[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 34 (Thursday, February 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-4211]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 96-ASW-29]


Revocation of Class D Airspace; Blytheville, AR

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This action revokes the Class D airspace at Blytheville, AR. 
The decommissioning of the Blytheville, Arkansas International Airport 
control tower removes the need for Class D airspace extending upward 
from the surface to, but not including, 2,800 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) 
within a 4.6-mile radius of the airport. This action is intended to 
revoke the unnecessary Class D airspace.

DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, March 7, 1997.
    Comment date: Comments must be received on or before April 21, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on the rule in triplicate to Manager, 
Operations Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation 
Administration Southwest Region, Docket No. 96-ASW-29, Fort Worth, TX 
76193-0530.
    The official docket may be examined in the Office of the Assistant 
Chief Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, 2601 
Meacham Boulevard, Room 663, Fort Worth, TX, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 
PM, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket 
may also be examined during normal business hours at the Operations 
Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 
Southwest Region, Room 414, Fort Worth, TX.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald J. Day, Operations Branch, Air 
Traffic Division, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration, 
Fort Worth, TX 76193-0530, telephone 817-222-5593.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments on the Rule

    Although this action is a final rule, which involves the revocation 
of Class D airspace at Blytheville, AR, and was not preceded by notice 
and public procedure, comments are invited on the rule. However, after 
the review of any comments and, if the FAA finds that further changes 
are appropriate, it will initiate rulemaking proceedings to extend the 
effective date or to amend the regulation.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in this rulemaking 
proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. 
Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and 
suggestions presented are particularly helpful in evaluating the 
effects of the rule, and in determining whether additional rulemaking 
is required.
    Class D airspace designations are published in Paragraph 5000 of 
FAA Order 7400.9D dated September 4, 1996, and effective September 16, 
1996, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D 
airspace designation listed in this document will be published 
subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

    This amendment to part 71 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 71) revokes the Class D airspace, providing controlled 
airspace for terminal instrument operations, located at Blytheville, 
Arkansas International Airport, AR. The current Class D airspace was 
supported by a control tower, which was decommissioned following the 
closure of Eaker Air Force Base, subsequently renamed Blytheville, 
Arkansas International Airport.
    Since this action merely involves the revocation of Class D 
airspace as a result of closing the airport control tower, notice and 
public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. Since there 
will no longer be a control tower at Blytheville, Arkansas 
International Airport, the Class D airspace must be removed to avoid 
confusion on the part of the pilots flying in the vicinity of the 
airport, and to promote the safe and efficient handling of air traffic 
in the area. Therefore, I find that notice and public procedure under 5 
U.S.C. 553 are unnecessary and good cause exists for making this 
amendment effective in less than thirty days.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations that need frequent and 
routine amendments 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--[AMENDED]

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

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. app. 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854; 24 FR 
9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 14 CFR 
11.69.


Sec. 71.1  [Amended]

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9D, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated September 4, 1996, and effective September 16, 
1996, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000  Class D airspace areas designated for an airport.

* * * * *

ASW AR D Blytheville, AR [Removed]

* * * * *
    Issued in Fort Worth, TX, on February 12, 1997.
Albert L. Viselli,
Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division, Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 97-4211 Filed 2-19-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4913-13-M