[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 242 (Monday, December 16, 1996)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 65995-65996] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-31865] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 71 [Airspace Docket No. 96-AGL-25] Modification of Class E Airspace; Big Rapids, MI, Roben-Hood Airport AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice proposes to modify Class E airspace at Big Rapids, MI. A Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedure (SIAP) to Runway 27 has been developed for Roben-Hood Airport. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 to 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) is needed to contain aircraft executing the approach. The intended affect of this proposal is to provide segregation of aircraft using instrument approach procedures in instrument conditions from other aircraft operating in visual weather conditions. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 28, 1997. ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposal in triplicate to: Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, AGL-7, Rules Docket No. 96-AGL-25, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. The official docket may be examined in the Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the Air Traffic Division, Operations Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [[Page 65996]] John A. Clayborn, Air Traffic Division, Operations Branch, AGL-530, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, telephone (847) 294-7568. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify the airspace docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Airspace Docket No. 96- AGL-25.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the Rules Docket, FAA, Great Lakes Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois, both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRM's Any person may obtain a copy of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Public Affairs, Attention: Public Inquiry Center, APA-230, 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267-3484. Communications must identify the notice number of this NPRM. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM's should also request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal The FAA is considering an amendment to part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) to modify Class E airspace at Big Rapids, MI; this proposal would provide adequate Class E airspace for operators executing the GPS Runway 27 SIAP at Roben-Hood Airport. Controlled airspace extending upward from 700 to 1,200 feet AGL is needed to contain aircraft executing the approach. The intended affect of this action is to provide segregation of aircraft using instrument approach procedures in instrument conditions from other aircraft operating in visual weather conditions. The area would be depicted on appropriate aeronautical charts thereby enabling pilots to circumnavigate the area or otherwise comply with IFR procedures. Class E airspace designations for airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth are published in paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9D dated September 4, 1996, and effective September 16, 1996, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document would be published subsequently in the Order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. Therefore this, proposed 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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) as follows: PART 71--[AMENDED] 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; 14 CFR 11.69, Sec. 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 4, 1996, and effective September 16, 1996, is amended as follows: Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth. * * * * * AGL MI E5--Big Rapids, MI [Revised] Roben-Hood Airport, MI (Lat. 43 deg.43'21''N, long. 85 deg.30'15''W) White Cloud VORTAC (Lat. 43 deg.34'29''N, long. 85 deg.42'58''W) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6.7-mile radius of the Roben-Hood Airport, and within 4.4 miles each side of the White Cloud VOR 048 deg. radial extending from the 6.7-mile radius to the VOR, and within 2.0 miles each side of the 095 deg. bearing from the airport extending from the 6.7-mile radius to 9.4 miles east of the airport. * * * * * Issued in Des Plaines, Illinois on December 4, 1996. Maureen Woods, Manager, Air Traffic Division. [FR Doc. 96-31865 Filed 12-13-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M