[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 3 (Friday, January 4, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-161]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 00-ANM-31]


Establishment of Class E Airspace, Bellingham, WA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E airspace at the surface of 
Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham, WA. Class E controlled 
airspace, above the surface of the earth, is required to contain 
aircraft executing procedures in the Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The 
effect of this action clarifies when two-way radio communication with 
Bellingham ATCT is required and to provide adequate Class E controlled 
airspace between the surface and the en route phase of flight for 
aircraft executing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at 
Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham, WA, when the Bellingham 
ATCT is closed. The FAA establishes Class E airspace where necessary to 
contain aircraft transitioning between the terminal and en route 
environments. The effect of this action is to provide adequate 
controlled airspace for IFR operations at Bellingham International 
Airport, Bellingham, WA.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 21, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Durham, ANM-520.7, Federal 
Aviation Administration, Docket No. 00-ANM-31, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone number: (425) 227-2527.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On August 14, 2001, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14 Code of 
Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR part 71) by establishing Class E 
airspace at Bellingham, WA, in order to provide a safer IFR environment 
at Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham, WA (66 FR 42618). This 
amendment established Class E2 surface area controlled airspace at 
Bellingham, WA, to contain IFR aircraft operating in the Bellingham 
terminal area during the hours when the Bellingham ATCT is closed. 
Interested parties were invited to participate in the rulemaking 
proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal. A comment 
was received from FAA, AVN-500. A discrepancy was found in the Airport 
Reference Point coordinates. This changes is reflected in the legal 
description. This change is considered to be an insignificant

The Rule

    This amendment to Title 41 Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 
CFR part 71) by establishing Class E controlled airspace at Bellingham, 
WA. Bellingham ATCT recently changed its operating hours to less than a 
24-hour-a-day operation. In the absence of the Class D airspace, Class 
E controlled airspace above the surface of the earth is required for 
aircraft executing IFR operations at Bellingham International Airport 
when the ATCT is closed. The FAA establishes Class E airspace where 
necessary to contain transitioning between the terminal and en route 
environments. This rule is designed to provide for the safe and 
efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight 
operations under IFR at the Bellingham International Airport and 
between the terminal and en route transition stages.
    The area will be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot 
reference. The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North 
American Datum 83. Class E airspace areas designated as surface areas, 
are published in Paragraph 6005, of FAA Order 7400.9J dated August 31, 
2001, and effective September 16, 2001, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in 
this document will be published subsequently in the Order.
    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; E.O. 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 the Federal 
Aviation Order 7400.9J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
dated August 31, 2001 and effective September 16, 2001, is amended as 
follows:

Paragraph 6002  Class E airspace designated as surface area for an 
airport.

* * * * *

ANM WA E2  Bellingham, WA [New]

Bellington International Airport
    (Lat. 48 deg.56'34" N., long. 122 deg.32'15" W.)
Whatcom VORTAC/CC
    (Lat. 48 deg.56'43" N., long. 122 deg.34'45" W.)

Within a 4-mile radius of Bellingham International Airport, and 
within the 1.8 miles each side of the Watchcom VORTAC 169 deg. 
radial extending north from the 4-mile radius of the Bellington 
International Airport to 2.7 miles south of the VORTAC. This Class E 
airspace is effective during specific dates and times established in 
advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will 
thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility 
Directory.

    Issued in Seattle, Washington, on December 26, 2001.
Daniel A. Boyle,
Assistant Manager, Air Traffic Division, Northwest Mountain Region.
[FR Doc. 02-161 Filed 1-3-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M