Proposed Rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT
Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
Citation: FR Doc. 2016-00166 · Docket No. FAA-2015-4010; Airspace Docket No. 15-ASO-11 · 14 CFR 71

Summary

This action proposes to establish Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace at Lake City, FL, providing the controlled airspace required for the Air Traffic Control Tower at Lake City Gateway Airport. This action also would amend existing Class E airspace by recognizing the airport's name change. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.

Dates

Comments must be received on or before February 29, 2016.

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 proposed rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part, A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it would establish Class D and Class E airspace, and amend Class E airspace at Lake City Gateway Airport, Lake City, FL. Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule 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-2015-4010; Airspace Docket No. 15-ASO-11) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Persons 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 Docket No. FAA-2015-4010; Airspace Docket No. 15-ASO-11.” The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded from and comments submitted through http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/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 the 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 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays at the office of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 350, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM's should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, to request a copy of Advisory circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking distribution System, which describes the application procedure. Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and effective September 15, 2015. FAA Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.9Z lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. The Proposal The FAA is considering an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace, and amend Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Lake City Gateway Airport, Lake City, FL, providing the controlled airspace required to support the Air Traffic Control Tower. Class D airspace extending upward from the surface up to and including 2,500 feet would be established within a 4.2 mile radius of the airport. Class E surface area airspace would be established within a 4.2 mile radius of the airport. Controlled airspace is necessary for IFR operations. The airport name under existing Class E airspace would be changed from Lake City Municipal Airport to Lake City Gateway Airport. Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in Paragraphs 5000, 6002, and 6005, respectively of FAA Order 7400.9Z, dated August 6, 2015, and effective September 15, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The FAA has determined that this proposed 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 proposed rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Environmental Review This proposal would be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5.6.5a, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures” prior to any FAA final regulatory action. Lists 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 1. The authority citation for Part 71 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, effective September 15, 2015, is amended as follows: Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace. ASO FL D Lake City, FL [New] Lake City Gateway Airport, FL (Lat. 30°10′56″ N., long. 82°34′37″ W.) That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,500 feet within a 4.2-mile radius of Lake City Gateway Airport. 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. Paragraph 6002 Class E Surface Area Airspace. ASO FL E2 Lake City, FL [New] Lake City Gateway Airport, FL (Lat. 30°10′56″ N., long. 82°34′37″ W.) Within a 4.2-mile radius of Lake City Gateway Airport. This Class E 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. Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth. ASO FL E5 Lake City, FL [Amended] Lake City Gateway Airport, FL (Lat. 30°10′56″ N., long. 82°34′37″ W.) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 7-mile radius of Lake City Gateway Airport. Issued in College Park, Georgia, on December 18, 2015. Ryan W. Almasy, Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization. [FR Doc. 2016-00166 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]