00-21201. Removal of Class E Airspace; Melbourne, FL, and Cocoa Patrick AFB, FL

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action removes Class E2 airspace at Melbourne, FL, and Cocoa Patrick AFB, FL. The weather and radio communications requirements for Class E2 Airspace at Melbourne International and Patrick AFB Airports, when the respective Air Traffic Control (ATC) towers close, no longer exist. Therefore, the Class E2 airspace for the Melbourne International and Patrick AFB Airports must be removed.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, October 5, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy B. Shelton, Manager, Airspace Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, GA 30320; telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

After Patrick AFB Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) was decommissioned, air traffic control responsibility for the Melbourne International and Patrick AFB Airports was transferred from Miami ARTC Center to Daytona Beach Approach Control, when the Melbourne and Patrick AFB (ATC) towers close. Daytona Beach Approach Control does not have the communications and weather capability to provide ATC service to the surface as required for Class E2 airspace. Therefore, the Class E2 airspace must be removed. This rule will become effective on the date specified in the “DATE” section. Since this action removes the Class E2 airspace, and as a result, eliminates the impact of Class E2 airspace on users of the airspace in the vicinity of the Melbourne International and Patrick AFB Airports, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unncecessary.

The Rule

This amendment to Part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 914 CFR part 71) removes Class E2 airspace at Melbourne, FL and Cocoa Patrick AFB, FL.

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. 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 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 amends 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 14 CFR Part 71 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; EO 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 14 CFR 11.69.

§ 71.1

[Amended]

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 1, 1999, and effective September 16, 1999, as amended as follows:

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Designated as Surface Areas.

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ASO FL E2 Melbourne, FL [Remove]

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ASO FL E2 Cocoa Patrick AFB, FL [Remove]

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Issued in College Park, GA, on July 18, 2000.

Wade T. Carpenter,

Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division, Southern Division.