Establishment of Class E Airspace; Minneapolis, Crystal Airport, MN

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action establishes Class E airspace at Minneapolis, Crystal Airport, MN. Crystal Airport is served by Federal Aviation Regulations Part 135 (14 (CFR Part 135) air carrier operations. Controlled airspace extending upward from the surface is need to contain aircraft executing instrument flight procedures and provide a safer operating environment when the control tower is closed. The airport meets the minimum communications and weather observation and reporting requirements for controlled airspace extending upward from the surface. This action creates controlled airspace with a 3.8-mile radius for this airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, October 5, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Denis C. Burke, Air Traffic Division, Airspace Branch, AGL-520, Federal Aviation Administration, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, telephone (847) 294-7568.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On Wednesday, April 19, 2000, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 to establish Class E airspace at Minneapolis, Crystal Airport, MN (65 FR 20932). The proposal was to add controlled airspace extending upward from the surface to contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in controlled airspace during portions of the terminal operation and while transiting between the enroute and terminal environments.

Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments objecting to the proposal were received. Class E airspace designations for airspace areas extending upward from the surface of the earth are published in paragraph 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9G dated September 1, 1999, and effective September 16, 1999, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 establishes Class E airspace at Minneapolis, Crystal Airport, MN, to accommodate and Part 135 air carrier aircraft executing instrument flight rules procedure during periods when the control tower is closed. The area will be depicted on appropriate aeronautical charts.

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 no minimal. Since this is 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.

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 part 71 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 95665, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 1, 1999, and effective September 16, 1999, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6002 Class E airspace designated as a surface area.

AGL MN E2 Minneapolis, Crystal Airport, MN [New]

Crystal Airport, MN

(Lat. 43° 03′ 43″ N., long. 93° 21′ 14″ W.)

Within an 3.8-mile radius of the Minneapolis, Crystal Airport. This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory.