[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 19, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7917-7918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3964]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2003-14369; Airspace Docket No. 03-AWA-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revision of Prohibited Area P-49 Crawford; TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies Prohibited Area 49 (P-49), over the 
President of the United States' residence at Crawford, TX. The FAA is 
modifying this airspace to enhance security in the immediate vicinity 
of the presidential residence, and to assist the United States Secret 
Service (USSS) in accomplishing its mission of providing security for 
the President of the United States.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, May 15, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Rohring, 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: 

History

    On January 6, 2003, the USSS requested that the FAA modify the 
current description of P-49, to enhance the level of security provided 
for the President. Specifically, the USSS requested that we relocate 
the center of the prohibited area.
    Under the provision of Sec.  73.83 of Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 (part 73), no person may operate an 
aircraft within that area without permission from the using agency. 
This action responds to that request.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 modifies P-49, Crawford, TX. 
Currently, the prohibited area extends from the surface to 5,000 feet 
above mean sea level (MSL) within a 3-nautical mile (NM) radius of 
latitude 31[deg]34'57'' N., longitude 97[deg]32'37'' W. This action 
relocates the center of the prohibited area approximately one-half 
nautical mile east-southeast of its current location to latitude 
31[deg]34'45'' N., longitude 97[deg]32'00'' W. This action is a minor 
modification of the center coordinates for the airspace area. Flight 
within this area is prohibited unless permission is obtained from the 
using agency. Because of the immediate need to enhance the security of 
the President, I find that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b) are impracticable.
    Section 73.89 of 14 CFR part 73 was republished in FAA Order 
7400.8K, dated September 26, 2002.
    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, when promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1D, Policies and Procedures for Considering 
Environmental Impacts. This airspace action is not expected to cause 
any potentially significant environmental impacts, no extraordinary 
circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental 
assessment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

[[Page 7918]]

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

    1. The authority citation for part 73 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.  73.89  [Amended]

    2. Sec.  73.89 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
P-49 Crawford, TX [Amended]

By removing ``Boundaries. That airspace within a 3 NM radius of lat. 
31[deg]34'57'' N., long. 97[deg]32'37'' W.,'' and substituting 
``Boundaries. That airspace within a 3 NM radius of lat. 31[deg]34'45'' 
N., long. 97[deg]32'00'' W.,'' in its place.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 6, 2003.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 03-3964 Filed 2-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P