Amendment of Class D Airspace; Fort Belvoir, VA

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action amends Class D airspace at Davison Army Airfield (AAF), Fort Belvoir, VA. The geographic coordinates of the airfield and the Outer Marker are being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. In addition, this action makes the editorial changes replacing the term Notice to Airmen with Notice to Air Missions and replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with Chart Supplement. This action does not change the airspace boundaries or operating requirements.

DATES:

Effective 0901 UTC, February 23, 2023. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES:

FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

John Goodson, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; Telephone (404) 305-5966.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority, as it amends airspace in Fort Belvoir, VA, to support IFR operations in the area. This update is administrative change and does not change the airspace boundaries or operating requirements.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 amends the Class D airspace at Davison AAF, Fort Belvoir, VA, by updating the geographic coordinates of the airport and the Outer Marker to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database. In addition, this action makes the editorial changes replacing the term Notice to Airmen with Notice to Air Missions and replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with Chart Supplement.

This action is an administrative change and does not affect the airspace boundaries or operating requirements; therefore, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

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, is non-controversial, and is unlikely to result in adverse or negative comments. 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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,” paragraph 5-6.5.a. This airspace action is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment.

Lists 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, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

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

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 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 FAA Order 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

AEA VA D Fort Belvoir, VA [Amended]

Davison AAF, Fort Belvoir, VA

(Lat. 38°42′54″ N, long. 77°10′51″ W)

DAVEE OM

(Lat. 38°39′42″ N, long. 77°06′36″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to but not including 2,500 feet MSL within a 4.4- mile radius of Davison AAF and within 1 mile each side of the Davison AAF localizer southeast course extending from the 4.4-mile radius to the DAVEE OM and within 1.8 miles each side of the extended centerline of Runway 14/32 extending from the northwest end of Runway 14/32 to 4.4 miles northwest, excluding the portion within Prohibited Area P-73 and the Washington Tri-Area Class B airspace area. This Class D airspace area is effective during specific times and dates established in advance by a Notice to Air Missions. The specific date and time will thereafter be published continuously in the Chart Supplement.