[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74008-74009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29221]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0658; Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-17]
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Del Rio, TX
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action amends Class E airspace at Del Rio, TX. Controlled
airspace is necessary to accommodate new circling approach requirements
at Laughlin Air Force Base (AFB). The FAA is taking this action to
enhance the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
operations at the airport. Geographic coordinates are also updated.
DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, February 6, 2014. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under
1 CFR Part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and
publication of conforming amendments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Enander, Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone 817-321-
7716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
History
On August 26, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Class E airspace for the
Del Rio, TX, area, creating additional controlled airspace at Laughlin
AFB (78 FR 52716) Docket No. FAA-2013-0658. Interested parties were
invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written
comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments were received. Class E
airspace designations are published in paragraph 6003 of FAA Order
7400.9X dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 2013, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace
designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in
the Order.
The Rule
This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
Part 71 by amending Class E airspace designated as an extension to a
Class C surface area at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX. An additional
segment to the north is needed to contain approach category E military
aircraft conducting circling approaches to the airport, to retain the
safety and management of IFR aircraft in Class E airspace to/from the
en route environment. Geographic coordinates are also updated to
coincide with the FAA's aeronautical 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.
Therefore, this regulation: (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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this rule, when promulgated, does 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 U.S. 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 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 establishes additional controlled airspace at Laughlin AFB, Del
Rio, TX.
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.
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, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
0
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.
[[Page 74009]]
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9X, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15,
2013, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6003 Class E airspace designated as an extension.
* * * * *
ASW TX E3 Del Rio, TX [Amended]
Del Rio, Laughlin AFB, TX
(Lat. 29[deg]21'34'' N., long. 100[deg]46'40'' W.)
Laughlin VORTAC
(Lat. 29[deg]21'39'' N., long. 100[deg]46'18'' W.)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2 miles
each side of the 003[deg] radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending
from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 10 miles north of the
airport, and from the 060[deg] radial of the Laughlin VORTAC
clockwise to the 195[deg] radial, extending from the 5-mile radius
of Laughlin AFB to the 5.5-mile radius, and 2.6 miles each side of
the 145[deg] radial of the Laughlin VORTAC extending from the 5.5-
mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 6.6 miles southeast of the airport,
and 2.6 miles each side of the 305[deg] radial of the Laughlin
VORTAC extending from the 5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to 6.6 miles
northwest of Laughlin AFB, and from the 333[deg] radial of the
Laughlin VORTAC clockwise to the 342[deg] radial, extending from the
5-mile radius of Laughlin AFB to the 5.5-mile radius. 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 Fort Worth, Texas, on November 25, 2013.
David P. Medina,
Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2013-29221 Filed 12-9-13; 8:45 am]
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