[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15079-15080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8145]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 93-AWA-16]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of Class D Airspace South of Abbotsford, British 
Columbia (BC), on the United States Side of the U.S./Canadian Border, 
and the Establishment of a Class C Airspace Area in the Vicinity of 
Point Roberts, Washington (WA)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; establishment of effective date.

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SUMMARY: On November 5, 1997, the FAA delayed the effective date for 
modification of Class D airspace south of Abbotsford, British Columbia 
(BC), on the United States side of the U.S./Canadian border, and the 
establishment of a Class C airspace area in the vicinity of Point 
Roberts, Washington (WA), as described in the final rule published in 
the Federal Register on August 28, 1997. That final rule was issued to 
assist Transport Canada in its efforts to reduce the risk of midair 
collision, enhance safety, and improve traffic flows within the 
Vancouver and Abbotsford, BC, International Airport Areas. This action

[[Page 15080]]

establishes the effective dates for the modification of these airspace 
areas.

EFFECTIVE DATES: The final rule published in the Federal Register on 
August 28, 1997 (62 FR 45526), and delayed on November 12, 1997 (62 FR 
60647), is effective 0901 UTC, June 18, 1998, for the Class C airspace; 
and 0901 UTC, May 20, 1999, for the Class D airspace.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken McElroy, Airspace and Rules 
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On August 20, 1997, the FAA issued the Modification of Class D 
airspace south of Abbotsford, BC, on the United States side of the 
U.S./Canadian border, and the establishment of a Class C airspace area 
in the vicinity of Point Roberts, WA, final rule (62 FR 45526). That 
final rule, which was to become effective on November 6, 1997, was 
issued to assist Transport Canada in its efforts to reduce the risk of 
midair collision, enhance safety, and improve traffic flows within the 
Vancouver and Abbotsford, BC, International Airport Areas.
    On November 5, 1997 (62 FR 60647, November 12, 1997), the FAA 
delayed the implementation of the above rule at the request of 
Transport Canada. Transport Canada requested that the FAA take action 
to delay the rule to allow Nav-Canada an opportunity to complete a 
review of current Canadian airspace, aircraft operations, and air 
traffic procedures for the affected areas.
    On January 5, 1998, Transport Canada notified the FAA via the FAA's 
Northwest Mountain regional office that their review was completed and 
requested that the FAA take action to implement the airspace 
modifications detailed in the August 20, 1997, final rule. This action 
establishes the effective dates for the modification of these airspace 
areas.
    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. 
Therefore, this regulation (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).

Effective Date

    The effective date of Airspace Docket 93-AWA-16 (62 FR 45526, 
August 28, 1997, as delayed at 62 FR 60647, November 12, 1997) Class C 
airspace is 0901 UTC, June 18, 1998, and the Class D airspace is 
effective 0901 UTC, May 20, 1999.

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

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 20, 1998.
John S. Walker,
Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 98-8145 Filed 3-27-98; 8:45 am]
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