traffic controllers took 
action to prevent such events. As a result, considering TCAS RA events 
only does not reflect the actual safety risk mitigated by this 
proposal.
    With respect to the comment reference using the RNAV (RNP) X RWY 
22L approach more when aircraft are arriving from the west, the Chicago 
TRACON controllers use the MDW RNAV (RNP) X RWY 22L approach as often 
as possible. From an ATC and airspace efficiency perspective, this is 
the preferred approach for MDW RWY 22L arrivals from the west, but it 
cannot be used when arrivals from the west need to be sequenced further 
out to land behind arrivals from the southeast and east.
    Five commenters expressed concerns resulting from VFR aircraft 
being pushed lower to remain below the proposed Class C airspace shelf 
floors (1,900 feet MSL and 2,300 feet MSL) and compressed into more 
congested airspace closer to the ground. Two of the five commenters 
also asked if any studies had been accomplished addressing the effect 
of restricting VFR aircraft below the proposed airspace shelf with the 
1,900-foot MSL floor and the 2,300-foot MSL floor. One of those 
commenters was concerned with VFR aircraft flying over Lake Michigan 
being able to remain within glide distance of shore; whereas the other 
commenter was concerned with VFR aircraft ``forced'' to fly below the 
proposed airspace shelf over land. Another of the commenters asked if 
the FAA anticipated more VFR aircraft conflicts under the proposed 
airspace shelf, with another of the commenters asking if ATC would be 
able to handle the increase in flight following requests caused by the 
higher density of VFR traffic in an already congested area. Finally, a 
sixth commenter raised a concern that some aircraft would not be able 
to accomplish flying southbound along the lakeshore below the Chicago 
O'Hare Class B airspace shelf with a 3,000-foot floor, then descend 
below the proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf with a 2,300-foot floor, 
then climb above the Gary/Chicago Class D airspace with a 3,100-foot 
ceiling in the distance required.
    The FAA does not agree. VFR aircraft are not being restricted below 
or forced to fly lower to remain below the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf; rather,

[[Page 64743]]

VFR pilots that operate within the airspace proposed to become Class C 
airspace are encouraged to establish two-way communications with MDW 
approach and use the services provided by ATC. The FAA recognizes that 
some pilots may opt to fly below the proposed Class C airspace shelf, 
but the safety provided by all pilots, IFR and VFR, within the Class C 
airspace shelf communicating with ATC is necessary and outweighs the 
concerns associated with establishing the proposed airspace shelf. The 
FAA audited 7 random weeks from 2019 and 2021 (2020 was not included 
due to pandemic related flight reductions) and the survey showed, on 
average, approximately 23 aircraft per day operating at and below 1,900 
feet MSL under the proposed airspace shelf while only 10 aircraft per 
day operating between 2,300 feet MSL and 3,000 feet MSL. As such, the 
FAA does not anticipate an appreciable increase in VFR traffic 
operating lower over Lake Michigan. Additionally, the FAA does not 
anticipate more VFR conflicts below the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf, as well. Lastly, reference the concern of VFR aircraft not being 
able to navigate south along the Lake Michigan shoreline, or lakefront, 
making the altitude changes resulting from the proposal in the distance 
provided, the existing VFR flyway supports and provides exactly what 
the commenter stated concern over. The FAA anticipates VFR aircraft 
will plan accordingly to make the recommended altitudes to remain under 
the Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace, under the proposed MDW Class C 
airspace shelf, and over the Gary/Chicago Class D in the distance 
provided.
    The FAA acknowledges that some compression may occur and that non-
participating VFR traffic may have to fly below or circumnavigate the 
proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf in order to remain clear of it 
should they decide not to establish two-way communications with ATC to 
seek Class C airspace services. All aircraft operating beneath or in 
the vicinity of the proposed Class C airspace shelf are expected to 
continue to comply with the regulatory requirements of 14 CFR 91.111, 
titled Operating Near Other Aircraft, to avoid creating a collision 
hazard with other aircraft operating in the same airspace. 
Additionally, all aircraft operating in the same areas noted above are 
expected to continue complying with the requirements in 14 CFR 91.113, 
Right-of-Way Rules: Except Water Operations, to ``see and avoid'' other 
aircraft as well. The FAA believes that continued VFR pilot compliance 
with established flight rules regulatory requirements, and these two 
regulations specifically, will overcome the compression and mid-air 
collision concerns raised by the commenters.
    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 C, flying 
beneath the airspace shelf area, utilizing the charted VFR flyway, or 
establishing two-way communications with ATC and requesting Class C 
services.
    One commenter referenced 14 CFR 91.119, Minimum safe altitudes: 
General, highlighting that over any congested area of a city, town or 
settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an aircraft must 
fly an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a 
horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. The commenter used 
that reference to argue that the airspace below the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf with a 1,900-foot floor is in effect unusable given the 
height of obstructions above sea level within that sector.
    The FAA does not agree. There are only two charted obstructions 
that fall approximately 1 NM within the proposed 1,900-foot floor Class 
C airspace shelf boundary northeast of MDW and are located southwest 
and west of Soldier Field. The remaining portion of Class E airspace 
that would fall under the proposed Class C airspace shelf is unaffected 
by the commenter's concern. The Class E airspace that would remain 
beneath the proposed Class C airspace shelf with a 1,900-foot floor 
would be navigable by VFR aircraft, as it is under the current Class C 
airspace shelf that extends upward from 1,900 feet MSL, for pilots who 
elect not to establish two-way communications with MDW approach to fly 
within the proposed Class C airspace shelf. Additionally, flight around 
the two charted obstructions noted above would be still be possible 
using the existing VFR flyway along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
    Two commenters addressed the use of visual landmarks in their 
comments. The first commenter argued how pilots were to know where the 
10 NM radius of MDW was located for the airspace shelf outer boundary 
over Lake Michigan. He further noted that aircraft not utilizing GPS 
navigation might have difficulty recognizing the Class C airspace shelf 
outer boundary; noting the CRIB and EAST CRIB VFR checkpoints may be 
helpful, but encouraged the FAA to consider other mitigations that 
might be possible. The second commenter shared that the recommendation 
offered by the Committee on the airspace shelf floor altitude, as well 
as the use of visual landmarks as reference points, were very positive 
developments.
    The FAA acknowledges it is difficult to provide visual landmarks 
over Lake Michigan to determine the Class C airspace shelf 10 NM 
boundary. As such, pilots who do fly over Lake Michigan are encouraged 
to use GPS, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), or other electronic 
means to determine spatial awareness of their location and the Class C 
airspace shelf boundary.
    As noted previously in response to the Committee's recommendation 
to use visual landmarks when able, the FAA tries to adopt the use of 
geographical features whenever possible and acknowledges that the 
proposed Class C airspace area that overlies Lake Michigan lacks 
prominent landmarks. However, there are currently four VFR checkpoints 
(CRIB, EAST CRIB, NAVY PIER, and LAKE CALUMET) that could be used to 
roughly interpolate the airspace shelf boundary over Lake Michigan. 
Additionally, there are multiple geographic references on the 
shoreline, including Interstate 290 and Soldier Field located north of 
Interstate 290 and the electric power plant located southeast of MDW 
that could also be used. All of these reference points would aid VFR 
pilots in determining the boundary of the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf extension.
    One commenter shared that MDW RWY 22L is used much of the time when 
RWY 13C would be the best runway for winds. The commenter argued that 
using RWY 13C would avoid the shoreline no matter if aircraft were 
coming from the east or west and there are Instrument Landing System 
(ILS), RNAV Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV), and 
RNAV-Required Navigation Performance (RNP)-Authorization Required (AR) 
approaches available.
    The FAA does not agree. The decision for selecting the MDW runway 
in use between RWY 13C and RWY 22L is made primarily on landing 
aircraft into the wind. When the winds are directly out of the south, 
there are ATC procedures that favor using MDW RWY 22L for operational 
efficiency reasons. There is no correlation between the proximity of 
Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the MDW RWY13C final approach 
course to the selection of the MDW landing runway. Additionally, any 
impacts to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport operations caused 
by MDW landing aircraft using RWY 13C have been

[[Page 64744]]

mostly mitigated and are not significant enough to favor the selection 
or use of one MDW runway over the other.
    Two commenters asked about the current RWY 22L approach procedures 
and how/if they are expected to change with regard to this proposal. 
The first commenter was concerned about impacts that may be expected to 
aircraft flying the RNAV (RNP) Y RWY 22L approach versus the RNAV (RNP) 
X RWY 22L. The other commenter asked if the RNAV RWY 22L procedures 
were new, stating further that aircraft flying the procedures to RWY 31 
and then circling to land RWY 22L have always been common in the past.
    The FAA is not proposing or making any changes to any of the RNAV 
RWY 22L procedures. To the first commenter's question, the MDW RNAV 
(RNP) X RWY 22L procedure is used for aircraft arriving from the west 
when RWY 22L is in use; whereas, the MDW RNAV (RNP) Y RWY 22L procedure 
is used for aircraft arriving from the east when RWY 22L is in use. The 
procedures both support RWY 22L operations and cater to arrival 
aircraft depending on which direction they are arriving from. In 
response to the other commenter's question and statement, the RNAV RWY 
22L procedures have been available for use since 2014. Additionally, 
rather than requiring pilots to fly a conventional or RNAV approach to 
RWY 31C and then circle the airport to land on RWY 22L, both ATC and 
pilots prefer to use the RNAV RWY 22L approaches to RWY 22L. The FAA 
believes using the RNAV RWY 22L procedures when RWY 22L is the runway 
in use, instead of having aircraft circle the airport visually from an 
approach flown to RWY 31C, is a much safer operation and provides an 
orderly, efficient arrival flow to MDW.
    Six commenters questioned the ATC services to be provided by the 
FAA with the proposal. One commenter stated ATC currently makes transit 
of the MDW Class C nearly impossible for aircraft not landing at MDW 
and asked about the considerations made for the safety of flight issues 
for VFR aircraft transiting the lakeshore. Another commenter was 
concerned about ATC being able to handle the increase in flight 
following requests that the proposal was expected to incur. Three other 
commenters were concerned about air traffic controllers vectoring 
small, VFR aircraft further out over Lake Michigan and asking if MDW 
approach would still approve lakefront transitions similar to how they 
are currently, as well as be willing to extend traffic advisories 
beyond the proposed Class C airspace boundaries. The fifth commenter 
questioned if MDW would have increased ATC responsibilities north of 
Montrose Harbor, located east of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 
with the proposed Class C airspace shelf.
    The FAA audited VFR aircraft operations in the proposal airspace 
area for 7 random weeks from 2019 and 2021 (2020 was not included due 
to pandemic related flight reductions). The audit results showed 
approximately 23 aircraft operations per day in the proposed airspace 
at and below 1,900 feet MSL and 10 aircraft operations per day between 
2,300 feet MSL and 3,000 feet MSL. With that, the FAA does not 
anticipate there will be an appreciable increase in VFR traffic forced 
lower or pushed over the lake.
    The FAA remains committed to providing ATC services to all 
aircraft, IFR and VFR, in the interest of flight safety in congested 
airspace areas. Since the proposed Class C airspace shelf is in an area 
that is currently Class E airspace, it is difficult to assert that ATC 
routinely denies entry into or makes it harder to enter MDW Class C 
airspace. The only Class C airspace currently east of MDW is the 5 NM 
surface area airspace located immediately around MDW from the surface 
upward to the base of the overlying Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace 
shelf. This is very congested airspace around the MDW airport and the 
FAA suspects it may explain why some aircraft may be denied entry into 
MDW Class C airspace. Again, the FAA encourages VFR pilots flying along 
the Lake Michigan shoreline consider establishing two-way 
communications with ATC to fly within the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf in the interest of flight safety for IFR and VFR aircraft alike.
    Air traffic controllers are trained to consider many factors 
associated with operational situations as they control the aircraft 
within their responsible airspace sectors. However, if ATC should 
provide a control instruction that a pilot feels would jeopardize 
flight safety or their ability to comply, it is incumbent on the pilot 
to advise ATC of this and take appropriate action. Midway ATCT and 
Chicago TRACON will continue to provide lakefront transitions as they 
do today and continue to provide traffic advisories for the airspace 
under their control on a traffic and workload permitting basis. 
Typically, aircraft operating outside of the airspace under an air 
traffic controller's control will not be provided traffic advisories.
    Lastly, Montrose Harbor is located north of the proposed Class C 
airspace shelf boundary in Class E airspace underlying the Chicago 
O'Hare Class B airspace area. As such, it is not anticipated that ATC 
will have increased ATC responsibilities in that area.
    One commenter challenged the suggestion that this proposal wouldn't 
impact traffic. The commenter stated that if effective, the increased 
IFR/VFR traffic separation made possible by the changes would in fact 
allow more curved approaches instead of reducing the use of them and 
would increase aircraft capacity within MDW Class C airspace via closer 
spacing of IFR approaches.
    The FAA notes that the proposed action is aimed at enhancing flight 
safety for all by lessening the likelihood of IFR aircraft flying RNAV 
procedures to RWY 22L encountering VFR aircraft flying along the Lake 
Michigan shoreline and not in contact with ATC. It is not aimed at 
enabling more curved approaches. Further, IFR approach spacing is 
determined by two factors, (1) separation standards found in FAA Order 
JO 7110.65, Air Traffic Control, and (2) the operational demand of 
aircraft flying in the same airspace area. IFR arrival aircraft to RWY 
22L can be no closer than 3 NM separation and due to operational demand 
of aircraft flying in the vicinity of MDW, they are typically further 
separated than that in the interest of flight safety in the MDW 
terminal area. Only during high demand ``rush'' periods will multiple 
IFR arrival aircraft 3 NM in trail of other IFR arrival aircraft be 
observed.
    Two comments were received addressing ATC frequencies for the VFR 
aircraft that fly the Lake Michigan shoreline. One commenter was 
interested in knowing if the frequencies would be changed and how, if 
changing, while a second commenter asked if there were any plans to 
implement a Chicago shoreline common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) 
for use similar to the ``Watson Island'' frequency in Miami.
    The FAA does not intend to change the frequencies currently in use 
along the Lake Michigan shoreline since there are multiple ATC sectors 
and facilities controlling different airspace areas along the 
shoreline; which requires the use of the existing frequencies. 
Additionally, the FAA is not planning to add a common use frequency 
along the Lake Michigan shoreline similar to the ``Watson Island'' 
frequency noted on the Miami Terminal Area Chart. The FAA has opted to 
continue using the existing frequencies noted on the Chicago Terminal 
Area Chart to avoid potential frequency confusion that

[[Page 64745]]

could occur with the existing frequency that is published in the chart 
note for aircraft flying within 15 NM of MDW requesting services in 
Class C airspace.
    Three comments addressed the proposed Class C airspace shelf 
boundary and the associated VFR flyway on the Chicago VFR Flyway 
Planning Chart. The first commenter simply asked if the existing Class 
C airspace shelf boundary located southeast of MDW would be removed 
should the FAA determine to extend the airspace shelf with a 1,900-foot 
floor further around the east side of MDW. The second commenter 
questioned if the VFR Flyway Planning Chart would change and if notes 
at the north and south ends of the VFR flyway would be added 
recommending how pilots should transit the proposed Class C airspace 
shelf area. The third commenter recommended charting a frequency for 
transitioning VFR aircraft to use to self-announce their intentions as 
the flight volume would be squeezed in that area.
    The FAA offers that should the Class C airspace shelf be extended 
as proposed, the airspace shelf boundary line located southeast of MDW 
would be removed and the new airspace shelf boundary with a 1,900-foot 
MSL floor (over land) and 2,300-foot floor (over water) between 5 NM 
and 10 NM of MDW would be charted at the 090[deg] bearing of the 
intersection of the 10-mile radius around the Chicago O'Hare 
International Airport and the 5-mile radius around the Chicago Midway 
International Airport. The VFR Flyway Planning Chart would change with 
the new Class C airspace shelf boundaries depicted, but the FAA does 
not intend to pursue adding chart notes at the north and south ends of 
the VFR flyway as recommended. The existing chart note with the 
frequency and who to contact to enter the Class C airspace would remain 
and apply to the extended Class C airspace shelf. Chart notes 
recommending how VFR pilots should transit the Class C airspace area 
are also not planned. The decision of whether to fly through the Class 
C airspace shelf or avoid entering the Class C airspace is up to each 
pilot after they flight plan and consider all factors. The FAA 
encourages VFR pilots to consider establishing two-way communications 
with ATC for Class C services in the proposed MDW Class C airspace 
shelf to enhance the flight safety in that area, especially when there 
is IFR traffic flying RNAV RWY 22L approaches inbound to MDW. Lastly, 
the FAA does not anticipate transitioning VFR aircraft to be squeezed 
below the Class C airspace shelf; therefore, the FAA intends to retain 
the VFR flyway outside the airspace shelf with a 1,900-foot MSL floor 
as charted for VFR pilots should they opt to not establish two-way 
communications with MDW approach for Class C services.
    Two commenters were concerned about the environmental analysis 
conducted in support of the proposed Class C airspace shelf extension 
around MDW. The first commenter asked what type of environmental 
factors the FAA addresses for amending the airspace. The second 
commenter shared that the proposal lowers the shelf from 3,600 feet MSL 
to 1,900 feet MSL over south side [Chicago] neighborhoods and that VFR 
traffic would be flying substantially lower outside the Class C as a 
result. The commenter asked if consideration is given to the noise 
impact over the neighborhoods under the shelf.
    The FAA's environmental review for the proposed Class C airspace 
amendment is conducted in accordance with the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and considers several different 
categories which include, but are not limited to, biological resources, 
air quality, historical resources, and noise. With respect to the 
question of noise impact considerations over the south side 
neighborhoods under the proposed Class C airspace shelf, the FAA does 
not anticipate any adverse noise impacts from what is experienced 
today. As mentioned previously, based upon our traffic audit, the 
majority of VFR flights above 1,900 feet MSL today occur over Lake 
Michigan and most VFR flights over land today occur between 1,500 feet 
MSL and 1,900 feet MSL.
    One commenter shared their concern that if this proposal was to 
overcome a safety of flight concern, why does it take two years to 
accomplish the proposed change. The commenter thought the airspace 
changes should be accomplished quicker.
    The FAA acknowledges the concern for how long it appears to take to 
accomplish the rulemaking requirements to effect Class C airspace 
changes. The FAA does not take the regulatory requirements for changing 
airspace classifications and establishing operating rules and 
requirements in new airspace areas lightly. There are established 
regulatory processing procedures and timelines associated with ensuring 
public engagement and notice, as well as the opportunity to comment on 
proposed actions in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act 
requirements contained in Title 5 of United States Code 553, while a 
proposal is being considered. Further, the processing steps are 
developed to prevent arbitrary and capricious decision making that 
result in needless or unnecessary airspace changes. The rulemaking 
process includes public engagement to aid the FAA in developing its 
proposed airspace amendments (ad hoc committee) and then public 
opportunities to comment on the proposed action for consideration by 
the FAA (informal airspace meetings and notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM)) as it reviews and evaluates all inputs prior to making a 
determination. Additionally, the FAA must accomplish and consider 
regulatory evaluations of Class C airspace proposals (initial and 
final), required NEPA reviews and considerations, and legal sufficiency 
reviews before publishing its regulatory determination. As Class C 
airspace actions tend to be controversial, rulemaking to establish or 
modify Class C airspace can take 24-36 months or more depending on the 
extent of the proposal.
    One commenter recommended the FAA create a new program to replace 
Operation Rain Check (an FAA program to enhance pilot awareness of NAS 
functions, safety, and airspace procedures) and coordinate a program 
every 90 days that conducts a virtual fly-in and virtual community of 
that event.
    This comment falls outside the scope of this rulemaking.
    One commenter recommended establishing a VFR helicopter corridor on 
the north side of the MDW Class C airspace like the some of the 
corridors in the New York area in 14 CFR part 93, subpart W--New York 
Class B Airspace Hudson River and East River Exclusion Special Flight 
Rules Area. The location of the recommended VFR corridor was from the 
Lake Michigan shoreline in the vicinity of Soldier Field to the 
Vertiport Chicago Heliport.
    The FAA does not agree. The VFR helicopter corridors in the New 
York area mentioned by the commenter are for access to Class B airspace 
by helicopters without talking to ATC. A VFR corridor is defined as 
airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral 
boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or 
communication with ATC. These corridors are, in effect, a ``hole'' 
through Class B airspace. The recommended VFR helicopter corridor is 
located within Class E and Class G airspace below the proposed MDW 
Class C airspace shelf, as well as the overlying Chicago O'Hare Class B 
airspace. As such, the FAA has determined a VFR helicopter corridor, as 
recommended, is unnecessary.

[[Page 64746]]

    One commenter was concerned how the MDW Class C airspace proposal 
might impact the large volume of VFR traffic that traverses the VFR 
flyway along the Lake Michigan shoreline during the Experimental 
Aircraft Association's (EAA) Annual AirVenture ``Oshkosh'' event in 
Oshkosh, WI.
    The FAA expects any impacts associated with the proposal to amend 
the MDW Class C airspace shelf around the east side of MDW to be 
minimal. As noted in response to the Committee's recommendation on the 
same issue, planning for the EAA AirVenture event at Oshkosh, WI, is a 
yearlong process that includes collaboration between ATC, EAA, the U.S. 
military, and pilots who support and attend EAA's AirVenture. Public 
outreach is accomplished by a Notice published in the Domestic Notices 
link of the Air Traffic Plans and Publications website at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ and a NOTAM booklet with detailed information 
for aircraft transitioning the Lake Michigan shoreline and nearby 
airspace, including the MDW and Chicago TRACON controlled airspace 
areas. The 2022 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Notice and NOTAM booklet that 
are published contain a ``VFR Transition through Chicago Approach'' 
section that details how pilots are urged to use the Chicago VFR Flyway 
Planning Chart for the Chicago area. It specifically addressed VFR 
aircraft transiting the shoreline to listen to the MDW ATIS transit 
guidance, as well as information addressing jet traffic crossing the 
shoreline at 3,000 feet MSL if MDW is landing on RWY 22L. The Notice 
and NOTAM booklet further urge pilots to comply with the VFR flyway 
altitudes south of the Navy Pier and north of the Electric Power Plant, 
as published. The Chicago TRACON will continue to collaborate with EAA 
on future AirVenture Oshkosh events and the FAA anticipates the event 
Notice and NOTAM booklet information to remain consistent with respect 
to guidance for transiting the lakefront (Lake Michigan shoreline) area 
even if the proposed MDW Class C airspace shelf would be established.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to modify the 
Chicago, IL, Class C airspace area by extending the airspace shelf 
around Chicago Midway International Airport further around the airport 
on the east side to end northeast of the airport. This amendment is 
proposed to enhance flight safety in the Chicago Midway International 
Airport terminal area (see the attached chart).
    The current Chicago Class C airspace consists of a surface area and 
airspace shelf centered on the airport reference point: (1) that 
airspace extending upward from the surface to 3,600 feet MSL within a 5 
NM radius of the airport; and (2) that airspace extending upward from 
1,900 feet MSL to 3,600 feet MSL between 5 NM and 10 NM from 2-miles 
northeast of and parallel to the MDW RWY 31C localizer course southeast 
of the airport, clockwise to the Chicago O'Hare Class B airspace area 
northwest of the airport. The Class C airspace area excludes the 
airspace within the Chicago, IL, Class B airspace area. The footprint 
of the proposed Class C airspace area would be expanded to include an 
airspace shelf east of MDW, but the current 3,600-foot MSL ceiling of 
the Class C airspace area and Chicago Class B airspace exclusion would 
be retained. The proposed modifications are described below. In 
developing these modifications, the FAA has considered the comments, 
questions, and recommendations received from the Committee and the 
informal airspace meetings.
    This proposal would reconfigure the Class C airspace area by 
extending the existing airspace shelf between 5 NM and 10 NM further 
around MDW on the east side from the existing boundary located 2 NM 
northeast of and parallel to the MDW RWY 31C localizer course to a new 
boundary defined by the 090[deg] bearing of the intersection of the 10-
mile radius around the Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the 5-
mile radius around the Chicago Midway International Airport. This 
proposed new Class C airspace shelf would extend from the Chicago Class 
B airspace located northwest of MDW counterclockwise around MDW to a 
boundary slightly south of Interstate 290 located northeast of MDW and 
include the airspace over Chicago and Lake Michigan between 5 NM and 10 
NM of MDW. The portion of the proposed airspace shelf over land would 
retain the existing airspace shelf altitudes extending upward from 
1,900 feet MSL to 3,600 feet MSL, and the portion of the extended 
airspace shelf over Lake Michigan would extend upward from 2,300 feet 
MSL to 3,600 feet MSL. The exclusion of the airspace within the 
Chicago, IL, Class B airspace area would also be retained.
    This proposed airspace shelf would enhance flight safety in the MDW 
terminal area by encompassing the MDW RNAV RWY 22L approaches for IFR 
aircraft, retaining a VFR flyway along the Lake Michigan shoreline 
outside Class C airspace for VFR pilots that elect not to fly within 
the proposed Class C airspace and communicating with ATC, and 
preserving the VFR sightseeing operations north of Interstate 290 
without impact.
    Class C Airspace areas are published in paragraph 4000 of FAA Order 
JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class C airspace 
area modifications proposed in this document would be published 
subsequently in FAA Order JO 7400.11.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
is published yearly and effective on September 15.

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. The FAA has determined that 
there would be no new requirement for information collection associated 
with this proposed rule.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    Federal agencies consider impacts of regulatory actions under a 
variety of executive orders and other requirements. 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 the 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 of 1979 (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, this 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 that may result in the expenditure by State, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in 
any one year. The current threshold after adjustment for inflation is 
$165,000,000, using the most current (2021) Implicit Price Deflator for 
the Gross Domestic Product.
    In conducting these analyses, the FAA has determined that this 
rule: (1) will

[[Page 64747]]

generate benefits that justify costs; (2) is not an economically 
``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 3(f) of 
Executive Order 12866; (3) will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities; (4) will not create 
unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States; and 
(5) will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or tribal 
governments, or on the private sector.
    The benefits of the proposed regulation are the value of the risk 
reductions resulting from modification of the MDW Class C airspace 
area. These benefits include the value of avoiding accident 
consequences (e.g., fatalities, injuries, and property damage) that 
could occur in the absence of the rule. As an example, the FAA 
estimates the value of reducing the risk of fatalities using the 
``value of statistical life,'' currently $11.8 million.\1\ The FAA is 
proposing the rule to reduce the risk of midair collisions in an area 
in which there is a high volume of commercial and general aviation 
traffic. As described above regarding the staff study, the FAA 
identified an average of over 7 incidents (TCAS RA events) per month 
from 2016 to 2017 and additional subsequent events, which do not 
include events for which air traffic controllers took action to prevent 
such events. Midair collisions may result in fatalities, injuries, and 
property damage both to persons in the aircraft and on the ground.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) March 2021, 
Treatment of the Value of Preventing Fatalities and Injuries in 
Preparing Economic Analyses. Office of the Secretary of 
Transportation, www.transportation.gov/office-policy/transportation-policy/revised-departmental-guidance-on-valuation-of-a-statistical-life-in-economic-analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The costs of the proposed rule are the value of resources needed to 
comply with the airspace changes. In this case, VFR pilots desiring to 
fly at their current altitudes that would be within the proposed Class 
C airspace would be required to establish two-way communications with 
ATC. VFR pilots flying in the vicinity of MDW are likely equipped for 
this communication and as such this change would involve only minimal 
time for awareness and planning. The FAA also does not anticipate 
increased staffing needs. Therefore, costs are likely minimal.
    The FAA welcomes comments on the benefits and costs of this 
proposal.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, Public Law 96-354, 94 
Stat. 1164 (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 
857, Mar. 29, 1996), and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 
111-240, 124 Stat. 2504 Sept. 27, 2010), requires Federal agencies to 
consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and 
other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact. 
The term ``small entities'' comprises small businesses and not-for-
profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are 
not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations of less than 50,000.
    Agencies must prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis 
(IRFA) if a proposed rule will have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. However, if not, the head of the 
agency may so certify per section 605(b) of the RFA. The certification 
must include a statement providing the factual basis for the 
determination,
    The proposed rule does not impose requirements on small businesses, 
not-for-profit organizations, or governments. Therefore, per section 
605(b), the head of the FAA certifies that the proposed rule would 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 has 
assessed the potential effect of this rule and determined that it will 
improve aviation safety and does not exclude imports that meet this 
objective. As a result, the FAA does not consider this rule as creating 
an unnecessary obstacle to foreign commerce.

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 $165 million in lieu of $100 
million. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, 
local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs 
without the Federal government having first provided the funds to pay 
those costs. The FAA determined that the proposed rule will not result 
in the expenditure of $165,000,000 or more by State, local, or tribal 
governments in the aggregate, or the private sector, in any one year. 
Therefore, the requirements of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995 do not apply.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies 
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

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

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

0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR 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 the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 
2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 4000--Subpart C--Class C Airspace.

* * * * *

[[Page 64748]]

AGL IL C Chicago, IL [Amended]

Chicago Midway International Airport, IL
    (Lat. 41[deg]47'10'' N, long. 087[deg]45'09'' W)
    That airspace extending upward from the surface to 3,600 feet 
MSL within a 5-mile radius of the Chicago Midway International 
Airport; that airspace extending upward from 1,900 feet MSL to 3,600 
feet MSL within an area beginning at a point north of Chicago Midway 
International Airport at the intersection of the 10-mile radius 
around a point centered at lat. 41[deg]59'16 '' N, long. 
087[deg]54'17'' W and the 5-mile radius of the Chicago Midway 
International Airport, thence extending on a 090[deg] bearing to the 
Lake Michigan shoreline at lat. 41[deg]52'09'' N, long. 
087[deg]36'59'' W, thence southward following the shoreline to the 
10-mile radius of the Chicago Midway International Airport at lat. 
41[deg]44'59'' N, long. 087[deg]32'06'' W, thence clockwise along 
that 10-mile radius to the intersection with the 10.5-mile radius 
around a point centered at lat. 41[deg]59'16'' N, long. 
087[deg]54'17'' W, thence counterclockwise along that 10.5-mile 
radius to the intersection with the 5-mile radius of the Chicago 
Midway International Airport, thence counterclockwise along that 5-
mile radius to the intersection with the 10-mile radius around a 
point centered at lat. 41[deg]59'16'' N, long. 087[deg]54'17'' W; 
and that airspace extending upward from 2,300 feet MSL to 3,600 feet 
MSL within an area beginning at a point on the Lake Michigan 
shoreline at lat. 41[deg]52'09'' N, long. 087[deg]36'59'' W, thence 
extending on a 090[deg] bearing to the 10-mile radius of the Chicago 
Midway International Airport, thence clockwise along that 10-mile 
radius to the Lake Michigan shoreline at lat. 41[deg]44'59'' N, 
long. 087[deg]32''06'' W, thence northward following the shoreline 
to lat. 41[deg]52'09'' N, long. 087[deg]36'59'' W. This Class C 
airspace area excludes the airspace within the Chicago, IL, Class B 
airspace area.
* * * * *
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[[Page 64749]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 17, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-22779 Filed 10-25-22; 8:45 am]
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