Federal Aviation Administration October 12, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces that it has decided to discontinue preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed relocation of Runway 11R/29L and associated development at Tucson International Airport. The FAA's decision to discontinue preparation of the EIS is based upon the results from a planning effort completed by the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA), the owner and operator of the airport. This planning effort reveled the project purpose and need has changed significantly. As a result, FAA has determined the new runway proposal at Tucson International Airport is not ripe for decision at this time.

This action removes redundant Class E airspace in Northeast Alaska and establishes Class E airspace near Eagle, Alaska. The recent removal of a Colored Federal Airway near Kaktovik, AK, duplication of controlled airspace near Mentasta Lake, AK, and the establishment of one Special Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) at Eagle Airport, AK, have made these actions necessary to enhance safety by ensuring that sufficient airspace exists for the management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations.

This action establishes Class E airspace at Port Clarence Coast Guard Station (CGS), AK. The United States Coast Guard operates this airstrip and has developed a military-use instrument approach procedure. This instrument approach procedure at the Port Clarence CGS Airport has made this action necessary to enhance safety by establishing Class E airspace for air traffic management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations.

This proposed rule addresses air ambulance and commercial helicopter operations, part 91 helicopter operations, and load manifest requirements for all part 135 aircraft. From 2002 to 2008, there has been an increase in fatal helicopter air ambulance accidents. To address these safety concerns, the FAA is proposing to implement operational procedures and require additional equipment on board helicopter air ambulances. Many of these proposed requirements currently are found in agency guidance publications and would address National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) safety recommendations. Some of these safety concerns are not unique to the helicopter air ambulance industry and affect all commercial helicopter operations. Accordingly, the FAA also is proposing to amend regulations pertaining to all commercial helicopter operations conducted under part 135 to include equipment requirements, pilot training, and alternate airport weather minima. The changes are intended to provide certificate holders and pilots with additional tools and procedures that will aid in preventing accidents.