Class D airspace,

[Federal Register: August 6, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 151)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 41958-41959]

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

[DOCID:fr06au98-3]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 98-ANM-07]

Modification of Class D Airspace; Colorado Springs USAF Academy Airstrip, CO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 41959]]

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This action amends the Class D airspace area at Colorado Springs United States Air Force (USAF) Academy Airstrip, CO. The effect of this action provides additional airspace in the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic pattern by increasing the ceiling of the Class D airspace from 8600'MSL to 8800'MSL.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, October 8, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Ripley, ANM-520.6, Federal Aviation Administration, Docket No. 98-ANM-07, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone number: (425) 227-2527.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On May 4, 1998, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR part 71) by modifying Class D airspace at Colorado Springs USAF Academy Airstrip, CO (63 FR 24500). The USAF Academy has seen substantial development adjacent to the airfield in recent years causing the VFR traffic pattern altitude to be increased to 7800'MSL (1000'AGL). In the interest of safety at this high intensity student training area, it is considered reasonable and necessary to have a 1000' Class D airspace area above the standard VFR traffic pattern. The 1000' of Class D area allows a student pilot a safety area of 500' above the standard VFR traffic pattern and still have 500' from overflights of the USAF Class D airspace. This rule satisfies the requirement of a 1000' safety area by increasing the Class D airspace area from 8600'MSL to 8800'MSL. Interested parties were invited to participate in the rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received.

The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 83. Class D airspace areas designated as surface areas are published in Paragraph 5000 of FAA Order 7400.9E, dated September 10, 1997, and effective September 16, 1997, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 modifies Class D airspace at Colorado Springs USAF Academy Airstrip, CO, by providing the additional airspace necessary to increase the Class D airspace area from 8600'MSL to 8800'MSL. This modification of airspace allows the VFR pattern to be fully encompassed within Class D airspace and still provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under VFR at the Colorado Springs USAF Academy Airstrip.

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. It, therefore, (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this 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:

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 14 CFR 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 7400.9E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 10, 1997, and effective September 16, 1997, is amended as follows:

   Paragraph 5000 General

   * * * * *

   ANM CO D Colorado Springs USAF Academy, CO [Revised]

   Colorado Springs USAF Academy Airstrip, CO

   (Lat. 38 deg.58'11'' N, long. 104 deg.48'47'' W)

   That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 8,800 feet MSL within a 3-mile radius of the USAF Academy Airstrip, excluding that airspace within the Colorado Springs, CO, Class C airspace area. This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory. * * * * *

   Issued in Seattle, Washington, on July 22, 1998. Glenn A. Adams III, Assistant Manager, Air Traffic Division, Northwest Mountain Region.

   [FR Doc. 98-21072Filed8-5-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-M