Modification of Class E Airspace; Bemidji, MN

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action modifies Class E airspace at Bemidji, MN. A Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP) to Runway (Rwy) 31 has been developed for Bemidji-Beltrami County Airport. Controlled airspace extending upward from the surface is needed to contain aircraft executing the approach. This action increases the radius of the existing controlled airspace for this airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, April 20, 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, November 3, 1999, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 to modify Class E airspace at Bemidji, MN (64 FR 59687). The proposal was to modify 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 proposal were received. Class E airspace designations for airspace areas extending upward from the surface are published in paragraph 6002 and 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 7400.9G 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 modifies Class E airspace at Bemidji, MN, to accommodate aircraft executing the proposed GPS Rwy 31 SIAP for Bemidji-Beltrami County Airport by modifying the existing controlled airspace. 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 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).

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 Com., 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 areas designated as a surface area for an airport.

AGL MN E2 Bemidji, MN [Revised]

Bemidji-Beltrami County Airport, MN

(Lat. 47°30′34″ N., long. 094°56′01″ W.)

Within a 4.6-mile radius of the Bemidiji-Beltrami County Airport. This Class E airspace area 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.

Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth.

AGL MN E5 Bemidji, MN [Revised]

Bemidji-Beltrami County Airport, MN

(Lat. 47° 30′34″ N., long. 094°56′ 01″ W

That airspace extending upward from 700 fee above the surface within a 6.6-mile radius of Bemidiji-Beltrami County Airport.