Removal of Class E Airspace; Oak Harbor, WA

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule

SUMMARY:

This action removes the Class E surface area at Oak Harbor, WA.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, April 20, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dennis Ripley, ANM-520.6, Federal Aviation Administration, Docket No. 99-ANM-03, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone number: (425) 227-2527.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On April 22, 1999, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR part 71) by removing the Oak Harbor, Class E surface area (64 FR 19728). The airport is no longer eligible to retain a Class E surface area because of a lack of weather reporting. The weather reporting requirements for a surface area dictate that weather observations must be taken by a Federally Certified Weather Observer and/or a Federally Commissioned Weather Observing System during the times and dates the surface area is designated. These weather observations routinely are not being met as required at the Oak Harbor Air Park. Attempts to have interested personnel fix the reporting problem were unsuccessful. The intended effect of this rule is designed to provide efficient and safe use of the navigable airspace. No comments were received.

The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 83. Class E airspace areas designated as en route domestic airspace areas 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 removes the Class E surface area at the Oak Harbor Air Park, Oak Harbor, WA. The intended effect of this rule is designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations at the Oak Harbor Air Park.

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. It, therefore, (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 CLAS E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIRWAYS; ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 105(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 7400.9G, 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 for an airport

ANM WA E2 Oak Harbor, WA [Remove]