07-2250. Establishment of Class D and E Airspace; Aguadilla, PR

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action establishes Class D and E4 airspace at Aguadilla, PR. A Federal contract tower with a weather reporting system has been constructed at Rafael Hernandez Airport. Therefore, the airport meets criteria for Class D and E4 airspace. Class D and E4 surface area airspace is required when the control tower is open to contain Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and other Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action establishes Class E and E4 airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,700 feet MSL within a 4.5-mile radius of the airport and within 2.4 miles each side of the Borinquen VORTAC 257° radial extending from the 4.5 mile radius to 7 miles west of the VORTAC.

DATES:

Effective Date: 0901 UTC, July 5, 2007. 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:

Mark D. Ward, Group Manager, System Support, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On March 30, 2007, the FAA proposed to amend part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) by establishing Class D and E4 airspace at Aguadilla, PR, (72 FR 15077). This action provides adequate Class D and E4 airspace for IFR operations at Rafael Hernandez Airport. Designations for Class D and E4 Airspace are published in FAA Order 7400.9P, dated September 1, 2006, and effective September 15, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and E4 airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments objecting to the proposal were received.

The Rule

This amendment to part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) establishes Class D and E4 airspace at Aguadilla, PR.

The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 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, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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 proposes to amend 14 CFR Part 71 as follows:

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

1. The authority citation for 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 Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9P, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 1, 2006, and effective September 15, 2006, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

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ASO PR D Aguadilla, PR [NEW]

Rafael Hernandez Airport, PR

(Lat. 18°29′42″ N, long. 67°07′46″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,700 feet MSL within a 4.5-mile radius of the Rafael Hernandez Airport. This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific days and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective days and times will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory.

* * * * *

Paragraph 6000 Class E Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO PR E4 Aguadilla, PR [NEW]

Rafael Hernandez Airport, PR

(Lat. 18°29′42″ N, long. 67°07′46″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2.4 miles each side of the Borinquen VORTAC 257° radial extending from the 4.5-mile radius to 7 miles west of the VORTAC. This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific days and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective days and times will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory.

* * * * *

Issued in College Park, Georgia, on April 26, 2007.

Patricia Graham,

Acting Group Manager, System Support Group, Eastern Service Center.