Adam Wade Cope

Adam Cope 6484 Brick Hearth Court Alexandria, VA 22306 703-623-9445 April 20, 2010 U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations M-30 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE West Building Ground Floor Room W12-140 Washington, DC 20590-0001 Ref: FAA Docket No. FAA-2010-0049 and Airspace Docket No. 08-AWA-1 To Whom it may concern: I am writing to you in regards FAA Docket No. FAA-2010-0049 and Airspace Docket No. 08-AWA-1. I would like to submit my comments in regards to the modification of Class B Airspace in Charlotte, NC Expanding the Class B airspace as proposed would cause the loss of, or cause a modification to, a very important Acrobatic Practice Area (APA) located over Lancaster County Airport (KLKR) . This APA currently operates from 500 ft AGL to 4000 AGL and is used by many members of the International Aerobatic Club. Your proposed floor over KLKR of 4,000ft MSL will interfere with the operation of the APA when activated and when in use. We can accommodate to your expansion and lower our APA ceiling to a minimum of 3,500 AGL (3,986 MSL) but that will give us an error margin of just 14 ft risking an inevitable airspace violation often. The most desired solution for us will be to raise the bottom floor over KLKR to at least 5,000 MSL which will allow us to fly in a safely manner while practicing competitive acrobatics. The City of Lancaster, the Airport Commission and the Airport Manager are all in support to the APA at KLKR. Since its beginning, the APA has a spotless safety record and no violations. It has attracted aviation enthusiast from across the South East as well our own IAC19 members plus several performance teams such as Team RV based in Atlanta, GA in their quest of flying excellence and FAA certification for their Air Show routine. Several US Team Acrobatic members have had access to the APA as needed in preparation for the Acrobatic World Championships. In addition, fuel sales have increased and the local economy have benefited from tourism, hotel stays and restaurant visits. Activity at the airport is at it higher ever thanks to the APA. IAC19 have planned practice dates for 2010 and will have the same for 2011 including a few competition dates as well. Your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated to allow us to continue having our APA as approved by the FAA without interfering with the operation of your new Class B Airspace. Sincerely, Adam Cope IAC member