[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 13, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3679-3681]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-02074]
[[Page 3679]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1032; Airspace Docket No. 17-ANM-4]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of Class E Airspace, Amendment of Class D Airspace,
and Revocation of Class E Airspace; Tacoma, WA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E surface area airspace, and
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at
Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma, WA. This action removes Class E
airspace designated as an extension at Tacoma Narrows Airport.
Additionally, this action updates the geographic coordinates of the
airport and replaces the outdated term Airport/Facility Directory with
the term Chart Supplement in the Class D airspace description. These
changes are necessary to accommodate airspace redesign for the safety
and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the
National Airspace System.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, April 25, 2019. 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 7400.11C, 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 this material 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: Bonnie Malgarini, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 2200
S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198-6547; telephone (206) 231-2329.
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 establishes Class E airspace, amends Class D airspace, and
removes Class E airspace at Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma, WA to
support IFR operations at the airport.
History
The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal
Register (83 FR 4863; February 2, 2018) for Docket No. FAA-2017-1032 to
establish Class E surface area airspace, and Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface at Tacoma Narrows Airport,
Tacoma, WA, and remove Class E airspace designated as an extension at
the airport. After publication, an error was noted in the airspace
description of the north extension and in the description of the south
extension in the section of the preamble entitled, The Rule. The
description of the north extension should be applied to the south
extension and the description of the south extension should be applied
to the north extension. Correcting the errors produced no changes in
the legal description of the boundaries as the extensions are removed
by this action. Additionally, there was an error in the latitude
coordinates for Tacoma Narrows airport. It was listed as lat.
44[deg]16'05'' N, while the correct coordinates are lat. 47[deg]16'05''
N.
Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. Two
comments were received, supporting the proposal.
While the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) supported
this proposal, they stated that the NPRM did not comply with FAA
guidance in Order 7400.2, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters,
because a graphic was not included in the docket. Additionally, AOPA
encouraged the FAA to follow their guidance in the Order by making the
action effective date coincidental to the sectional chart publication
date.
The FAA has determined AOPA's comments raised no substantive issues
with respect to the proposed changes to the airspace addressed in the
NPRM. To the extent the FAA failed to follow its policy guidance
reference publishing graphics in the docket and establishing the Class
D airspace effective date to match the sectional chart date, we note
the following.
With respect to AOPA's comment addressing graphics, FAA Order
74002.L, para 2-3-3.c. requires the official docket to include
available graphics. For this airspace action, a graphic was produced
and placed in the docket on February 15, 2018.
Specific to AOPA's comment regarding the FAA already creating a
graphical depiction of new or modified airspace overlaid on a Sectional
Chart for quality assurance purposes, this is not correct nor required
in all cases. During the airspace reviews, airspace graphics may be
created, if deemed necessary, to determine if there are any terrain
issues, or if cases are considered complex. However, in many cases when
developing an airspace amendment proposal, a graphic is not needed. It
was unclear if the graphic AOPA argued was already created with a
sectional chart background was actually the airspace graphic created by
the Aeronautical Informational Services office in preparation of
publishing the sectional charts. However, that graphic is normally
created after the rulemaking determination is published.
With respect to AOPA's comment addressing effective dates, FAA
Order 7400.2L, para 2-3-7.a.4. states that, to the extent practicable,
Class D airspace area and restricted area rules should become effective
on a sectional chart date and that consideration should be given to
selecting a sectional chart date that matches a 56-day en route chart
cycle date. The FAA does consider publishing Class D airspace amendment
effective dates to coincide with the publication of sectional charts,
to the extent practicable; however, this consideration is accomplished
after the NPRM comment period ends. Substantive comments received to
NPRMs, flight safety concerns, management of IFR operations at affected
airports, and immediacy of requiring proposed airspace amendments are
some of the factors that must be taken into consideration when
[[Page 3680]]
selecting the appropriate effective date. After considering all
factors, the FAA may determine that selecting an effective date that
conforms to a 56-day en route chart cycle date that is not coincidental
to sectional chart dates is better for the NAS and users than awaiting
the next sectional chart date.
Class D and E airspace designations are published in paragraph
5000, 6002, 6004, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.11C, dated
August 13, 2018, and effective September 15, 2018, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and E airspace
designation 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 7400.11C, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 13, 2018, and effective September 15,
2018. FAA Order 7400.11C is publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11C 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, establishes Class E surface area
airspace, removes Class E airspace designated as an extension to a
Class D or Class E surface area, and establishes Class E airspace
extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Tacoma Narrows
Airport, Tacoma, WA.
Class D airspace is modified to add a small extension south of the
airport within 1.7 miles each side of a 189[deg] bearing from the
airport extending from the 4-mile radius to 5.3 miles south of the
airport.
Class E surface area airspace is established coincident with the
dimensions of the Class D airspace and effective during the hours when
the Class D is not in effect to protect IFR operations continuously.
Class E airspace designated as an extension is removed as the
extension north of the airport (within 1.8 miles each side of the
187[deg] bearing from Scenn OM extending from the 4-mile radius to 1
mile south of the OM) protects no arrival aircraft within 1,000 feet of
the surface. Also, the extension to the south (within 1.8 miles each
side of the 009[deg] bearing from the Graye NDB extending from the 4-
mile radius to .9 miles north of the NDB; excluding that airspace
within the Tacoma, McChord AFB, WA, Class D airspace area) protects no
arrival aircraft within 1,000 feet of the surface beyond 5.3 miles
south of the airport. By eliminating the unnecessary airspace, the
remaining extension to the south is less than 2 nautical miles in
length, and must be Class D.
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet is established at
Tacoma Narrows Airport within 4 miles each side of the 007[deg] and
187[deg] bearings, respectively, from the airport extending to 8 miles
north and 7 miles south of the airport. This new airspace duplicates
the larger Seattle Class E airspace area, and ensures sufficient
airspace is designated for Tacoma Narrows Airport in case of any future
modification.
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, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures,'' paragraph 5-6.5a. 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 7400.11C,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 13, 2018, and
effective September 15, 2018, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.
* * * * *
ANM WA D Tacoma, WA [Amended]
Tacoma Narrows Airport, WA
(Lat. 47[deg]16'05'' N, long. 122[deg]34'41'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,800 feet MSL within a 4-mile radius of Tacoma Narrows Airport, and
within 1.7 miles each side of the 189[deg] bearing from the airport
extending from the 4-mile radius to 5.3 miles south of the airport,
excluding that airspace within the Tacoma, McChord AFB, WA, Class D
airspace area. 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.
Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Designated as Surface Areas.
* * * * *
ANM WA E2 Tacoma, WA [New]
Tacoma Narrows Airport, WA
(Lat. 47[deg]16'05'' N, long. 122[deg]34'41'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4-mile
radius of the Tacoma Narrows Airport, and within 1.7 miles each side
of the 189[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 4-mile
radius to 5.3 miles south of the airport, excluding that airspace
within the Tacoma, McChord AFB, WA, Class D airspace area. This
Class E 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.
* * * * *
ANM WA E4 Tacoma, WA [Removed]
Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.
* * * * *
ANM WA E5 Tacoma, WA [New]
Tacoma Narrows Airport, WA
(Lat. 47[deg]16'05'' N, long. 122[deg]34'41'' W)
That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within 4 miles each
[[Page 3681]]
side of the 007[deg] bearing from the Tacoma Narrows Airport
extending to 8 miles north of the airport, and within 4 miles each
side of a 187[deg] bearing from the airport extending to 7 miles
south of the airport.
Issued in Seattle, Washington, on January 31, 2019.
Shawn M. Kozica,
Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2019-02074 Filed 2-12-19; 8:45 am]
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