[Federal Register: April 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 72)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 18312-18313] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr15ap98-5] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Airspace Docket No. 97-ANM-15] Revocation of Class E Airspace; Blue Mesa, CO; and Establishment of Class E Airspace; Gunnison, CO AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action revokes the Class E airspace at Blue Mesa, CO, and establishes a larger Class E airspace area in its place, which is designated the Gunnison, CO, Class E airspace area. The Blue Mesa Class E airspace area was incorrectly named for a navigational aid rather than for the airport served by the airspace. This is contrary to FAA policy. This action, in effect, renames the Class E airspace area. This action also increases the size of the Class E airspace area. The additional controlled airspace is necessary to accommodate a new Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedure (SIAP) serving the Gunnison County Airport, Gunnison, CO. EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, June 18, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Ripley, ANM-520.6, Federal Aviation Administration, Docket No. 97-ANM-15, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98055-4056; telephone number: (425) 227-2527. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: History On January 26, 1998, the FAA proposed to amend Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, part 71 (14 CFR part 71) by revoking the Blue Mesa, CO, Class E airspace area while establishing a larger and correctly named Gunnison, CO, Class E airspace area (63 FR 3675). Interested parties were invited to participate in the rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received. The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 83. Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth are published in Paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 7400.9E, dated September 10, 1997, and effective September 16, 1997, 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 revokes the existing Blue Mesa, CO, Class E airspace and establishes Class E airspace at Gunnison, CO. The establishment of the Gunnison, CO, airspace adds a 2 nautical mile 700-foot Class E area extension to the northeast, and modifies 1200- foot Class E airspace to the south and the east of the existing Blue Mesa, CO, airspace. The extensions are necessary to meet the airspace criteria for aircraft transitioning between the terminal and en route environments and to fully encompass a new GPS-B SIAP to the Gunnison County Airport. The FAA establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet AGL, where necessary, to contain aircraft transitioning between the terminal and en route environments. The intended effect of this rule is designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under Instrument Flight Rules at the Gunnison County Airport and between the terminal and en route transition stages. 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 CLASS 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. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389. Sec. 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9E, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 10, 1997, and effective September 16, 1997, is amended as follows: Paragraph 6005 Class E airspace areas extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth. * * * * * ANM CO E5 Blue Mesa, CO [Removed] * * * * * ANM CO E5 Gunnison, CO [New] Gunnison County Airport, CO (Lat. 38 deg.32'02'' N, long. 106 deg.55'59'' W) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within an area bounded by a line beginning at lat. 38 deg.11'25'' [[Page 18313]] N, long. 107 deg.12'30'' W; to lat. 38 deg.21'25'' N, long. 107 deg.25'00'' to W; lat. 38 deg.24'30'' N, long. 107 deg.21'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.33'30'' N, long. 107 deg.20'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.31'25'' N, long. 107 deg.12'30'' W; to lat. 38 deg.42'00'' N, long. 106 deg.59'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.32'10'' N, long. 106 deg.46'00'' W; thence to the point of beginning; that airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface within an area bounded by a line beginning at lat. 37 deg.59'30'' N, long. 107 deg.16'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.17'45'' N, long. 107 deg.39'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.45'40'' N, long. 106 deg.54'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.16'40'' N, long. 106 deg.08'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.09'00'' N, long. 106 deg.16'00'' W; to lat. 38 deg.18'30'' N, long. 106 deg.47'00'' W; thence to the point of beginning. * * * * * Issued in Seattle, Washington, on April 2, 1998. Joe E. Gingles, Acting Assistant Manager, Air Traffic Division, Northwest Mountain Region. [FR Doc. 98-9835 Filed 4-14-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M