2013-29221. Amendment of Class E Airspace; Del Rio, TX

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action amends Class E airspace at Del Rio, TX. Controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate new circling approach requirements at Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB). The FAA is taking this action to enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates are also updated.

DATES:

Effective date: 0901 UTC, February 6, 2014. 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 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Scott Enander, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On August 26, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Class E airspace for the Del Rio, TX, area, creating additional controlled airspace at Laughlin AFB (78 FR 52716) Docket No. FAA-2013-0658. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments were received. Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6003 of FAA Order 7400.9X dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 2013, 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.

The Rule

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 71 by amending Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class C surface area at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX. An additional segment to the north is needed to contain approach category E military aircraft conducting circling approaches to the airport, to retain the safety and management of IFR aircraft in Class E airspace to/from the en route environment. Geographic coordinates are also updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.

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 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.

The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1, 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 additional controlled airspace at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,” paragraph 311a. 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.

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

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

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

§ 71.1

[Amended]

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9X, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 2013, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6003 Class E airspace designated as an extension.

* * * * *

ASW TX E3 Del Rio, TX [Amended]

Del Rio, Laughlin AFB, TX

(Lat. 29°21′34″ N., long. 100°46′40″ W.)

Laughlin VORTAC

(Lat. 29°21′39″ N., long. 100°46′18″ W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2 miles each side of the 003° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 10 miles north of the airport, and from the 060° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 195° radial, extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to the 5.5-mile radius, and 2.6 miles each side of the 145° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5.5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 6.6 miles southeast of the airport, and 2.6 miles each side of the 305° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 6.6 miles northwest of Laughlin AFB, and from the 333° radial of the Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 342° radial, extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to the 5.5-mile radius. 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 Airport/Facility Directory.

Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 25, 2013.

David P. Medina,

Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.