2011-18667. Removal of Class D and E Airspace; Willow Grove, PA

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action removes the Class D and Class E airspace areas at Willow Grove, PA. The Willow Grove Naval Air Station (NAS) has closed and therefore controlled airspace associated with the airport is being removed. The FAA is taking this action to ensure the efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System.

DATES:

Effective date: 0901 UTC, October 20, 2011. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John Fornito, Airspace Specialist, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule

This action amends Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to remove Class D and E airspace at Willow Grove, PA. The closing of the Willow Grove NAS and cancellation of all standard instrument approach procedures eliminates the need of controlled airspace. Since this action eliminates the impact of controlled airspace on users of the National Airspace System in the vicinity of Willow Grove, PA, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in Paragraphs 5000, 6004, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9U, dated August 15, 2010, and effective September 15, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

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, when promulgated, would 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 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 removes controlled airspace at Willow Grove, PA.

Lists 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 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 7400.9U, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 18, 2010, and effective September 15, 2010, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace

* * * * *

AEA PA D Willow Grove, PA [Removed]

Paragraph 6004 Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area.

* * * * *

AEA PA E4 Willow Grove, PA [Removed]

Issued in College Park, Georgia, on July 15, 2011.

Mark D. Ward,

Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization.