[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14576-14579]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06750]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0178; Airspace Docket No. 17-AWA-3]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Class B Airspace Description; St. Louis, MO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This action amends the description of the St. Louis, MO, Class 
B airspace area by changing the references for defining the center 
point of the airspace from the Cardinal VHF Omnidirectional Range/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) to ``Point of Origin'' due to 
the planned decommissioning of the Cardinal, MO, VOR/DME. The St. Louis 
Class B airspace description is edited further to update the St. Louis 
Lambert International Airport name, St. Charles County Smartt Airport 
name, and airport reference point (ARP) geographic coordinates for the 
airports to match the current information in the FAA's aeronautical 
database. The Creve Coeur Airport ARP and St. Louis Lambert 
International Airport Instrument Landing System (ILS) Runway 30L 
Localizer geographic coordinates are also updated to match the FAA's 
aeronautical database. In addition, the airspace description is edited 
throughout to improve accuracy and clarity. These changes are editorial 
only and do not alter the current charted boundaries, altitudes, or ATC 
procedures for the St. Louis, MO, Class B airspace area.

DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, June 21, 2018. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, 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 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group, 
Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

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 the 
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 makes editorial corrections to an existing Class B airspace 
description to maintain accuracy.

History

    The St. Louis Class B airspace area was established as a ``Terminal 
Control Area (TCA)'' on January 1, 1974 (38 FR 31286, November 13, 
1973). In 1993, as part of the Airspace Reclassification Final Rule (56 
FR 65638, December 17, 1991), the term ``terminal control area'' was 
replaced by ``Class B airspace area.'' When the St. Louis TCA was 
established, the airspace was designed using the latitude/longitude 
position of the ASR antenna on the St. Louis International Airport as 
the center point. In 2006, the FAA amended the, then, St. Louis Class B 
airspace to ensure containment of large, turbine-powered aircraft 
operations to and from the ``new'' Runway 11/29 at the Lambert-St. 
Louis International Airport (71 FR 7848,

[[Page 14577]]

February 15, 2006). At the same time, the Class B airspace was 
reconfigured to use the Cardinal VOR/DME as the center point.
    As part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operating Network (VOR MON) 
program\1\, the Cardinal VOR was initially identified as a candidate 
VOR for discontinuance and is now planned for decommissioning on 
November 8, 2018. So there will be no change to the existing charted 
boundaries of the St. Louis Class B airspace area on Visual Flight 
Rules (VFR) aeronautical charts, the FAA is retaining the same 
geographic latitude/longitude coordinates of the Cardinal VOR/DME 
location as the center point for the Class B airspace. To accomplish 
this, all references to the Cardinal VOR/DME in the St. Louis Class B 
airspace description (as published in FAA Order 7400.11B) are replaced 
by ``Point of Origin.'' This practice is consistent with other Class B 
airspace locations that do not have a suitable navigation aid located 
on the airport.
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    \1\ Listed in the Final policy statement notice, ``Provision of 
Navigation Services for the Next Generation Air Transportation 
System (NextGen) Transition to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) 
(Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum Operational Network),'' 
published in the Federal Register of July 26, 2016 (81 FR 48694).
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    Additionally, the FAA is making several other administrative 
updates to the Class B description to enhance the accuracy of the 
description and to clearly define each of the sub-areas that make up 
the Class B airspace area.
    Class B airspace designations are published in paragraph 3000 of 
FAA Order 7400.11B, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 
2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class B 
airspace designations listed in this document will be subsequently 
published in the Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 
2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by editing the description of the St. Louis, MO, Class B 
airspace (as published in FAA Order 7400.11B) to remove references to 
the ``Cardinal VOR/DME'' and replace them with ``Point of Origin'' for 
defining the center point of the airspace. The Point of Origin uses the 
same geographic latitude/longitude coordinates of the Cardinal VOR/DME 
location. The FAA is taking this action so that the currently charted 
boundaries of the Class B airspace area are not affected by the planned 
decommissioning of the Cardinal VOR/DME.
    The Class B airspace description is also edited to update the 
``Lambert-St. Louis International Airport'' name to ``St. Louis Lambert 
International Airport'' and the ``St. Charles Municipal Airport'' name 
to ``St. Charles County Smartt Airport.'' Additionally, the geographic 
coordinates for the St. Louis Lambert International Airport ARP are 
updated from ``lat. 38[deg]44'50'' N., long. 90[deg]21'41'' W.'' to 
``lat. 38[deg]44'55'' N., long. 90[deg]22'12'' W.''; the geographic 
coordinates for the St. Charles County Smartt Airport ARP are updated 
from ``lat. 38[deg]50'55'' N., long. 90[deg]30'00'' W.'' to ``lat. 
38[deg]55'47'' N., long. 90[deg]25'48'' W.''; the geographic 
coordinates for the Creve Coeur Airport ARP are updated from ``lat. 
38[deg]43'36'' N., long. 90[deg]30'30'' W.'' to ``lat. 38[deg]43'38'' 
N., long. 90[deg]30'30'' W.''; and the geographic coordinates for the 
St. Louis Lambert International Airport ILS Runway 30L Localizer are 
updated from ``lat. 38[deg]45'17'' N., long. 90[deg]22'52'' W.'' to 
``lat. 38[deg]45'19'' N., long. 90[deg]22'56'' W.'' These airport name 
and geographic coordinate updates are made to match the data currently 
contained in the FAA's aeronautical database.
    Lastly, the Class B airspace description is also edited to describe 
each existing sub-area as an independent area to improve the clarity of 
the Class B airspace area description overall.
    Because this action is a minor editorial change that does not alter 
the currently charted boundaries, altitudes, or ATC procedures for the 
St. Louis Lambert International Airport, I find that notice and public 
procedure under 5 U.S.C Sec.  553(b) are unnecessary and contrary to 
the public interest.

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. 
Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' 
under Department of Transportation (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 of amending the description 
of the St. Louis, MO, Class B airspace area by changing the references 
for defining the center point of the airspace from the Cardinal VHF 
Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) to ``Point 
of Origin'' due to the planned decommissioning of the Cardinal, MO, 
VOR/DME, qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National 
Environmental Policy Act and its agency-specific implementing 
regulations in FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures'' regarding categorical exclusions for procedural actions at 
paragraph 5-6.5.a, which categorically excludes from full environmental 
impact review rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of 
airspace areas, airways, routes, and reporting points. This airspace 
action is an editorial change only and is not expected to result in any 
potentially significant environmental impacts. In accordance with FAA 
Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, 
this action has been reviewed for factors and circumstances in which a 
normally categorically excluded action may have a significant 
environmental impact requiring further analysis, and it is determined 
that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of 
an environmental assessment.

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:


[[Page 14578]]


    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 7400.11B, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 3, 2017, and 
effective September 15, 2017, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 3000 Subpart B--Class B Airspace.

* * * * *

ACE MO B St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Lambert International Airport, MO (Primary Airport)
    (Lat. 38[deg]44'55'' N, long. 90[deg]22'12'' W)
Creve Coeur Airport, MO
    (Lat. 38[deg]43'38'' N, long. 90[deg]30'30'' W)
St. Charles County Smartt Airport, MO
    (Lat. 38[deg]55'47'' N, long. 90[deg]25'48'' W)
Point of Origin
    (Lat. 38[deg]45'10'' N, long. 90[deg]21'39'' W)
Foristell VORTAC
    (Lat. 38[deg]41'40'' N, long. 90[deg]58'17'' W)
ILS Runway 30L Localizer
    (Lat. 38[deg]45'19'' N, long. 90[deg]22'56'' W)

Boundaries

    Area A. That airspace extending upward from the surface to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within a 6-NM radius of the Point of Origin, 
excluding that airspace within a 1.5-NM radius of the Creve Coeur 
Airport.
    Area B. That airspace extending upward from 1,700 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 6-NM radius of the Point of Origin and Page 
Avenue; then northwest along Page Avenue to intersect Missouri Route 
94; then west along Missouri Route 94 to intersect the 10-NM radius of 
the Point of Origin; then clockwise along the 10-NM radius of the Point 
of Origin to intersect the power lines located 2-NM north of the St. 
Charles County Smartt Airport; then southeast along the power lines to 
intersect the 6-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then counterclockwise 
along the 6-NM radius of the Point of Origin to intersect the 1.5-NM 
radius of the Creve Coeur Airport; then clockwise along the 1.5-NM 
radius of the Creve Coeur Airport to intersect the 6-NM radius of the 
Point of Origin; then counterclockwise along the 6-NM radius of the 
Point of Origin to the point of beginning.
    Area C. That airspace extending upward from 2,000 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 10-NM radius of the Point of Origin and the 
power lines located 2-NM north of the St. Charles County Smartt 
Airport; then clockwise along the 10-NM radius of the Point of Origin 
to intersect Interstate 64; then west along Interstate 64 to intersect 
the 10-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then clockwise along the 10-NM 
radius of the Point of Origin to intersect Missouri Route 94; then 
eastward along Missouri Route 94 to intersect Page Avenue; then 
eastward along Page Avenue to intersect the 6-NM radius of the Point of 
Origin; then counterclockwise along the 6-NM radius of the Point of 
Origin to intersect the power lines located 6-NM north of the St. Louis 
Lambert International Airport; then westward along the power lines to 
the point of beginning.
    Area D. That airspace extending upward from 2,500 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 10-NM radius of the Point of Origin and 
Interstate 64, then east along Interstate 64 to intersect the 10-NM 
radius of the Point of Origin, then clockwise along the 10-NM radius of 
the Point of Origin to the point of beginning.
    Area E. That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within a 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin, 
excluding Area A, Area B, Area C, and Area D.
    Area F. That airspace extending upward from 3,500 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of Interstate 64 and the 20-NM radius of the Point of 
Origin; then clockwise along the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
the intersection of the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin and the 
island in the Illinois River (Lat. 39[deg]02'25'' N, long. 
90[deg]34'40'' W); then southwest along a line direct to the 
intersection of the 15-NM radius and 340[deg] bearing of the Point of 
Origin; then counterclockwise along the 15-NM radius of the Point of 
Origin to intersect Interstate 64, then northwest along Interstate 64 
to the point of beginning.
    Area G. That airspace extending upward from 3,500 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of Interstate 270 and the 20-NM radius of the Point of 
Origin; then clockwise along the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
intersect Illinois Route 3; then northwest along Illinois Route 3 to 
intersect Interstate 255; then northwest along Interstate 255 to 
intersect the 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then 
counterclockwise along the 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
intersect Interstate 270, then east along Interstate 270 to the point 
of beginning.
    Area H. That airspace extending upward from 4,500 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 20-NM radius and the 92[deg] radial of the 
Point of Origin; then southeast along a line direct to the intersection 
of the 30-NM radius and 100[deg] bearing of the Point of Origin; then 
clockwise along the 30-NM radius of the Point of Origin to intersect a 
point located 11.6-NM perpendicular and southwest of the ILS Runway 30L 
localizer signal (lat. 38[deg]20'21'' N, long. 90[deg]00'07'' W); then 
northwest direct to the intersection of Illinois Route 3 (Columbia, IL) 
and the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then counterclockwise 
along the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to the point of 
beginning;
    Area J. That airspace extending upward from 4,500 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 30-NM radius and 320[deg] bearing of the Point 
of Origin; then southeast along a line direct to the intersection of 
the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin and the island in the middle of 
the Illinois River (lat. 39[deg]02'25'' N, long. 90[deg]34'40'' W); 
then counterclockwise along 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
intersect the 277[deg] bearing of the Point of Origin; then along a 
line northwest direct to the intersection of the 30-NM radius and 
286[deg] bearing of the Point of Origin; then clockwise along the 30-NM 
radius of the Point of Origin to the point of beginning.
    Area K. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin and the 
island in the middle of the Illinois River (lat. 39[deg]02'25'' N, 
long. 90[deg]34'40'' W); then clockwise along 20-NM radius of the Point 
of Origin to intersect Interstate 270; then west along Interstate 270 
to intersect the 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then 
counterclockwise along the 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin to the 
intersection of the 15-NM radius and the 340[deg] bearing of the Point 
of Origin; then northwest along a line direct to the point of 
beginning.
    Area L. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin and 
Interstate 64; then southeast along Interstate 64 to intersect the 15-
NM radius of the Point of Origin;

[[Page 14579]]

then counterclockwise along the 15-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
intersect Interstate 255; then southeast along Interstate 255 to 
intersect Illinois Route 3; then southeast along Illinois Route 3 to 
intersect the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin; then clockwise along 
the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to the point of beginning.
    Area M. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL to and 
including 8,000 feet MSL within an area bounded by a line beginning at 
the intersection of the 30-NM radius and 286[deg] bearing of the Point 
of Origin; then southeast along a line direct to the intersection of 
the 20-NM radius and 277[deg] bearing of the Point of Origin; then 
counterclockwise along the 20-NM radius of the Point of Origin to 
intersect the power lines located 2.5-NM northwest of the Foristell 
VORTAC; then west along the power lines to intersect the 30-NM radius 
of the Point of Origin; then clockwise along the 30-NM radius of the 
Point of Origin to the point of beginning.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 28, 2018.
Rodger A. Dean, Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05AP18.000

[FR Doc. 2018-06750 Filed 4-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P