[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 136 (Monday, July 17, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36340-36341]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-17405]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 95-AWA-2]


Revocation of Class C and Class E Airspace Areas, Merced, Castle 
AFB, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule revokes the Class C and Class E airspace areas at 
Merced, Castle Air Force Base (AFB), CA, as a result of the scheduled 
closure of the Castle AFB on September 5, 1995.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, September 5, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman W. Thomas, Airspace and 
Obstruction Evaluation Branch (ATP-240), Airspace-Rules and 
Aeronautical Information Division, Air Traffic Rules and Procedures 
Service, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-9230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule

    This amendment to part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 71) revokes the Class C and Class E airspace areas at Merced, 
Castle AFB, CA. The FAA is revoking these airspace areas as a result of 
the scheduled closure of the Castle AFB on September 5, 1995, including 
the closure of the Castle AFB air traffic operations, and its weather 
reporting capabilities. I find that notice and public procedure under 5 
U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary because this action is a minor technical 
amendment in which the public is not particularly interested. Class C 
and E airspace designations are published in paragraphs 4000 and 6003, 
respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9B dated July 18, 1994, and effective 
September 16, 1994, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. 
The Class C and Class E airspace designations listed in this document 
will be removed subsequently from the Order.

Regulatory Evaluation Summary

    Proposed changes to Federal regulations must undergo several 
economic analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each 
Federal agency shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned 
determination that the benefits of the 

[[Page 36341]]
intended regulation justify its costs. Second, the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act of 1980 requires agencies to analyze the economic 
effect of regulatory changes on small entities. Third, the Office of 
Management and Budget directs agencies to assess the effect of 
regulatory changes on international trade. In conducting these 
analyses, the FAA has determined that this final rule will generate 
benefits that justify its costs and is not ``a significant regulatory 
action'' as defined in the Executive Order and the Department of 
Transportation Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The final rule will 
not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities 
and will not constitute a barrier to international trade. These 
analyses, available in the docket, are summarized below.
    The final rule is cost-relieving in nature. It will provide reduced 
navigation costs for pilots who navigate around the current Class C 
airspace area. Pilots will no longer face the operational requirements 
(i.e. communicating and complying with air traffic control) of Class C 
airspace in that area. In addition, since Castle AFB is being closed, 
the primary source of the aircraft traffic volume and complexity will 
be removed. This means that revoking the Class C and Class E airspace 
areas will not compromise safety. Therefore, the FAA finds the final 
rule to be cost-beneficial.
Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) was enacted by 
Congress to ensure that small entities are not unnecessarily and 
disproportionately burdened by Federal regulations. The RFA requires a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis if a final rule will have ``a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.'' The final rule is cost-relieving in nature and will not 
impose any costs on small entities. Thus, the final rule will not 
result in ``a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.''

International Trade Impact Assessment

    The final rule will not constitute a barrier to international 
trade, including the export of U.S. goods and services to foreign 
countries and the import of foreign goods and services into the United 
States. The final rule will not impose costs on aircraft operators or 
aircraft manufacturers in the United States or foreign countries. The 
revocation of the Class C and Class E airspace areas will only affect 
U.S. terminal airspace operating procedures at and in the vicinity of 
Merced, Castle AFB, CA. The final rule will not have international 
trade ramifications because it is a domestic airspace matter that will 
not impose additional costs or requirements on affected entities.

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--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 
9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 14 CFR 
11.69.


Sec. 71.1  [Amended]

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9B, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated July 18, 1994, and effective September 16, 
1994, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 4000--Subpart C-Class C Airspace

* * * * *

AWP CA C Merced, Castle AFB, CA [Removed]

* * * * *

Paragraph 6003-Subpart E-Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an 
Extension to a Class C Surface Area.

* * * * *

AWP CA E3 Merced, Castle AFB, CA [Removed]

* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 29, 1995.
Harold W. Becker,
Manager, Airspace-Rules and Aeronautical Information Division.
[FR Doc. 95-17405 Filed 7-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P