2018-11063. Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace, Los Angeles, CA  

  • Start Preamble

    AGENCY:

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

    ACTION:

    Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

    SUMMARY:

    This action proposes to establish Class E en route airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface to accommodate instrument flight rules (IFR) aircraft under control of the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Los Angeles, CA. Establishment of this airspace area would ensure controlled airspace exists in those areas where the Federal airway structure is inadequate.

    DATES:

    Comments must be received on or before July 9, 2018.

    ADDRESSES:

    Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1-800-647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2017-1202; Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-31, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

    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.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Tom Clark, Federal Aviation Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 2200 S 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198-6547; telephone (206) 231-2253.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    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 establish Class E en route airspace at Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center, Los Angeles, CA.

    Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Persons wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: “Comments to Docket No. FAA-2017-1202/Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-31.” The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.

    All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket.

    Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at http://www.faa.gov/​air_​traffic/​publications/​airspace_​amendments/​.

    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the Northwest Mountain Regional Office of the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198-6547.

    Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend 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.

    Background

    Current airspace design is primarily based on airport terminal areas and airways, often leaving small areas of uncontrolled airspace between airports. Class E en route domestic airspace provides controlled airspace in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route air traffic control services but the Federal airway structure is inadequate.

    Numerous smaller Class E en route areas have been established to provide controlled airspace where the airway structure is inadequate; however, additional areas of uncontrolled airspace have been discovered due to technological improvements in locating and mapping. Also, as aging ground-based navigation aids are removed from service, the airway structure is reduced, uncovering larger areas of uncontrolled airspace.

    The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 71 to establish Class E en route airspace extending upward from Start Printed Page 240511,200 feet above the surface at the Los Angeles ARTCC, Los Angeles, CA, to support en route IFR operations where the airway structure is inadequate. This proposal would allow the most efficient routing between airports without reducing margins of safety or requiring additional coordination and pilot/controller workload. This action is necessary to ensure the safety and management of controlled airspace within the National Airspace System as it transitions from ground based navigation aids to satellite-based Global Navigation Satellite System for navigation.

    Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6006 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 E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

    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

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures” prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    • Airspace
    • Incorporation by reference
    • Navigation (air)
    End List of Subjects

    The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

    Start Part

    PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    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.

    End Authority
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15, 2017, is amended as follows:

    End Amendment Part

    Paragraph 6006 Class E En Route Domestic Airspace Areas.

    * * * * *

    AWP CA E6 Los Angeles, CA [NEW]

    That airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface within an area bounded by lat. 35°17′00″ N, long. 121°25′28″ W; to lat. 35°32′00″ N, long. 120°51′00″ W; to lat. 35°37′00″ N, long. 120°33′45″ W; to lat. 35°38′30″ N, long. 120°28′30″ W; to lat. 35°41′58″ N, long. 120°17′17″ W; to lat. 35°43′00″ N, long. 120°13′55″ W; to lat. 35°45′00″ N, long. 120°07′00″ W; to lat. 35°43′11″ N, long. 119°55′03″ W; to lat. 35°41′04″ N, long. 119°42′46″ W; to lat. 35°39′39″ N, long. 119°34′35″ W; to lat. 35°38′43″ N, long. 119°29′25″ W; to lat. 35°49′40″ N, long. 119°22′20″ W; to lat. 36°04′30″ N, long. 119°12′30″ W; to lat. 36°08′00″ N, long. 119°10′00″ W; to lat. 36°08′00″ N, long. 119°02′20″ W; to lat. 36°08′00″ N, long. 119°00′00″ W; to lat. 36°08′00″ N, long. 118°35′00″ W; to lat. 36°34′15″ N, long. 118°35′00″ W; to lat. 36°45′45″ N, long. 118°35′00″ W; to lat. 37°04′50″ N, long. 118°35′00″ W; to lat. 37°12′00″ N, long. 118°35′03″ W; to lat. 37°12′00″ N, long. 118°26′00″ W; to lat. 37°12′00″ N, long. 118°00′00″ W; to lat. 37°12′00″ N, long. 117°20′00″ W; to lat. 37°22′00″ N, long. 117°00′30″ W; to lat. 37°26′30″ N, long. 117°04′33″ W; to lat. 37°33′00″ N, long. 117°05′41″ W; to lat. 37°53′00″ N, long. 117°05′41″ W; to lat. 37°53′00″ N, long. 116°50′00″ W; to lat. 37°53′00″ N, long. 116°26′03″ W; to lat. 37°53′00″ N, long. 116°11′03″ W; to lat. 37°59′59″ N, long. 114°42′06″ W; to lat. 38°01′00″ N, long. 114°30′03″ W; to lat. 38°01′00″ N, long. 114°12′03″ W; to lat. 37°53′44″ N, long. 113°42′03″ W; to lat. 37°49′25″ N, long. 113°42′01″ W; to lat. 37°43′00″ N, long. 113°47′00″ W; to lat. 37°30′00″ N, long. 113°00′00″ W; to lat. 37°27′22″ N, long. 112°25′19″ W; to lat. 37°24′50″ N, long. 111°53′45″ W; to lat. 37°24′45″ N, long. 111°52′45″ W; to lat. 37°00′18″ N, long. 111°43′06″ W; to lat. 36°44′00″ N, long. 111°36′30″ W; to lat. 36°30′54″ N, long. 111°32′08″ W; to lat. 36°25′15″ N, long. 111°30′15″ W; to lat. 35°46′00″ N, long. 111°50′30″ W; to lat. 35°24′00″ N, long. 112°00′00″ W; to lat. 35°23′48″ N, long. 112°09′11″ W; to lat. 35°23′00″ N, long. 112°40′00″ W; to lat. 35°15′20″ N, long. 112°55′40″ W; to lat. 34°55′00″ N, long. 113°37′00″ W; to lat. 34°52′00″ N, long. 113°42′00″ W; to lat. 34°40′00″ N, long. 114°00′00″ W; to lat. 33°24′00″ N, long. 114°00′00″ W; to lat. 32°41′00″ N, long. 114°00′00″ W; to lat. 32°44′15″ N, long. 113°41′05″ W; to lat. 32°06′58″ N, long. 113°30′46″ W; to lat. 32°06′00″ N, long. 113°30′30″ W; to lat. 32°15′00″ N, long. 114°00′00″ W; to lat. 32°29′38″ N, long. 114°48′47″ W; to lat. 32°43′07″ N, long. 114°43′07″ W; to lat. 32°38′30″ N, long. 115°48′30″ W; to lat. 32°32′03″ N, long. 117°07′25″ W; to lat. 32°24′00″ N, long. 117°24′38″ W; to lat. 32°35′07″ N, long. 118°29′51″ W; to lat. 33°04′49″ N, long. 119°44′49″ W; to lat. 33°54′53″ N, long. 120°40′02″ W; to lat. 34°50′19″ N, long. 121°10′09″ W., thence to the point of beginning, excluding that airspace offshore beyond 12 miles of the shore line.

    Start Signature

    Issued in Seattle, Washington, on May 17, 2018.

    B.G. Chew,

    Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 2018-11063 Filed 5-23-18; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Document Information

Published:
05/24/2018
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
2018-11063
Dates:
Comments must be received on or before July 9, 2018.
Pages:
24050-24051 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FAA-2017-1202, Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-31
Topics:
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air)
PDF File:
2018-11063.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Proposed Los Angeles Class E6 En Route Airspace Area Diagram
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 71.1