2012-11398. Amendment of Class D and E Airspace; Baltimore, MD

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; technical amendment.

SUMMARY:

This action amends Class D and E airspace at Martin State Airport, Baltimore, MD. The geographic coordinates of the Baltimore VORTAC are being adjusted to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database, which show the correct coordinates. This does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace.

DATES:

Effective 0901 UTC, May 14, 2012.

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:

History

The FAA is adjusting the geographic location of Baltimore VORTAC, Baltimore, MD, to be in concert with the FAAs aeronautical database, which shows the correct coordinates. This is an administrative change and does not affect the boundaries or operating requirements of the airspace; therefore, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

The Class D and E airspace designations are published in Paragraphs 5000, 6002 and 6004 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 E airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 amends the geographic coordinates in the legal description of Class D airspace and Class E surface airspace, for Martin State Airport, Baltimore, MD. This update brings the geographic coordinates in concert with the FAA's Aeronautical Products 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, 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 at Martin State Airport, Baltimore, MD.

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, and effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace.

* * * * *

AEA MD D Baltimore, Martin State Airport, MD [Amended]

Martin State Airport, Baltimore, MD

(Lat. 39°19′32″ N., long. 76°24′50″ W.)

Baltimore VORTAC

(Lat. 39°10′16″ N., long. 76°39′41″ W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,500 feet MSL within a 5.2-mile radius of Martin State Airport and within 4.4 miles each side of a 14.7-mile radius arc of the Baltimore VORTAC extending clockwise from the Baltimore VORTAC 030° radial to the VORTAC 046° radial, excluding that airspace within the Washington Tri-Area Class B airspace area and Restricted Areas R-4001A and R-4001B when they are in effect. 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.

* * * * *

AEA MD E2 Baltimore, Martin State Airport, MD [Amended]

Martin State Airport, MD

(Lat. 39°19′32″ N., long. 76°24′50″ W.)

Baltimore VORTAC

(Lat. 39°10′16″ N., long. 76°39′41″ W.)

Within a 5.2-mile radius of Martin State Airport and within 4.4 miles each side of a 14.7-mile radius arc of the Baltimore VORTAC extending clockwise from the Baltimore VORTAC 030° radial to the VORTAC 046° radial, excluding that airspace within the Washington Tri-Area Class B airspace area and Restricted Areas R-4001A and R-4001B when they are in effect. 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 College Park, Georgia, on April 30, 2012.

Barry A. Knight,

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