2012-18518. Amendment of Class D and E Airspace; Fort Rucker, AL

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule, technical amendment.

SUMMARY:

This action amends Class D and E Airspace at Fort Rucker, AL, by updating the geographic coordinates of Cairns Army Air Field to aid in the navigation of our National Airspace System. This action is necessary for the continued safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the Fort Rucker, AL airspace area.

DATES:

Effective date 0901 UTC, September 20, 2012. 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, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule

This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 amends Class D and E airspace Cairns Army Air Field, Fort Rucker, AL, at the request of FAAs Aeronautical Products, by updating the geographic coordinates of the airport to be in concert with the FAAs aeronautical database. Accordingly, since this is an administrative change, and does not affect the boundaries, altitudes, or operating requirements of the airspace, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

The Class D and E airspace designations are published in Paragraph 5000, 6002, and 6004 respectively of FAA Order 7400.9V, dated August 9, 2011, and effective September 15, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and Class 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, 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, will 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 amends controlled airspace for the Fort Rucker, AL, Class E airspace area.

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.

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 7400.9V, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 9, 2011, effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace.

* * * * *

ASO AL D Fort Rucker, AL [Amended]

Cairns Army Air Field, AL

(Lat. 31°16′33″ N., long. 85°42′48″ W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,800 feet MSL within a 5-mile radius of lat. 31°18′30″ N., long. 85°42′20″ W. This Class D 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.

Paragraph 6002 Class E airspace designated as surface areas.

* * * * *

ASO AL E2 Fort Rucker, AL [Amended]

Cairns Army Air Field, AL

(Lat. 31°16′33″ N., long. 85°42′48″ W.)

Within a 5-mile radius of lat. 31°18′30″ N., long. 85°42′20″ W. This Class E surface area airspace 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.

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

* * * * *

ASO AL E4 Fort Rucker, AL [Amended]

Cairns Army Air Field, AL

(Lat. 31°16′33″ N., long. 85°42′48″ W.)

Cairns VOR

(Lat. 31°16′09″ N., long. 85°43′35″ W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface within 3.5 miles each side of Cairns VOR 231° radial, extending from the 5-mile radius of lat. 31°18′30″ N, long. 85°42′20″ W to 7 miles southwest of the VOR, and within 2 miles each side of Cairns Army Air Field Runway 36 extended centerline, extending from the 5-mile radius to 5 miles south of the runway end.

Issued in College Park, Georgia, on July 20, 2012.

Barry A. Knight,

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