[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45599-45607]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15567]



[[Page 45599]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20700; Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of Class C Airspace and Revocation of 
Class D Airspace, Orlando Sanford International Airport, FL; and 
Proposed Modification of the Orlando International Airport Class B 
Airspace Area, FL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class C airspace at the 
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), FL; revoke the existing 
Sanford, FL, Class D airspace area; and modify the existing Orlando 
International Airport (MCO), FL, Class B airspace area. The FAA is 
proposing this action to improve the flow of air traffic, enhance 
safety, and reduce the potential for midair collision in the Orlando, 
FL, terminal area.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management 
System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. You must identify FAA Docket 
No. FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8, at the beginning 
of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules, 
Office of System Operations and Safety, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for 
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2005-20700 and Airspace Docket No. 04-AWA-8.'' 
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified closing date 
for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed 
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of 
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for 
examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date 
for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with 
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRM's

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents 
can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov 
or the Federal Register's Web page at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An 
informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at 
the office of the Regional Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue College Park, GA 30337.
    Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future 
NPRM's should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, 
for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application 
procedure.

Background

    Currently, the Sanford Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) 
provides air traffic control (ATC) service to a varied mix of air 
carrier and other civil aircraft, including a dense volume of training 
traffic from the numerous flight schools located in the central Florida 
area. With the current Class D airspace configuration, the Sanford 
tower controller is required to take initial calls from inbound 
aircraft entering the traffic pattern and work departures out of the 
Class D airspace area. These tasks divert the controller's attention 
away from the busy runway operation. Consequently, delays and frequency 
congestion are problems, and runway incursions have been a concern at 
Sanford.
    In addition, Sanford air carrier arrivals currently enter and leave 
the Orlando International Airport Class B airspace area twice before 
entering the Sanford Class D airspace area. During this transition, 
encounters with unknown aircraft are common, resulting in vectors off 
course, traffic alert and collision advance system (TCAS) alerts, and/
or Near Midair Collision Reports. Further, the Sanford instrument 
landing system (ILS) glideslopes to runways 9L and 27R are both outside 
the current Orlando International Class B and Sanford Class D airspace 
areas until they reach a 4-mile final.
    The number of passenger enplanements at Sanford have increased 
above 600,000. This exceeds the FAA threshold criteria of 250,000 
enplanements for Class C airspace area candidacy. Based on this, in 
addition to the above mentioned problem areas, the projected growth of 
traffic at Sanford, and the need to enhance safety and reduce the 
potential for midair collisions in the Orlando terminal area, this 
proposal to establish the Sanford Class C airspace area was developed. 
A Class C airspace area at Sanford would keep instrument flight rules 
(IFR) aircraft arriving at Sanford in controlled airspace thus reducing 
traffic conflicts. In addition, the Sanford ATCT's workload would be 
reduced since the Orlando International Airport's Terminal Radar 
Approach Control (TRACON) would take over arrival sequencing 
responsibilities to the Sanford runway and would work all Sanford 
departures out of the proposed Class C airspace area. This would reduce 
Sanford Tower frequency congestion and enable the tower controller to 
focus on runway operations thereby increasing safety and efficiency.
    FAA policy requires that, before action is initiated to establish 
Class C

[[Page 45600]]

airspace, nonrulemaking alternatives that provide for an acceptable 
level of safety must be implemented. In compliance with that policy, a 
number of safety measures were implemented at Sanford and in the 
Orlando International Airport terminal area. Some of the safety 
measures that were implemented include: Sanford ATCT received Digital 
Bright Radar Indicator Tower Equipment radar in 1997; Operation Rain 
Check, a pilot-controller forum, is held yearly; controller groups 
attending local user meetings to discuss safety; Orlando TRACON 
established a procedure to keep large arriving aircraft at higher 
altitudes on downwind legs to avoid slower traffic; safety meetings 
with flight school operators resulted in preferred routings for COMAIR 
(now known as Delta Connection Academy) departures; standard visual 
flight rules (VFR) arrival areas were set up for flight school 
operations; Orlando Traffic Management implemented voluntary flow 
controls for flight school operations in the Orlando area; and 
introduced local use call signs and standard climb-out procedures for 
flight school aircraft. Although these procedures have enhanced safety 
at Sanford, their effectiveness is based on current traffic levels with 
little room to accommodate future growth. If established, the proposed 
Sanford Class C airspace area would replace the current Sanford Class D 
airspace area.
    In 1990, the FAA issued a final rule establishing the Orlando 
Terminal Control Area (TCA) at Orlando International Airport (55 FR 
9082). In 1993, the term ``TCA'' was replaced by ``Class B airspace 
area'' as a result of the Airspace Reclassification Final Rule (56 FR 
65638). The Orlando Class B airspace was last modified in 1999 to 
adjust several areas within the existing lateral boundaries of the 
Class B airspace (64 FR 42585).
    In 2004, a fourth runway (17L/35R) was commissioned at Orlando 
International Airport. As a result, the airport reference point (ARP) 
was shifted eastward affecting the published center point for the Class 
B airspace area. In addition, there is a need to further modify several 
areas within the Orlando International Airport Class B airspace to 
accommodate the proposed Sanford Class C airspace and to provide 
additional Class B airspace to ensure the containment of Orlando 
International Airport arrivals and departures. Operational experience 
with departures climbing off Orlando International to the west has 
shown areas of airspace in the Orlando terminal area that need to be 
brought into the Class B airspace area. Also, experience working air 
traffic north of Orlando Executive Airport, and near Sanford 
International Airport at low altitude, has shown that Class B airspace 
is not needed in those areas to support Orlando International Airport 
operations and that airspace can be released back to users. The 
proposed Orlando Class B airspace modifications would address these 
matters.

Pre-NPRM Public Input

    In 2002, the FAA initiated action to form an ad hoc committee to 
develop recommendations for designing a proposed Class C airspace at 
Sanford International Airport and for modifications to the Orlando 
Class B airspace. Participants in the committee included 
representatives from Sanford International, Orlando Executive, 
Kissimmee Gateway and Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch airports, AOPA, local 
Fixed Base Operators, and flight schools. Three ad hoc committee 
meetings were held. The first meeting was held at Sanford on January 
14, 2003; the second meeting was held on February 25, 2003, at 
Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM); and the third meeting was held at 
Orlando Executive Airport on March 23, 2003.
    As a result of the meetings, several operational procedures were 
developed and airspace modifications were incorporated into the 
proposed design. The Sanford Class C northern 10 nautical mile (NM) 
circle was changed to align with the current Orlando Class B airspace 
boundary. The proposed Class C airspace was modified to provide a 
cutout for Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch Airport (01FL). A draft letter of 
agreement was formulated to establish procedures and sterile routings 
out of the proposed Class C airspace, enabling VFR departures to stay 
with Sanford ATCT, if desired, and terminate ATC service at the 5-mile 
Class C airspace ring. Provisions were established to issue VFR codes 
to Orlando Executive Airport users on the ground. Finally, a VFR flyway 
east of Sanford International Airport below 3,000 feet outside the 
proposed Class C airspace was established.
    In addition, as announced in the Federal Register (68 FR 53925), 
informal airspace meetings were held on November 6, 2003, at the 
Sanford International Airport, Terminal A, Vigilante Room, Sanford, FL; 
and November 7, 2003, at the Orlando Airport Marriott Hotel, Orlando, 
FL. These meetings provided interested airspace users with an 
opportunity to present their views and offer suggestions regarding the 
planned establishment of the Sanford Class C airspace and modification 
of the Orlando Class B airspace. All comments received as a result of 
the informal airspace meetings, along with the recommendations made by 
the ad hoc committee, were considered in developing this proposal.

Analysis of Comments

    One commenter was concerned that the Sanford Class C airspace would 
result in the loss of an aerobatic practice box at Sanford. The FAA 
assures users that the aerobatic box would not change if the Sanford 
Class C airspace is implemented.
    Four commenters questioned whether ATC staffing levels were 
adequate at the Orlando TRACON and the Sanford ATCT to handle the 
additional Class C airspace workload. One commenter stated that 
staffing resources need further analysis. The FAA has determined that 
no additional staffing is required to support both the implementation 
of the Sanford Class C airspace and the modification of the Orlando 
Class B airspace.
    Three commenters stated that the planned runway extension and 
installation of a parallel ILS at Sanford should be completed prior to 
implementation of a Class C airspace area. The FAA does not agree. 
Sanford has several construction projects scheduled during the next 
three years. During construction, runway closures at Sanford will 
compress traffic to the open runways reducing airport capacity and 
contributing to delays. During runway closure periods, the Sanford ATCT 
controller will need to devote maximum focus on the open runways. Under 
the current Class D airspace configuration, the Sanford ATCT controller 
responds to initial call-ups from VFR inbound traffic, which occupies 
much of the controller's attention. With the proposed Class C airspace 
configuration, Sanford inbounds would initially call Orlando TRACON, 
thus enabling the Sanford ATCT controller to focus more attention on 
runway operations, reducing delays and increasing the level of runway 
safety. Therefore, the FAA believes that the proposed Class C airspace 
is needed in the interest of both safety and operational efficiency.
    One commenter contended that if the Class C airspace area is 
implemented, there should be a single, unified ATCT and TRACON at 
Sanford airport. The FAA does not agree. Orlando TRACON is fully 
capable of efficiently managing Sanford operations from its current 
location. In fact, many large and complex operations are worked from 
remote TRACONs such as Atlanta, New

[[Page 45601]]

York, Baltimore-Washington, DC, and Southern California.
    One commenter wrote that the local users were not adequately 
consulted during the development of the proposed Sanford Class C 
airspace establishment and Orlando Class B airspace modification. The 
FAA does not agree. An ad hoc committee was formed to develop 
recommendations to the FAA regarding the proposed design of the Class C 
airspace. Three ad hoc user meetings were held to solicit local input 
on the proposal. A number of issues were identified at these meetings 
and several recommendations have been incorporated into this proposal. 
In addition, as announced in the Federal Register (68 FR 53925, 
September 15, 2003), the FAA held Informal Airspace Meetings in the 
local area on November 6 and November 7, 2003 to inform users of the 
planned airspace changes and to gather facts and information relevant 
to the proposed airspace action. FAA representatives have also attended 
monthly user meetings at Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford 
International Airport and provided briefings on the Class C and Class B 
proposals. An internet link for user comments is advertised on the 
Orlando International Airport ATCT web page. Finally, this NPRM 
provides users with a 60-day period to submit comments or 
recommendations on the proposal. All comments received will be fully 
considered before the FAA makes its final determination on this 
proposal. The proposal may be changed in light of those comments.
    Four commenters indicated that the Sanford Class C airspace area 
would have an adverse economic impact on operations at Sanford. The 
cost of these operations would rise significantly because Class C 
airspace would result in increased air traffic delays both on the 
ground and in the air. The FAA does not agree. The Class C airspace 
area is expected to reduce Sanford delays. Current traffic routings and 
proposed Class C routings have been compared and it was found that the 
Class C airspace area would have minimal negative impact on users. 
Procedures for the proposed Class C airspace operation would allow 
Sanford users to continue flying as much as they do today. A minimal 
increase in flying distance (5 miles further west or east of Sanford) 
may be required for pilots transiting the area outside the proposed 
Class C and Class B airspace areas. Since Sanford International Airport 
already lies within the Orlando Class B airspace Mode C Veil, no 
additional aircraft equipment would be required as a result of the 
proposed airspace changes. Notwithstanding, the FAA is soliciting 
comments regarding possible economic impacts from this proposal.
    Two commenters stated that alternative airspace modifications 
should be evaluated before implementing Class C airspace. These 
commenters suggested that either the existing Sanford Class D airspace 
be extended outward beyond the Sanford final approach fixes, or the 
existing Orlando Class B airspace area be lowered to protect the 
Sanford final approach fixes, if needed. The FAA examined these 
alternatives and determined that they would not be suitable in this 
case. Class B airspace is designed to contain IFR operations at the 
primary airport (in this case, Orlando International). FAA Class B 
airspace design criteria requires that airspace over a satellite 
airport be excluded from the Class B area if it is not required for 
primary airport IFR operations. Expanding the MCO Class B airspace area 
over SFB as suggested would be overly restrictive for users. Extending 
the SFB Class D airspace beyond the final approach fixes would not 
resolve the SFB ATCT workload and frequency congestion issues discussed 
above.
    Two commenters expressed concerns that radio frequency congestion 
could result from the implementation of Class C airspace and that the 
FAA should ensure that the Orlando TRACON has additional frequencies 
available to handle the proposed Class C traffic volume. The FAA 
believes that frequency congestion will not be an issue. Orlando TRACON 
recently added another control sector and frequency, covering the 
Sanford area, to reduce radio frequency congestion and prepare Orlando 
TRACON for the additional traffic volume. With the Class C airspace 
area the Orlando TRACON would take over responsibility for sequencing 
Sanford arrivals and would work all departures out of the proposed 
airspace. As a result, the Sanford ATCT local control frequency 
congestion would be reduced. Additionally, the Sanford ATCT clearance 
delivery position will be open during all busy periods, reducing 
congestion on the Sanford ATCT ground control frequency.
    Several commenters stated that, if the Sanford Class C airspace 
area is established, the current practice of issuing transponder codes 
on the ground for VFR aircraft at Orlando Executive Airport should be 
continued.
    The FAA agrees. Procedures are now in place to issue codes, upon 
request, to VFR pilots on a permanent basis.
    Four commenters raised various issues regarding the airspace design 
reflected in the proposal. Two commenters believed that an overall 
evaluation of the Orlando terminal area airspace should take place. 
Another commenter stated that the east-west VFR corridor between 
Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford International Airport creates 
compression and puts aircraft near tall towers and practice areas. This 
commenter suggested that VFR waypoints be considered to assist pilots 
circumnavigating the complex Orlando terminal area and to identify 
entry and exit points on VFR corridors. The commenter also stated that 
there may be a need to redefine the areas within the Orlando TRACON's 
airspace to minimize frequency hand-offs.
    Regarding an evaluation of the Orlando area airspace, such a review 
has been conducted in association with this proposal. The proposed 
design also reflects modifications made to accommodate user requests. 
Additionally, FAA directives require that Class B and Class C airspace 
be re-evaluated every two years to determine if any modifications 
should be made. Regarding concerns about the east-west corridor, 
located between the Orlando Executive Airport and Sanford, this 
proposal would widen the corridor (with its 2,000 feet mean sea level 
(MSL)) ceiling by approximately 3 NM. This would increase the amount of 
airspace available for VFR aircraft to transit while remaining outside 
of Class B and Class C airspace. The FAA agrees with the suggestion for 
additional VFR waypoints and these will be developed for the area. 
Regarding the issue of frequency changes, Orlando TRACON is developing 
procedures and designing its airspace sectors to minimize the need for 
frequency changes.
    Several commenters questioned the validity of Sanford's candidacy 
for Class C airspace. One commenter wrote that Sanford does not have 
enough passenger carrying flights to qualify. Another wrote that 
General Aviation makes up the large majority of operations at Sanford 
and those users oppose the Class C airspace area. This commenter also 
believed that the Near Midair Collision (NMAC) and Traffic Alert and 
Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (RA) data utilized in 
the study were not valid. A third commenter said that traffic count 
figures should be re-evaluated based on today's trends.
    The FAA does not agree. For an airport to be considered as a 
candidate for Class C airspace, it must be served by an operational 
airport traffic control tower and a radar approach control. In 
addition, the airport must meet one of the following: (a) An annual 
instrument

[[Page 45602]]

operations count of 75,000 at the primary airport; (b) an annual 
instrument operations count of 100,000 at the primary and secondary 
airports in the terminal area hub; or (c) an annual count of 250,000 
enplaned passengers at the primary airport. Sanford qualifies as a 
Class C candidate based on its enplaned passenger count. In calendar 
year 2003 (the latest year for which validated counts are available), 
Sanford enplanements totaled 619,894; well above the candidacy 
criteria. Regarding NMAC and RA data, the reports cited in the staff 
study were submitted officially and met the required criteria. It 
should be noted that such information is but one of many factors that 
are considered when conducting an analysis of a Class C airspace 
candidate airport. A review of current traffic counts and trends at 
Sanford indicate steady growth.
    One commenter stated that the proposed Sanford Class C airspace 
area would have a significant and potentially adverse effect on Orlando 
Executive Airport; therefore, it should only be considered if the best 
interest of safety requires it. The commenter further stated that, if 
Class C airspace is designated at Sanford, Orlando Executive Airport 
should also have a Class C airspace area. Another commenter wrote that 
the Orlando Executive Airport has a greater need for a Class C airspace 
area than Sanford.
    The FAA does not believe that the Sanford Class C airspace would 
result in delays in the Orlando Executive Airport traffic. The proposed 
Sanford Class C airspace would not degrade ATC services provided to the 
users of the Orlando Executive Airport. The airspace classification at 
the Orlando Executive Airport is being evaluated by the FAA as a 
separate issue from this proposed rulemaking action.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish Class C airspace and revoke 
the existing Class D airspace at Sanford International Airport, FL. In 
addition, the FAA is proposing to modify the Orlando International 
Airport Class B airspace to accommodate the Sanford Class C airspace; 
update the Orlando International Airport ARP coordinates in the Class B 
airspace legal description; provide additional Class B airspace to 
accommodate the new runway at Orlando International; and ensure that 
Orlando International arrival and departure traffic remains within 
Class B airspace. The specifics of this proposed action (depicted on 
the attached chart) are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Proposed Orlando Sanford International Airport Class C Airspace

    The proposed Sanford Class C airspace area would be described as 
follows:
    That airspace extending upward from the surface to but not 
including 3,000 feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of the Sanford 
International Airport (SFB), excluding that airspace from the surface 
to but not including 700 feet MSL in the vicinity of Cedar Knoll Flying 
Ranch Airport within the area beginning at lat.28[deg]50'00'' N., long. 
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence clockwise along the SFB 5-mile radius arc to 
lat. 28[deg]43'20'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the 
point of beginning; and that airspace extending upward from 1,300 feet 
MSL to but not including 3,000 feet MSL within the area beginning 
northeast of the primary airport at the intersection of the SFB 10-mile 
radius arc and lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., then clockwise along the SFB 10-
mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., then west along lat. 
28[deg]41'36'' N. to the intersection of the SFB 10-mile radius arc, 
then clockwise along the SFB 10-mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]53'00'' 
N., then east along lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., to the point of beginning.
    The SFB Class C airspace area would be effective during times when 
the Orlando Sanford International ATCT is in operation. These times 
would be published in the Airport/Facility Directory.
    If the Sanford Class C airspace is established, it would replace 
the existing Sanford Class D airspace area, which would be revoked.

Orlando International Airport Class B Airspace

    The FAA is proposing to modify several areas within the Orlando 
Class B airspace to accommodate the proposed Sanford Class C airspace 
area; reflect the adjustment of the Orlando International Airport ARP 
as a result of the commissioning of the fourth runway at Orlando 
International; and provide additional Class B airspace to accommodate 
the new runway and to ensure that Orlando International Airport 
arrivals and departures are contained within Class B airspace. The 
existing outer boundaries of the Orlando Class B airspace area would 
remain unchanged by these modifications.
    The following describes the proposed revisions to the Orlando Class 
B airspace area:
    Area A. Area A would be recentered on lat. 28[deg]25'46'' N., long. 
81[deg]18'32'' W. This represents a shift of Area A slightly to the 
east to recenter the area on the revised Orlando International Aiport 
ARP, which was adjusted due to the addition of the fourth runway at 
Orlando International.
    Area B. The eastern boundary of Area B would be shifted 
approximately 1 NM east to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. to accommodate the 
new Orlando International Airport runway.
    Area C. The section of Area C in the vicinity of Sanford 
International Airport would be removed and replaced by the Sanford 
Class C airspace area up to but not including 3,000 feet MSL, and by 
Area E from 3,000 feet MSL up to and including 10,000 feet MSL. Area C 
in the vicinity of Orlando Executive Airport would be reduced in size. 
The airspace removed from Area C to the west, north, and northeast of 
Orlando Executive Airport would be incorporated into Area D with its 
higher Class B airspace floor of 2,000 feet MSL. This change would 
increase the amount of airspace available to VFR aircraft allowing them 
to utilize that area below 2,000 feet and remain outside of Class B 
airspace. Also, the eastern boundary of the Area C segments located to 
the north and south of Orlando International Airport would be modified 
by moving the eastern boundary one degree east to long. 81[deg]10'00'' 
W. to accommodate the new runway.
    Area D. Area D would be expanded in size in the vicinity of Orlando 
Executive Airport by incorporating the airspace removed from Area C, as 
described above. This change would raise the floor of Class B airspace 
in the affected area from 1,600 feet MSL to 2,000 feet MSL, providing 
additional VFR flyway airspace between Sanford International Airport 
and Orlando Executive Airport while still protecting Orlando 
International Airport arrivals. Also, the eastern boundary of Area D 
would be moved eastward to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. to accommodate the 
new runway at Orlando International Airport.
    Area E. The boundary of Area E to the east of Olando International, 
currently defined by long. 81[deg]11'00'' W., would be moved eastward 
one degree to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. This modification accommodates 
the new Orlando International Airport runway. Additionally, Area E 
would be expanded in the vicinity of Sanford so that Area E would 
overlie the Sanford Class C airspace area and incorporate the airspace 
from 3,000 feet MSL up to and including 10,000 feet MSL over Sanford, 
that was formerly in Area C. Also, the southern boundary of Area E, 
located to the south of Sanford, would be moved further south by 
approximately 2.5 NM to align it with

[[Page 45603]]

the southern boundary of the Sanford Class C airspace area, along lat. 
28[deg]41'36'' N.
    Area F. That airspace described as Area F in the existing Orlando 
Class B airspace area would be renamed ``Area G.'' A new Area F would 
be inserted to the west of Orlando International, adjacent to, and west 
of, Area D and Area E. This new Area F would consist of that airspace 
located between long, 81[deg]27'30'' W. and long. 81[deg]32'00'' W., 
and bounded by the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius on the south, and by lat. 
28[deg]53'00'' N., on the north. The floor of the new Area F would be 
set at 4,000 feet MSL instead of the 6,000 feet MSL floor in the 
existing Area F. The lower floor provided by the new Area F would 
ensure that departures climbing westbound off MCO and arrivals on 
downwind leg for landing at Orlando International remain within Class B 
airspace.
    Area G. The remaining sections of the existing Area F would be 
renamed Area G as a result of the addition of a new Area F, described 
above.
    Implementation of the proposed Sanford Class C airspace area and 
the modifications to the Orlando Class B airspace area would enhance 
the safe and efficient use of airspace and reduce the potential for 
midair collision in the Orlando terminal area.

Regulatory Evaluation Summary

    Changes to Federal Regulations must undergo several economic 
analyses. First, Executive Order 12866 directs that each Federal agency 
shall propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned determination 
that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its costs. Second, 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to analyze the 
economic effect of regulatory changes on small businesses and other 
small entities. Third, the Office of Management and Budget directs 
agencies to assess the effect of regulatory changes on international 
trade. In conducting these analyses, the FAA has determined that this 
proposed rule: (1) Would generate benefits that justify its minimal 
costs and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in the 
Executive Order; (2) is not significant as defined in the Department of 
Transportation's Regulatory Policies and Procedures; (3) would not have 
a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities; (4) 
would not constitute a barrier to international trade; and (5) would 
not contain any Federal intergovernmental or private sector mandate. 
These analyses are summarized here in the preamble, and the full 
Regulatory Evaluation is in the docket.
    The FAA proposes to change the Orlando Class B and the Orlando 
Sanford Airport Class D airspace areas. The Orlando Class B airspace 
area modification would maintain the 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) 
airspace ceiling and redefine the lateral limits of several of the 
existing subareas to improve the management of air traffic operations 
in the Orlando terminal area. The Orlando Sanford Airport Class D 
airspace area upgrade to a Class C airspace area would lower the 
airspace area from 3,000 to 1,600 feet MSL and would include a radius 
of 4.4 NM from the Orlando Sanford Airport up to but not including 
1,600 feet MSL.
    The FAA has determined that the changes to the Orlando 
International Airport Class B and the Orlando Sanford International 
Airport Class D airspace areas would improve the operational efficiency 
while maintaining aviation safety in the terminal area. Also, clearer 
boundary definition and changes to lateral and vertical limits of some 
subareas would provide additional airspace for use by VFR aircraft 
transitioning to and from satellite airports. This proposal would 
impose only negligible costs on airspace users and could potentially 
reduce circumnavigation costs to some operators.
    The proposed rule would result in negligible additional 
administrative costs to the FAA and no additional operational costs for 
personnel or equipment to the agency. Notices would be sent to pilots 
within a 100-mile radius of the Orlando International Airport at an 
estimated cost of $2,900.00 for postage. Printing of aeronautical 
charts which reflect the changes to the Class B and Class C airspace 
areas would be accomplished during a scheduled chart printing, and 
would result in no additional costs for plate modification and updating 
of charts. Furthermore, no staffing changes would be required to 
maintain the modified Class B airspace area and the upgraded Class D 
airspace area. Potential increase in FAA operations workload could be 
absorbed by current personnel and equipment.
    In view of the negligible cost of compliance, enhanced aviation 
safety, and improved operational efficiency, the FAA has determined 
that the proposed rule would be cost-beneficial.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Determination

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 establishes ``as a principle 
of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor, consistent with 
the objective of the rule and of applicable statutes, to fit regulatory 
and informational requirements to the scale of the business, 
organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to regulation.'' 
To achieve that principal, the Act requires agencies to solicit and 
consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the rational for 
their actions. The Act covers a wide-range of small entities, including 
small businesses, not-for-profit organizations and small governmental 
jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a proposed or 
final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. If the determination is that it will, the 
agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA) as 
described in the Act.
    However, if an agency determines that a proposed or final rule is 
not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities, section 605(b) of the 1980 act provides that 
the head of the agency may so certify and an RFA is not required. The 
certification must include a statement providing the factual basis for 
this determination, and the reasoning should be clear.
    The FAA has determined that the proposed rule would have a de 
minimus impact on small entities. All commercial and general aviation 
operators who presently use the Orlando International Airport are 
equipped to operate within the modified Class B airspace area. As for 
aircraft that regularly fly through the Orlando Sanford Airport Class D 
airspace area, since the airport is situated within the established 
Orlando Mode C Veil, all aircraft should already have the necessary 
equipment to transition the modified Class B airspace area. Therefore, 
there would be no additional equipment cost to these entities.
    Accordingly, pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
605(b), the Federal Aviation Administration certifies that this rule 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. The FAA solicits comments from affected entities with 
respect to this finding and determination.

International Trade Impact Assessment

Trade Impact Assessment

    The Trade Agreement Act of 1979 prohibits Federal agencies from 
establishing any standards or engaging in related activities that 
create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United 
States.

[[Page 45604]]

Legitimate domestic objectives, such as safety, are not considered 
unnecessary obstacles. The statute also requires consideration of 
international standards and, where appropriate, that they be the basis 
for U.S. standards. The FAA has assessed the potential effect of this 
(proposed/final) rule and determined that it would have only a domestic 
impact and therefore no affect on any trade-sensitive activity.

Unfunded Mandates Assessment

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (the Act) is intended, 
among other things, to curb the practice of imposing unfunded Federal 
mandates on State, local, and tribal governments. Title II of the Act 
requires each Federal agency to prepare a written statement assessing 
the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency rule 
that may result in an expenditure of $100 million or more (adjusted 
annually for inflation) in any one year by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate 
is deemed to be a ``significant regulatory action.'' The FAA currently 
uses an inflation-adjusted value of $120.7 million in lieu of $100 
million.
    This proposed rule does not contain such a mandate. The 
requirements of Title II do not apply.

Conclusion

    In view of the minimal cost of compliance of the proposed rule, 
compared to the improvements to operational efficiency without reducing 
aviation safety, the FAA has determined that the proposed rule would be 
cost-beneficial.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

    1. The authority citation for 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 FAA Order 
7400.9M, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30, 
2004, and effective September 16, 2004, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 3000--Class B Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO FL B Orlando, FL [Revised]

Orlando International Airport (Primary Airport) (MCO)
    (Lat. 28[deg]25'46'' N., long. 81[deg]18'32'' W.)
Orlando VORTAC (ORL)
    (Lat. 28[deg]32'34'' N., long. 81[deg]20'06'' W.)

Boundaries

    Area A--That airspace extending upward from the surface to and 
including 10,000 feet MSL within a 5 NM radius from the MCO.
    Area B--That airspace extending upward from 900 feet MSL to and 
including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the intersection 
of State Road (S.R.) 423 (John Young Parkway SW of ORL VORTAC) and 
Interstate 4, thence northeast along Interstate 4 to the 
intersection of Interstate 4 and S.R. 441 (Orange Blossom Trail), 
thence direct to the intersection of Lake Underhill Road and Palmer 
Street, thence east along Lake Underhill Road to the intersection of 
Lake Underhill Road and the Central Florida Greenway (S.R. 417), 
thence direct to lat. 28[deg]29'22'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W. 
(the Stanton Power Plant), thence south to the intersection of the 
ORL VORTAC 14-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 
14-mile radius arc to the intersection of S.R. 423, thence north 
along S.R. 423 to the point of beginning.
    Area C--That airspace extending upward from 1,600 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the 
intersection of Interstate 4 and the Orlando Executive Airport Class 
D airspace 4.2 mile radius arc (lat. 28[deg]30'35'' N., long. 
81[deg]24'02'' W.), thence clockwise on the Orlando Executive 
Airport 4.2-mile radius to University Blvd., thence east on 
University Blvd. to the intersection of S.R. 434, thence east on 
lat. 28[deg]35'50'' N. to long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence south to 
lat. 28[deg]29'22'' N., thence northwest direct to the intersection 
of Lake Underhill Road and Central Florida Greenway (S.R. 417), 
thence west along Lake Underhill Road to the intersection of Palmer 
Street, thence southwest to the point of beginning. Also, that 
airspace south of the primary airport extending upward from 1,600 
feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at the point of 
intersection of long. 81[deg]24'06'' W., and the ORL VORTAC 14-mile 
radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL VORTAC 14-mile 
radius arc to the intersection of long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence 
south to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, 
thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to long. 
81[deg]24'06'' W., thence north to the point of beginning.
    Area D--That airspace extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the 
intersection of Interstate 4 and long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence 
north to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., thence east to long. 81[deg]10'00'' 
W., thence south to lat. 28[deg]35'50'' N., thence west to the 
intersection of S.R. 434 and University Blvd., thence west on 
University Blvd. to the Orlando Executive Airport 4.2-mile radius 
arc, thence counterclockwise on the Orlando Executive Airport 4.2-
mile radius arc to the intersection of Interstate 4, southwest of 
the ORL VORTAC, thence west on Interstate 4 to the intersection of 
S.R. 423, thence south along S.R. 423 to the intersection of the ORL 
VORTAC 14-mile radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL 
VORTAC 14-mile radius arc to long. 81[deg]24'06'' W., thence south 
to the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, thence 
clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to the 
intersection of long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence north to the point 
of beginning.
    Area E--That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at a point of the 
intersection of lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., 
thence north to the intersection of lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., thence 
east to the intersection of the MCO Mode C Veil 30-NM radius arc, 
thence southeast along the MCO Mode C Veil 30-NM radius arc to the 
intersection of the power lines at lat. 28[deg]50'20'' N., thence 
southeast along these power lines to lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., thence 
west to long. 81[deg]05'09'' W., thence south along the Florida 
Power transmission lines to the intersection of Highway 50 at lat. 
28[deg]32'10'' N., long. 81[deg]03'35'' W., thence south to the Bee 
Line Expressway at lat. 28[deg]27'05'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45'' W., 
thence west along the Bee Line Expressway to the intersection of 
lat. 28[deg]27'00'' N., long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., thence south to the 
intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc, thence clockwise 
along the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc to long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., 
thence north on long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., to the intersection of the 
ORL VORTAC 20-mile radius arc, thence counterclockwise along the ORL 
VORTAC 20-mile radius arc to the intersection of long. 
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the intersection of lat. 
28[deg]41'36'' N., thence west to the point of beginning.
    Area F--That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning south of the primary airport 
at the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long. 
81[deg]27'30'' W., thence clockwise along the ORL VORTAC 30-mile 
radius arc to long. 81[deg]32'00'' W., thence north to lat. 
28[deg]53'00'' N., thence east to long. 81[deg]27'30'' W., thence 
south to the point of beginning.
    Area G--That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to 
and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning south of the primary airport 
at the intersection of the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius arc and long. 
81[deg]32'00'' W., thence clockwise on the ORL VORTAC 30-mile radius 
arc to the intersection of Highway 27, thence north along Highway 27 
to the intersection of Highway 27 and long. 81[deg]45'00'' W., 
thence north along long. 81[deg]45'00'' W., to the intersection of 
the ORL VORTAC 24-mile radius arc, thence clockwise along the ORL 
VORTAC 24-mile radius arc to the intersection of lat. 28[deg]53'00'' 
N., thence east to the intersection of long. 81[deg]32'00'' W., 
thence south to the point of beginning. Also that airspace extending 
upward from 6,000

[[Page 45605]]

feet MSL to and including 10,000 feet MSL beginning at the Florida 
Power transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long. 
81[deg]05'20'' W., thence east along lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N. to the 
Florida Power transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]41'36'' N., long. 
80[deg]54'00'' W., thence southeast and south along these power 
lines to the intersection of Highway 50, thence south to the power 
lines at lat. 28[deg]22'14'' N., long. 80[deg]52'30'' W., thence 
southwest along these power lines to the intersection of long. 
81[deg]04'40'' W., thence north along long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., to 
the intersection of the Bee Line Expressway at lat. 28[deg]27'00'' 
N., long. 81[deg]04'40'' W., thence east along the Bee Line 
Expressway to lat. 28[deg]27'05'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45'' W., 
thence north to the intersection of Highway 50 and the Florida Power 
transmission lines at lat. 28[deg]32'10'' N., long. 81[deg]03'45'' 
W., thence north along these power lines to the point of beginning.
* * * * *

Paragraph 4000 Class C Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO FL C Sanford, FL [New]

Orlando Sanford International Airport (Primary Airport)
    (Lat. 28[deg]46'40'' N., long. 81[deg]14'15'' W.)
Cedar Knoll Flying Ranch Airport (Private Airport)
    (Lat. 28[deg]46'55'' N., long. 81[deg]09'33'' W.)
    That airspace extending upward from the surface to but not 
including 3,000 feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of the Orlando 
Sanford International Airport (SFB), excluding that airspace, from 
the surface to but not including 700 feet MSL in the vicinity of 
Cedar Knoll Airport, within the area beginning at lat. 
28[deg]50'00'' N., long. 81[deg]10'00'' W., thence clockwise along 
the SFB 5-mile radius arc to lat. 28[deg]43'20'' N., long. 
81[deg]10'00'' W., thence north to the point of beginning; and that 
airspace extending upward from 1,300 feet MSL to but not including 
3,000 feet MSL within the area beginning northeast of the primary 
airport at the SFB 10-mile radius arc and lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., 
thence clockwise along the SFB 10-mile radius arc to lat 
28[deg]41'36'' N., thence west bound to the intersection of the SFB 
10-mile radius arc, thence clockwise on the SFB 10-mile radius arc 
to lat. 28[deg]53'00'' N., thence east to the point of beginning. 
This Class C airspace area is effective during the specific days and 
hours of operation of the Orlando Sanford International Airport 
Tower as established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective 
dates and times will thereafter be continuously published in the 
Airport/Facility Directory.
* * * * *

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO FL D Sanford, FL [Remove]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington DC, on July 29, 2005.
Edith V. Parish,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules.
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[FR Doc. 05-15567 Filed 8-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C