Establishment of Class D Airspace; Shaw AFB, SC

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action establishes Class D airspace at Shaw AFB, SC. Shaw Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) is closed daily from 0330 UTC to 1100 UTC. Shaw AFB Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is open continuously. Therefore, when the RAPCON is closed Class D airspace must be established for the ATCT. Class D surface area airspace is required when the control tower is open to contain Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and other Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action establishes Class D airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,700 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of the airport.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, March 20, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Walter R. Cochran, Manager, Airspace Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation Administration, PO Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305-5627.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On December 2, 2002, the FAA proposed to amend Part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 71) by establishing Class D airspace at Shaw AFB, SC, (67 FR 71507). Class D airspace designations for airspace areas extending upward from the surface of the earth are published in Paragraph 5000 of FAA Order 7400.9K, dated August 30, 2002, and effective September 16, 2002, 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.

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.

The Rule

This amendment to Part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) establishes Class D airspace at Shaw AFB, SC.

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; EO 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 14 CFR 11.69.

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30, 2002, and effective September 16, 2002, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

ASO SC D Shaw AFB, SC [New]

Shaw AFB, SC

(Lat. 33°58′23″ N, long. 80°28′22″ W)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,700 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of the Shaw AFB, excluding that airspace contained within Restricted Area R-6002 when it is in use. This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific days and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective days and times will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory.