[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 9 (Thursday, January 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2449-2450]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-853]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Airspace Docket No. 95-AWA-12]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Modification of the Salt Lake City Class B Airspace
Area; UT
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
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SUMMARY: This action withdraws the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
published in the Federal Register on August 5, 1998. The FAA proposed
to reconfigure three existing subarea boundaries in the Salt Lake City
Class B airspace area to enhance the efficiency of air traffic
operations. However, recent changes in air traffic control (ATC)
operational procedures and an ongoing review of Salt Lake City airspace
indicate that additional changes to the Class B airspace area may be
necessary. The FAA has formed a Capacity Enhancement Task Force, which
consists of a group of aviation users in the Salt Lake Valley, to study
and recommend design changes needed to modernize the current Salt Lake
City Class B airspace area. Therefore, the FAA has determined that
withdrawal of the proposed rule is warranted in order to conduct a
review of the Salt Lake City terminal airspace area.
EFFECTIVE DATE: January 14, 1999.
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: On August 5, 1998, an NPRM was published in
the Federal Register (63 FR 41743) proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 to
modify the Salt Lake City, UT, Class B airspace area. Interested
parties were invited to participate in the rulemaking process by
submitting written data, views, or arguments regarding the proposal.
In response to the proposal, the FAA received two comments, one
from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and one from the National
Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).
ALPA, in support of the proposal, stated that the proposed changes
would be a ``win-win'' for instrument flight rule (IFR) traffic in the
Class B airspace and for visual flight rule (VFR) traffic preferring to
operate outside the Class B airspace in the Salt Lake City area. ALPA
stated that since the reclassification of airspace ``Airport Traffic
Area'' has been eliminated, there is no need to protect a 5-mile radius
of the airport. They also stated that because there is no IFR traffic
east of the airport below 9,000 feet, the area east of the airport
could be used for VFR aircraft to transit the area east of the
interstate below 9,000 feet without an ATC clearance. Further, the
proposed changes should improve safety and efficiency of air traffic
operations in the area and establish boundaries coincident with the
Mode C veil.
NATCA, in opposition to the proposal, stated that recent changes in
operational procedures, and the potential for an increase in the number
of nonparticipating aircraft operating
[[Page 2450]]
outside the Class B airspace area, would have a negative impact on the
positive control services provided to VFR aircraft in the area. They
also question the suitability of the ``see and avoid concept'' for
flight in the Salt Lake City area. In addition, NATCA contends that the
current Class B airspace boundaries should be increased to the east and
the west instead of reduced; the current ceiling should be raised to
more accurately reflect current operational practices; and that a full
review of the Salt Lake City air traffic operational procedures and
airspace is needed. NATCA stated that a review of the current airspace
and operational procedures has been initiated by local FAA management
and NATCA to identify any required modifications needed for the
continued safe and efficient use of the airspace.
In consideration of the comments received and the cited review of
operational changes, the FAA has reexamined the proposal and has
decided to withdraw the proposal at this time in order to conduct a
complete review of the Salt Lake City terminal airspace area. The
recently formed Capacity Enhancement Task Force, consisting of aviation
users in the Salt Lake Valley, will review the Salt Lake City terminal
airspace area configuration and recommend operational and design
changes needed to modernize the current Salt Lake City Class B airspace
area to the FAA. The FAA will ensure the requirements of all users of
the Salt Lake City terminal airspace area are considered when reviewing
the recommendations of the task force before any airspace modifications
are made.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Withdrawal
In consideration of the foregoing, the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, Airspace Docket No. 5-AWA-12, as published in the Federal
Register on August 5, 1998 (63 FR 41743), is hereby withdrawn.
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 January 8, 1999.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 99-853 Filed 1-13-99; 8:45 am]
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