[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 24, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67267-67268]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33620]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 97-ASO-15]


Amendment of Class E Airspace; Birmingham, AL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment modifies the Class E airspace area at 
Birmingham, AL. A Global Positioning System (GPS) Runway (RWY) 23 
Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) has been developed for 
Birmingham International Airport. As a result, additional controlled 
airspace extending upward from 700 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) is 
needed to accommodate the SIAP and for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) 
operations at Birmingham International Airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 26, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy B. Shelton, Airspace Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal 
Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; 
telephone (404) 305-5586.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On October 17, 1997, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 by 
amending the Class E airspace at Birmingham, AL (62 FR 53984). This 
action would provide adequate Class E airspace for IFR operations at 
Birmingham International Airport. Designations for Class E airspace 
extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth 
are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9E, dated September 
10, 1997, and effective September 16, 1997, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR part 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed 
in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.
    Interested 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.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 modifies Class E airspace at 
Birmingham, AL. A GPS RWY 23 SIAP has been developed for Birmingham 
International Airport. Additional controlled airspace extending upward 
from 700 fee AGL is needed to accommodate this SIAP and for IFR 
operations at Birmingham International Airport.
    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; EO 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 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 6005  Class E Airspace areas extending upward from 700 
feet or more above the surface of the earth.

* * * * *

ASO FL E5  Birmingham, AL [Revised]

Birmingham International Airport, AL
    Lat. 33 deg.33'47'' N, long. 86 deg.45'24'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 10-mile radius of Birmingham International Airport.
* * * * *

[[Page 67268]]

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on December 2, 1997.
Nancy B. Shelton,
Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division, Southern Region.
[FR Doc. 97-33620 Filed 12-23-97; 8:45 am]
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