```

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4684-4686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00113]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2455; Airspace Docket No. 24-ANM-98]
RIN 2120-AA66

Modification & Establishment of Class E Airspace; Cortez 
Municipal Airport, Cortez, CO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify the Class E airspace designated 
as a surface area, modify the Class E airspace extending upward from 
700 feet above the surface, and establish Class E airspace designated 
as an extension to a Class E surface area at Cortez Municipal Airport, 
Cortez, CO. Additionally, this action proposes administrative 
amendments to update the airport's legal descriptions. These actions 
would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules 
(IFR) operations at the airport.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 3, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. [FAA-2024-2455] 
and Airspace Docket No. [24-ANM-98] using any of the following methods:
    * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow 
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West 
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in 
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for 
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and 
Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 
800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan A. Chaffman, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 
S. 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone (206) 231-3460.

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 
the 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 would modify and establish Class E airspace to support 
IFR operations at Cortez Municipal Airport, Cortez, CO.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most 
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain 
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or 
commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments 
are filed in writing.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is

[[Page 4685]]

possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The FAA may 
change this proposal in light of the comments it receives.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at 
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and 
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during 
normal business hours at the Northwest Mountain Regional Office of the 
Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic Organization, Western 
Service Center, Operations Support Group, 2200 S. 216th Street, Des 
Moines, WA 98198.

Incorporation by Reference

    Class E2, E4, and E5 airspace designations are published in 
paragraphs 6002, 6004, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order JO 7400.11, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document proposes to 
amend the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, dated 
July 31, 2024 and effective September 15, 2024. These updates would be 
published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. That order is 
publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, 
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 that would 
modify the Class E airspace designated as a surface area, modify the 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, and 
establish Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class E 
surface area at Cortez Municipal Airport, Cortez, CO.
    The radius of the Class E airspace designated as a surface area 
should be widened by a half mile to better contain arriving IFR 
aircraft when less than 1,000 feet above the surface when conducting 
circling maneuvers or when executing the area navigation (RNAV) (Global 
Positioning System [GPS]) Runway (RWY) 3 approach, and aircraft 
conducting the missed approach portions of the Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) RWY 3, RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 21, and RNAV (GPS) 
Z RWY 21 approaches until reaching the next adjacent airspace. 
Furthermore, the Class E surface area should be extended .8 miles to 
the northeast to laterally contain IFR departure operations while 
between the surface and the base of adjacent controlled airspace when 
executing the LEDVE RWY 3 or CORTEZ TWO RWY 3 departure procedures. 
Moreover, the Class E surface area should be extended 2.4 miles to the 
southwest to laterally contain IFR departure operations while between 
the surface and the base of adjacent controlled airspace when executing 
the LEDVE RWY 21 or CORTEZ TWO RWY 21 departure procedures. Finally, 
the northern leg of the Class E surface area no longer serves the 
purpose of containment and should be removed.
    An extension to the Class E surface area measuring approximately 8 
x 8 miles should be established to the northeast, as the Class E 
surface area does not fully contain arriving IFR aircraft when less 
than 1,000 feet above the surface when executing the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 
21 or RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 21 approaches. An extension to the Class E 
surface area would contain these operations more appropriately without 
imposing a 2-way radio communication requirement.
    The central radius of the Class E airspace extending upward from 
700 feet above the surface should be reduced from 7 miles to 6.1 miles, 
as there are portions of the airspace to the southeast and west that do 
not provide procedural containment. Secondly, the northern extension of 
the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
should be widened by 6 miles and re-aligned to the northeast, which 
would better contain arriving IFR operations below 1,500 feet above the 
surface when executing the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 21 or RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 21 
approaches. The Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above 
the surface should be extended to the southwest to contain aircraft 
more appropriately until reaching 1,200 feet above the surface when 
executing the CORTEZ TWO RWY 21 or LEDVE ONE RWY 21 departure 
procedures, or the missed approach portion of the RNAV (GPS) Z RWY 21 
approach until reaching 1,200 feet above the surface. Lastly, the Class 
E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface should be 
extended 1.8 miles to the north-northwest of the airport to better 
contain aircraft executing the missed approach portion of the RNAV 
(GPS) Y RWY 21 approach until reaching 1,200 feet above the surface.
    Finally, the FAA proposes administrative modifications to the 
airport's legal descriptions. The airport's name on line two of the 
legal description text headers should be amended to read ``Cortez 
Municipal Airport'' to match the FAA's database. Reference to the 
Cortez VOR/distance measuring equipment (DME) on line three of the 
airport's legal descriptions is no longer needed and should be removed. 
The airspace should be described using the airport reference point. The 
Class E surface area legal description should be updated to replace the 
outdated use of the phrases ``Notice to Airmen'' and ``Airport/Facility 
Directory.'' These phrases should read ``Notice to Air Missions'' and 
``Chart Supplement,'' respectively, to align with the FAA's current 
nomenclature.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this proposed 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 proposed rule, when promulgated, will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies 
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

[[Page 4686]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 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

0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as 
follows:

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

Sec.  71.1   [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO 
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as a Surface Area.

* * * * *

ANM CO E2 Cortez, CO [Amended]

Cortez Municipal Airport, CO
    (Lat. 37[deg]18'11'' N, long. 108[deg]37'41'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.8-
mile radius of the airport, within 1.9 miles either side of the 
airport's 032[deg] bearing extending from its 4.8-mile radius to 5.6 
miles northeast, and within 1.9 miles either side of the airport's 
217[deg] bearing extending from its 4.8-mile radius to 7.2 miles 
southwest. This Class E airspace area is effective during the 
specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Air 
Missions. The effective date and time will thereafter be 
continuously published in the Chart Supplement.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6004 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an Extension to 
a Class D or Class E Surface Area.

* * * * *

ANM CO E4 Cortez, CO [New]

Cortez Municipal Airport, CO
    (Lat. 37[deg]18'11'' N, long. 108[deg]37'41'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within 4.1 miles 
either side of the airport's 042[deg] bearing extending from its 
4.8-mile radius to 13 miles northeast of the airport, excluding that 
airspace within the airport's Class E airspace designated as a 
surface area.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

* * * * *

ANM CO E5 Cortez, CO [Amended]

Cortez Municipal Airport, CO
    (Lat. 37[deg]18'11'' N, long. 108[deg]37'41'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.1-mile radius of the airport, within 6.1 miles either 
side of the airport's 048[deg] bearing extending from the 6.1-mile 
radius to 18.8 miles northeast, within 1.9 miles either side of the 
airport's 217[deg] bearing extending from the 6.1-mile radius to 9.4 
miles southwest, and within 4.2 miles west of the airport's 350[deg] 
bearing extending from the 6.1-mile radius to 7.9 miles north.
* * * * *

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 20, 2024.
B.G. Chew,
Group Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2025-00113 Filed 1-15-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
```