[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70051-70053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29122]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0496; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-6]


Establishment of Class D and Amendment of Class E Airspace; Los 
Angeles, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action establishes Class D airspace at Los Angeles 
International Airport, Los Angeles, CA. Controlled airspace is 
necessary to contain potential missed approaches at Los Angeles 
International Airport. This action enhances the safety and management 
of aircraft operations at the airport. This action also edits Class E 
airspace by adding the geographic coordinates and the airport name to 
the airspace designation.

DATES: Effective date, 0901 UTC, December 15, 2011. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this

[[Page 70052]]

incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the 
annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming 
amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone (425) 203-4537.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    On June 17, 2011, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking to amend controlled airspace at Los 
Angeles, CA (76 FR 35369). Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal to the FAA. The FAA received four comments.
    One commenter had concerns about losing their hang gliding training 
area. While there is no change to existing hang gliding operations, a 
Letter of Agreement between Los Angeles Air Traffic Control Tower and 
hang gliding operators will be initiated once the rule is adopted.
    Two commenters are opposed in general to the establishment of Class 
D airspace adjacent to Los Angeles Class B airspace. As proposed, the 
Class D design area is intended to minimize the airspace reclassified, 
yet contain potential operations at Los Angeles International Airport, 
and is of sufficient size to allow for safe and efficient handling of 
these operations.
    One commenter had several concerns and suggestions; one suggestion 
was to pursue non-rulemaking alternatives. Two concerns were that 
published missed approach procedures are not used because they conflict 
with other aircraft and operations; and alternate missed approach 
procedures are ``ad-hoc'' procedures. Firstly, the FAA considered non-
rulemaking solutions but found they did not provide the equivalent 
level of safety as would Class D airspace. Secondly, both standard and 
alternate missed approach procedures are used as appropriate to ensure 
the safety of arriving and departing aircraft. Alternate missed 
approach instructions may be required in addition to published missed 
approach procedures to ensure that during unplanned missed approaches 
or unusual traffic situations, aircraft remain safely separated.
    The commenter was also concerned that the proposal does not address 
all Los Angeles International Airport Class B airspace containment 
issues. The Los Angeles Class B airspace area is currently under review 
to specifically address aircraft containment issues. The Class D 
proposal has been designed to address specific safety concerns 
involving large turbojet aircraft operations in Class E airspace 
adjacent to Los Angles International Airport. Currently, non-
participating aircraft may fly in close proximity to arriving and 
departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft in this Class E 
airspace. The establishment of the Los Angeles International Airport 
Class D airspace area may be incorporated into the future Los Angeles 
Class B airspace design proposal.
    Another concern was frequency congestion. The FAA found that pilot, 
controller workload and frequency congestion are not impacted by this 
proposal as all alternate missed approach instructions currently 
require this communication. Also of concern was that the FAA pursues a 
full review, including a redesign of the Los Angeles Class B airspace. 
The FAA agrees that a redesign of the Los Angeles Class B airspace area 
may provide a unified airspace utilization solution in the Los Angeles 
Basin. This redesign will be pursued in accordance with Joint Order 
(JO) 7400.2H, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, as part of the 
ongoing Los Angeles Basin airspace review.
    This action also amends Class E airspace to include the airport 
name and geographic coordinates in the airspace designation. With the 
exception of editorial changes, this rule is the same as that proposed 
in the NPRM.
    Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in 
paragraphs 5000 and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9V dated 
August 9, 2011, and effective September 15, 2011, which is incorporated 
by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and Class E airspace 
designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in 
that Order.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
Part 71 by establishing Class D airspace at Los Angeles International 
Airport, Los Angeles, CA, for containment of potential missed 
approaches at Los Angeles International Airport. This action is based 
on the results of a study conducted by the Los Angeles VFR Task Force, 
and the Los Angeles Class B Workgroup. This action further enhances the 
safety and management of aircraft operations at the airport. This 
action also amends Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet 
above the surface by adding ``Los Angeles International Airport, CA'' 
and ``lat. 33[deg]56'33'' N., long. 118[deg]24'26'' W.'' to the 
airspace designation.
    The FAA has determined 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 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. The FAA's authority to 
issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the U.S. 
Code. Subtitle 1, Section 106 discusses the authority of the FAA 
Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more 
detail the scope of the agency's authority. This rulemaking is 
promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, 
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with 
prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to 
ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This 
regulation is within the scope of that authority as it establishes 
additional controlled airspace at Los Angeles International Airport, 
Los Angeles, CA.

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, B, C, D AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
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]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9V, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 9, 2011, and effective

[[Page 70053]]

September 15, 2011 is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace.

* * * * *

AWP CA D Los Angeles, CA [New]

Los Angeles International Airport, CA
    (Lat. 33[deg]56'33'' N., long. 118[deg]24'26'' W.)
Santa Monica Municipal Airport, CA
    (Lat. 34[deg]00'57'' N., long. 118[deg]27'05'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,700 feet MSL bounded by a line beginning at lat. 33[deg]57'42'' 
N., long. 118[deg]27'23'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]58'18'' N., long. 
118[deg]26'24'' W.; then via the 2.7-mile radius of the Santa Monica 
Municipal Airport counterclockwise to lat. 34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 
118[deg]24'02'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 118[deg]22'58'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]57'42'' N., long. 118[deg]22'10'' W., thence to 
the point of beginning. That airspace extending upward from the 
surface to and including 2,500 feet MSL bounded by a line beginning 
at lat. 33[deg]55'50'' N., long. 118[deg]22'06'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]54'16'' N., long. 118[deg]24'17'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]52'47'' 
N., long. 118[deg]26'22'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]55'51'' N., long. 
118[deg]26'05'' W., thence to the point of beginning. This Class D 
airspace area is effective during the 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.

Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 
feet or more above the surface of the earth.

* * * * *

AWP CA E5 Los Angeles, CA [Amended]

Los Angeles International Airport, CA
    (Lat. 33[deg]56'33'' N., long. 118[deg]24'26''W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
bounded by a line beginning at lat. 34[deg]05'00'' N., long. 
118[deg]33'03'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]05'00'' N., long. 118[deg]15'03'' 
W.; to lat. 34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 118[deg]15'03'' W.; to lat. 
34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 118[deg]07'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]56'00'' 
N., long. 118[deg]07'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]56'00'' N., long. 
117[deg]53'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]46'00'' N., long. 117[deg]45'03'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]39'00'' N., long. 117[deg]30'03'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]30'00'' N., long. 117[deg]30'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]30'00'' 
N., long. 117[deg]45'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]42'00'' N., long. 
118[deg]09'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]42'00'' N., long. 118[deg]26'03'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]48'00'' N., long. 118[deg]26'03'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]53'00'' N., long. 118[deg]33'03'' W., thence to the point of 
beginning. That airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the 
surface bounded by a line beginning at lat. 34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 
119[deg]05'03'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]00'00'' N., long. 118[deg]33'03'' 
W.; to lat. 34[deg]05'00'' N., long. 118[deg]33'03'' W.; to lat. 
34[deg]05'00'' N., long. 117[deg]59'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]56'00'' 
N., long. 117[deg]59'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]56'00'' N., long. 
117[deg]53'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]46'00'' N., long. 117[deg]45'03'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]39'00'' N., long. 117[deg]30'03'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]30'00'' N., long. 117[deg]30'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]30'00'' 
N., long. 118[deg]34'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]28'30'' N., long. 
118[deg]34'03'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]28'30'' N., long. 119[deg]07'03'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]52'03'' N., long. 119[deg]07'02'' W., thence to 
the point of beginning.

    Issued in Seattle, Washington, on November 2, 2011.
Robert Henry,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center
[FR Doc. 2011-29122 Filed 11-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P