[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 27, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66874-66875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-31290]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 91

[Docket No. 24456; Amendment No. 91-247]


Special VFR Weather Minimums

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This action corrects the Special visual flight rules (SVFR) 
weather minimums in Alaska. Specifically, this action allow SVFR 
operations in Alaska when the sun is 6 degrees or more below the 
horizon.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Janet Apple, Air Traffic Rules Branch, ATP-230, Airspace Rules and 
Aeronautical Information Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-
8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 17, 1991, the FAA published the 
Airspace Reclassification final rule (56 FR 65638) that, in pertinent 
part, changed regulations and procedures in regard to airspace 
classifications. These changes, effective September 16, 1992, were 
intended to simplify airspace classifications to reduce airspace 
complexity and thereby enhance safety.
    Prior to the Airspace Reclassification final rule, Sec. 91.157 of 
Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) stated that no person 
may operate an aircraft (other than a helicopter) in a control zone 
under the special weather minimums of section 91.157 between sunset and 
sunrise (or in Alaska, when the sun is more than 6 degrees below the 
horizon), with additional conditions. However, the amendment language 
in the Airspace Reclassification final rule (Amdt. 91-227 56 FR 65660, 
December 17, 1991) inadvertently changed section 91.157 to read ``* * * 
6 degrees or more above the horizon.'' This technical amendment 
corrects that error.

The Amendment

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 91 subparagraph (b)(4) revises the 
restriction for Special VFR operations in Alaska to 6 degrees or more 
below the horizon. The FAA has determined that this action: (1) Is not 
a ``major rule'' under Executive Order 12291; (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 negligible.
    This action is a clarification of an existing rule and does not 
place any new restrictions or requirements on the public, but rather 
lifts certain restrictions presently in place. Notice and public 
procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 91

    Air traffic control, Aircraft, Airmen, Airports, Aviation safety.
    
[[Page 66875]]


PART 91--GENERAL OPERATING AND FLIGHT RULES

    1. The authority citation for Part 91 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 1155, 40103, 40113, 40120, 44101, 
44111, 44701, 44709, 44711, 44712, 44715, 44716, 44717, 44722, 
46306, 46315, 46316, 46502, 46504, 46506, 46507, 47122, 47508, 
47528-47531; articles 12 and 29 of the Convention on International 
Civil Aviation 961 stat. 1180.

    2. Section 91.157 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 91.157  Special VFR weather minimums.

* * * * *
    (b) Special VFR operations may only be conducted--
* * * * *
    (4) Except for helicopters, between sunrise and sunset (or in 
Alaska, when the sun is 6 degrees or more below the horizon) unless--
* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, D.C. on December 18, 1995.
Harold W. Becker,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Rules and Procedures.
[FR Doc. 95-31290 Filed 12-26-95; 8:45 am]
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