Modification of Class D Airspace; Rapid City, SD

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action modifies Class D airspace at Rapid City, SD. Category E circling procedures have become necessary at Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD. Controlled airspace extending upward from the surface of the earth is needed to contain aircraft executing these approach procedures. This action increases the area of the existing controlled airspace at Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, SD.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, June 10, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Patricia A. Graham, 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, November 5, 2003, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 to modify Class D airspace at Rapid City, SD (68 FR 62548). The proposal was to modify controlled airspace extending upward from the surface of the earth to contain Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations in controlled airspace.

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 D airspace areas extending upward from the surface of the earth are published in paragraph 5000, of FAA Order 7400.9L dated September 2, 2003, and effective September 16, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D airspace designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in the order.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 modifies Class D airspace at Rapid City, SD, to accommodate aircraft executing instrument flight procedures into and out of Ellsworth AFB. 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 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 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)

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 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9L, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 2, 2003, and effective September 16, 2003, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace.

AGL SD D Rapid City, SD [Revised]

Rapid City, Ellsworth AFB, SD

(Lat. 44°08′42″ N., long. 103°06′13″ W.)

Rapid City Regional Airport, SD

(Lat. 44°02′43″ N., long. 103°03′27″ W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 5,800 feet MSL and within a 5.9-mile radius of Ellsworth AFB to the Rapid City Regional Airport 4.4-mile radius, excluding that airspace south of a line between the intersection of the Ellsworth AFB 4.7-mile radius and the Rapid City Regional Airport 4.4-mile radius. This Class D airspace 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.