Airworthiness directives: Class D and Class E airspace,

[Federal Register: March 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 48)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 12254-12255]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr12mr99-7]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 98-AGL-64]

Modification of Class D Airspace and Class E Airspace and Establishment of Class E Airspace; Rapid City, SD

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This action modifies Class D airspace and Class E airspace and establishes Class E airspace at Rapid City, SD. This action amends the effective hours of the Class D surface area and the associated Class E airspace to coincide with the time of operation of the airport traffic control tower (ATCT) at Rapid City Regional Airport. This action also establishes a Class E surface area when the ATCT is closed. The purpose of these actions is to clarify when two-way radio communication with the ATCT is required and to provide adequate controlled airspace for instrument approach procedures when the tower is closed.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, May 20, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle M. Behm, Air Traffic Division, Airspace Branch, AGL-520, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, telephone (847) 294-7568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On Tuesday, January 5, 1999, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 to modify Class E airspace at Kenosha, WI (64 FR 447). The proposal was to add controlled airspace extending upward from the surface to contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in controlled airspace during portions of the terminal operation and while transiting between the enroute and terminal environments.

Intersted parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments objecting to the proposal were received. Class D airspace designations are published in paragraph 5000, Class E airspace areas designated as an extension to a Class D surface area are published in paragraph 6004, and Class E airspace areas designated as a surface area for an airport are published in paragraph 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9F dated September 10, 1998, and effective September 16, 1998, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 modifies Class D and Class E airspace by amending the effective hours to coincide with the ATCT hours of operation, and establishes a Class E surface area during those times the ATCT is closed, at Rapid City, SD. Controlled airspace extending upward from the surface is needed to contain aircraft executing instrument approach procedures at Rapid City Airport. The area will be depicted on appropriate aeronautical charts.

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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

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

[[Page 12255]]

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

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

   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

   Sec. 71.1 [Amended]

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 10, 1998, and effective September 16, 1998, is amended as follows:

   Paragraph 500 Class D airspace.

   * * * * *

   AGL SD D Rapid City, SD [Revised]

   Rapid City Regional Airport, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.02'43''N., long. 103 deg.03'27''W.) Ellsworth AFB, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.08'42''N., long. 103 deg.06'13''W.)

   That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 5,700 feet MSL within an 4.3-mile radius of the Rapid City Regional Airport, SD, excluding the portion north of a line between the intersection of the Rapid City Regional Airport 4.3-mile radius and the Ellsworth AFB, SD, 4.7-mile radius. This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory. * * * * *

   Paragraph 6004 Class E airspace areas designated as an extension to a Class D surface area.

   * * * * *

   AGL SD E4 Rapid City, SD [Revised]

   Rapid City Regional Airport, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.02'43''N., long. 103 deg.03'27''W.) Ellsworth AFB, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.08'42''N., long. 103 deg.06'13''W.) Rapid City VORTAC

   (Lat. 43 deg.58'34''N., long. 103 deg.00'44'' W.) Ellsworth AFB TACAN

   (Lat. 44 deg.08'20'' N., long. 103 deg.06'06'' W.)

   That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2.6 miles each side of the Rapid City VORTAC 155 deg./335 deg. radials extending from the 4.3-mile radius of the Rapid City Regional Airport to 7.0 miles southeast of the VORTAC and within 2.6 miles each side of the Ellsworth AFB TACAN 129 deg. radial, extending from the Ellsworth AFB 4.7-mile radius of the airport to 7.0 miles southeast of the TACAN, excluding that airspace within the Radid City, SD, Class D airspace area. This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory. * * * * *

   Paragraph 6002 Class E airspace areas designated as a surface area for an airport.

   * * * * *

   AGL SD E2 Rapid City, SD [New]

   Rapid City Regional Airport, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.02'43'' N., long. 103 deg.03'27'' W.) Ellsworth AFB, SD

   (Lat. 44 deg.08'42'' N., long. 103 deg.06'13'' W.) Rapid City VORTAC

   (Lat. 43 deg.58'34'' N., long. 103 deg.00'44'' W.) Ellsworth AFB TACAN

   (Lat. 44 deg.08'20'' N., long. 103 deg.06'06'' W.)

   Within an 4.3-mile radius of the Rapid city Regional Airport, SD, excluding the portion north of a line between the intersection of the Rapid City Regional Airport 4.3-mile radius and the Ellsworth AFB, SD, 4.7-mile radius, and that airspace extending upward from the surface within 2.6 miles each side of the Rapid City VORTAC 155 deg./335 deg. radials extending from the 4.3-mile radius of the Rapid City Regional Airport to 7.0 miles southeast of the VORTAC and within 2.6 miles each side of the Ellsworth AFB TACAN 129 deg. radial, extending from the Ellsworth AFB 4.7-mile radius of the airport to 7.0 miles southeast of the TACAN, excluding that airspace within the Rapid City, SD, Class D airspace area. This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/ Facility Directory. * * * * *

   Issued in Des Plaines, Illinois on March 2, 1999. David B. Johnson, Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division.

   [FR Doc. 99-6139Filed3-11-99; 8:45 am]

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