[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 30, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67858-67860]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25937]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0925; Airspace Docket No. 20-ANM-18]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of Class D and Class E Airspace; Tacoma Narrows 
Airport, WA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies the Class D airspace, Class E surface 
airspace, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above 
ground level (AGL) at Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma, WA. A review of 
the airspace was initiated due to corresponding reviews at McChord 
Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) and Gray AAF (Joint Base Lewis-
McChord). All three locations were evaluated at the same time due to 
their close proximity to one another and operational interdependence. 
After a review of the airspace, the FAA found it necessary to modify 
the existing airspace for the safety and management of Instrument 
Flight Rules (IFR) operations at this airport.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, January 27, 2022. 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 JO 7400.11 
and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://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. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

[[Page 67859]]

For information on the availability of FAA Order JO 7400.11F at NARA, 
email [email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Roberts, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 
S 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231-2245.

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 would modify the Class D airspace, Class E surface airspace, and 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above ground level to 
support IFR operations at Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma, WA.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register (85 FR 71289; November 9, 2020) for Docket No. FAA-2020-0925 
to modify the Class D and Class E airspace at Tacoma Narrows Airport, 
Tacoma, WA. Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the 
FAA. One comment in support of the action was received.
    Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in 
paragraphs 5000, 6002, 6005 of FAA Order JO 7400.11F, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, 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 FAA Order JO 
7400.11.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 
15, 2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 71 by modifying the lateral 
boundaries of the Class D and Class E surface airspace and the Class E 
airspace extending upward from 700 feet AGL at Tacoma Narrows Airport, 
Tacoma, WA. A review of the airspace was initiated due to corresponding 
reviews at McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) and Gray AAF (Joint 
Base Lewis-McChord). All three locations were evaluated at the same 
time due to their close proximity to one another and operational 
interdependence. The airspace at McChord Field and Gray AAF (Joint Base 
Lewis-McChord) were reviewed due to three actions. The FAA 
decommissioned the McChord VORTAC because the U.S. Air Force was no 
longer going to maintain the NAVAID. The U.S. Air Force requested the 
elimination of previously excluded airspace, which required an airspace 
review to evaluate that request, and the Class D airspace at McChord 
Field and Gray AAF (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) had not been examined in 
the previous two years, as required by FAA Orders.
    The Tacoma Narrows Airport Class D and Class E surface airspace 
that extends to 5.3 miles south of the airport would be removed as it 
is no longer needed for arrivals or departures.
    In addition, the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet 
AGL within 4 miles each side of the 007[deg] and 187[deg] bearings from 
the Tacoma Narrows Airport extending to 8 miles north and 7 miles south 
of the airport will be shortened to 6 miles, respectively.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
is published yearly and effective on September 15.

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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, would 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 the 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:

    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 JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, 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)
McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), WA
    (Lat. 47[deg]08'17'' N, long. 122[deg]28'34'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,800 feet MSL within a 4-mile radius of Tacoma Narrows Airport, 
excluding that airspace within the McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-
McChord) 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.

[[Page 67860]]

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as Surface Areas.

* * * * *

ANM WA E2 Tacoma, WA [Amended]

Tacoma Narrows Airport, WA
    (Lat. 47[deg]16'05'' N, long. 122[deg]34'41'' W)
McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord), WA
    (Lat. 47[deg]08'17'' N, long. 122[deg]28'34'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4-mile 
radius of Tacoma Narrows Airport, excluding that airspace within the 
McChord Field (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) 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.

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

* * * * *

ANM WA E5 Tacoma, WA [Amended]

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 side of the 007[deg] bearing from the Tacoma 
Narrows Airport extending to 6 miles north of the airport, and 
within 4 miles each side of a 187[deg] bearing from the airport 
extending to 6 miles south of the airport.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2021.
B.G. Chew,
Acting Group Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2021-25937 Filed 11-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P