Revision of Class E Airspace; Kotzebue, AK

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action revises Class E airspace at Kotzebue, AK to provide adequate controlled airspace to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAP). This Rule results in additional Class E surface area airspace at Kotzebue, AK.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, March 17, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jesse Patterson, AAL-538G, Federal Aviation Administration, 222 West 7th Avenue, Box 14, Anchorage, AK 99513-7587; telephone number (907) 271-5898; fax: (907) 271-2850; e-mail: Jesse.ctr.Patterson@faa.gov. Internet address: http://www.alaska.faa.gov/at .

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On Friday, September 10, 2004, the FAA proposed to revise part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) to create additional Class E surface area airspace at Kotzebue, AK (69 FR 54758). The action was proposed in order to add Class E airspace sufficient in size to contain aircraft while executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures for the Kotzebue Airport. The new approaches are (1) Area Navigation-Global Positioning System (RNAV GPS) Runway (RWY) 26, original, (2) RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 8, original. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No public comments have been received, thus, the rule is adopted as proposed.

The area will be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference. The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 83. The Class E airspace areas designated as surface areas are published in paragraph 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9M, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30, 2004, and effective September 16, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be revised subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

This revision to 14 CFR part 71 revises Class E airspace at Kotzebue, Alaska. This additional Class E airspace was created to accommodate aircraft executing two new SIAPs and will be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot reference. The intended effect of this rule is to provide adequate controlled airspace for IFR operations at Kotzebue Airport, Kotzebue, Alaska.

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 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.

The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle 1, 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 1, section 40103, Sovereignty and use of airspace. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to ensure the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it revises Class E surface area sufficient in size to contain aircraft executing two new Standard Instrument Approach Procedures for the Kotzebue Airport and represents the FAA's continuing effort to safely and efficiently use the navigable airspace.

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; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9M, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30, 2004, and effective September 16, 2004, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6002 Class E airspace designated as surface area.

AAL AK E2 Kotzebue, AK—[Revised]

Kotzebue, Ralph Wien Memorial Airport, AK

(Lat. 66°53′05″ N., long. 162°35′55″ W.)

Kotzebue VOR/DME

(Lat. 66°53′08″ N, long. 162°32′24″ W)

Hotham NDB

(Lat. 66°54′05″ N, long. 162°33′52″ W)

Within a 4.8-mile radius of the Ralph Wien Memorial Airport and within 2.6 miles each side of the 039° bearing from Hotham NDB extending from the 4.8 mile radius to 8.9 miles northeast of the airport and within 2.4 miles each side of the 091° radial from the Kotzebue VOR/DME extending from the 4.8-mile radius to 11.5 miles east of the airport and within 2.4 miles each side of the 278° radial from the Kotzebue VOR/DME extending from the 4.8-mile radius to 10.2 miles west of the airport. This Class E airspace is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airman. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory.