[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 28, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12065-12067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03835]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8503; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-11]


Amendment of Class D and E Airspace for the Following Texas 
Towns; Houston Sugar Land, TX; Alice, TX; Bay City, TX; Brenham, TX; 
Burnet, TX; Falfurrias, TX; Graford, TX; and Hamilton, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies Class D and Class E surface area airspace 
at Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX; and Class E 
airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Kingsville 
Kleberg County Airport, Alice, TX; Bay City Municipal Airport, Bay 
City, TX; Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham, TX; Burnet Municipal 
Airport-Kate Craddock Field, Burnet, TX; Brooks County Airport, 
Falfurrias, TX; Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX; and Hamilton 
Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX. Decommissioning of non-directional 
radio beacons (NDBs), cancellation of NDB approaches, and 
implementation of area navigation (RNAV) procedures have made this 
action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight 
Rules (IFR) operations at these airports. Additionally, the geographic 
coordinates at Bay City Municipal Airport, Brenham Municipal Airport, 
and Brooks County Airport, as well as the name of Sugar Land Regional 
Airport (formerly Sugar Land Municipal/Hull Field) are being adjusted 
to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. This action does not 
remove Class E airspace at Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, Austin, TX, as 
was proposed.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, April 27, 2017. The Director of the Federal 
Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1, 
Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of 
FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can 
contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: 202-267-8783. 
The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of 
FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5711.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 
describes 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 modifies Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace at 
Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX; and modifies Class 
E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at 
Kingsville Kleberg County Airport, Alice, TX; Bay City Municipal 
Airport, Bay City, TX; Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham, TX; Burnet 
Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, Burnet, TX; Brooks County 
Airport, Falfurrias, TX; Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX; and 
Hamilton Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX.

History

    On August 11, 2016, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), (81 FR 53091) Docket No. FAA-
2016-8503, to modify Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace 
at Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX; and modify 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at 
Kingsville Kleberg County Airport, Alice, TX; Bay City Municipal 
Airport, Bay City, TX; Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham, TX; Burnet 
Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, Burnet, TX; Brooks County 
Airport, Falfurrias, TX; Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX; and 
Hamilton Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX; and remove Class E at 
Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, Austin, TX.
    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. One 
(1) comment was received from an individual from Round Mountain, TX. In 
synopsis, the individual stated that: RNAV SIAPs \1\ were published in 
the Garmin 430W or available by printed photo copies; that Class E 
airspace to 700 AGL is critical to maintain cloud clearance at 
Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport; that if the SIAPs are removed, public 
procedures should be established; that many airmen have obtained 
published SIAPs through unapproved sources and do not possess a letter 
of authorization to utilize them; and that Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport 
need that protected airspace and approached to maintain a higher level 
of public safety and operational consistency.
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    \1\ Special instrument procedures are not published in 
accordance with 14 CFR part 97 and require specific FAA approval for 
use. FAA Order 8260.60, Chpt.2, 2-1-1.
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    Subsequent to the publication, the FAA found that special 
instrument approach procedures exist at Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport 
requiring the Class E airspace area extending upward from

[[Page 12066]]

700 feet above the surface that currently is in place for the safety 
and management of IFR operations. Thus, the proposed removal of Class E 
airspace at Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, Austin, TX, has been 
withdrawn from this action. The individual's remaining comments are 
outside the scope of this action.
    Class D and E airspace designations are published in paragraph 
5000, 6002, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11A, dated August 
3, 2016, and effective September 15, 2016, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and E airspace designations 
listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15, 
2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 modifies:
    Class D airspace from the surface to and including 2,600 feet MSL 
and Class E surface area airspace within a 5.8-mile radius (increased 
from a 4.2-mile radius) of Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar 
Land, TX, and updates the name of the airport (formerly Sugar Land 
Municipal/Hull Field) to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database;
    Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius (increased from a 6.5-mile radius) of 
Kingsville, Kleberg County Airport, Alice, TX, with an extension 
northwest of the airport from the 6.6-mile radius to 10.3 miles;
    Within a 6.5-mile radius (reduced from a 7-mile radius) of Bay City 
Municipal Airport, Bay City, TX, and updates the geographic coordinates 
of the airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database;
    Within a 6.5-mile radius (reduced from a 7.2-mile radius) of 
Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham TX, and updates the geographic 
coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical 
database;
    Within a 6.6-mile radius (reduced from a 6.7-mile radius) of the 
Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, Burnet, TX, and removes 
the extensions to the north and south of the airport;
    Within a 6.6-mile radius (reduced from a 6.7-mile radius) of Brooks 
County Airport, Falfurrias, TX, removes the extension to the south of 
the airport, updates the geographic coordinates of the airport to 
coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database, and removes the 
decommissioned Bay City NDB from the legal description;
    Within a 7.0-mile radius (increased from a 6.3-mile radius) of 
Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX, with extensions to the northeast 
of the airport from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles, and to the 
southwest of the airport from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles;
    And within a 6.5-mile radius (increased from a 6.4-mile radius) of 
Hamilton Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX, with extensions to the north 
of the airport from the 6.5-mile radius to 9.4 miles, and to the south 
of the airport from the 6.5-mile radius to 10.3 miles.
    Airspace reconfiguration is necessary due to the decommissioning of 
NDBs, cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of RNAV 
procedures at these airports and for the safety and management of 
standard instrument approach procedures for IFR operations at these 
airports.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    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, is 
non-controversial and unlikely to result in adverse or negative 
comments. 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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, does 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 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 5-6.5.a. This airspace action is not expected 
to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no 
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an 
environmental assessment.

Lists 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 Part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 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 FAA Order 7400.11A, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and 
effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

* * * * *

ASW TX D Houston Sugar Land, TX [Amended]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX
    (Lat. 29[deg]37'20'' N., long. 95[deg]39'24'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,600 feet MSL within a 5.8-mile radius of Sugar Land Regional 
Airport. 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 Chart Supplement (previously called Airport/Facility Directory).
* * * * *

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Designated as Surface Areas.

* * * * *

ASW TX E2 Houston Sugar Land, TX [Amended]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX
    (Lat. 29[deg]37'20'' N., long. 95[deg]39'24'' W.)

    Within a 5.8-mile radius of Sugar Land Regional Airport. This 
Class E airspace 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 Chart 
Supplement (previously called Airport/Facility Directory).
* * * * *

Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

* * * * *

[[Page 12067]]

ASW TX E5 Alice, TX [Amended]

Alice International Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]44'27'' N., long. 98[deg]01'37'' W.)
Orange Grove NALF, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]53'49'' N., long. 98[deg]02'37'' W.)
Navy Orange Grove TACAN
    (Lat. 27[deg]53'43'' N., long. 98[deg]02'33'' W.)
Kingsville, Kleberg County Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]33'03'' N., long. 98[deg]01'51'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 7.5-mile radius of Alice International Airport, and within 
2 miles each side of the 135[deg] bearing from Alice International 
Airport extending from the 7.5-mile radius to 9.8 miles southeast of 
the airport, and within a 7.2-mile radius of the Orange Grove NALF, 
and within 1.6 miles each side of the 129[deg] radial of the Navy 
Orange Grove TACAN extending from the 7.2-mile radius of the Orange 
Grove NALF to 11 miles southeast of the Orange Grove NALF, and 
within 1.5 miles each side of the 320[deg] radial of the Navy Orange 
Grove TACAN extending from the 7.2-mile radius of the Orange Grove 
NALF to 9.7 miles northwest of the Orange Grove NALF, and within a 
6.6-mile radius of Kleberg County Airport, and within 4.0 miles each 
side of the 320[deg] bearing from the Kleberg County Airport from 
the 6.6-mile radius to 10.3 miles northwest of the airport, 
excluding that airspace within the Corpus Christi, TX, Class E 
airspace area.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Bay City, TX [Amended]

Bay City Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 28[deg]58'24'' N., long. 95[deg]51'48'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Bay City Municipal Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Brenham, TX [Amended]

Brenham Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 30[deg]13'11'' N., long. 96[deg]22'28'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Brenham Municipal Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Burnet, TX [Amended]

Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, TX
    (Lat. 30[deg]44'20'' N., long. 98[deg]14'19'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius of Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock 
Field.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Falfurrias, TX [Amended]

Brooks County Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]12'22'' N., long. 98[deg]07'16'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius of Brooks County Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Graford, TX [Amended]

Possum Kingdom Airport, TX
    (Lat. 32[deg]55'24'' N., long. 98[deg]26'13'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 7.0-mile radius of Possum Kingdom Airport and within 4 
miles each side of the 031[deg] bearing from the airport extending 
from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles northeast of the airport, and 
within 4 miles each side of the 210[deg] bearing from the airport 
extending from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles southwest of the 
airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Hamilton, TX [Amended]

Hamilton Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 31[deg]39'57'' N., long. 98[deg]08'55'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Hamilton Municipal Airport, and within 2 
miles each side of the 009[deg] bearing from the airport extending 
from the 6.5-mile radius to 9.4 miles north of the airport, and 
within 2 miles each side of the 189[deg] bearing from the airport 
extending from the 6.5-mile radius to 10.3 miles south of the 
airport.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 8, 2017.
Walter Tweedy,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2017-03835 Filed 2-27-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P