Document ID: FAA-2016-8503-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Class D and E Airspace; Amendments; Class E Airspace; Revocations: Houston Sugar Land, Alice, Bay City, Brenham, Burnet, Falfurrias, Graford, Hamilton, TX; Austin Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, TX
Posted Date: 2016-08-11T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53091-53093]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18769]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 155 / Thursday, August 11, 2016 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 53091]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8503; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-11]

Proposed Amendment of Class D and E Airspace for the Following 
Texas Towns; Houston Sugar Land, TX; Alice, TX; Bay City, TX; Brenham, 
TX; Burnet, TX; Falfurrias, TX; Graford, TX; and Hamilton, TX, and 
Proposed Revocation of Class E Airspace; Austin Horseshoe Bay Resort 
Airport, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify Class D and Class E surface 
area airspace at Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX. 
The FAA also proposes to modify Class E airspace extending upward from 
700 feet above the surface at Kingsville Kleberg County Airport, Alice, 
TX; Bay City Municipal Airport, Bay City, TX; Brenham Municipal 
Airport, Brenham, TX; Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, 
Burnet, TX; Brooks County Airport, Falfurrias, TX; Possum Kingdom 
Airport, Graford, TX; and Hamilton Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX. 
Decommissioning of non-directional radio beacons (NDBs), cancellation 
of NDB approaches, and implementation of area navigation (RNAV) 
procedures have made this action necessary for the safety and 
management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at these 
airports. This action also proposes to remove Class E airspace at 
Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, Austin, TX, as controlled airspace is no 
longer needed. Additionally, the geographic coordinates at Bay City 
Municipal Airport, Brenham Municipal Airport, and Brooks County 
Airport, as well as the name of Sugar Land Regional Airport (formerly 
Sugar Land Municipal/Hull Field) would be adjusted to coincide with the 
FAA's aeronautical database.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 26, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, 20590; telephone 
(202) 366-9826, or 1-800-647-5527. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2016-8503; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-11, at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the 
proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in 
the Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and 
subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://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. The Order is also available for inspection at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of FAA Order 7400.9Z at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to 
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Claypool, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Operations Support Group, Central Service Center, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX, 76177; telephone (817) 222-5711.

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 would amend Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace at 
Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX; amend Class E 
airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Kingsville 
Kleberg County Airport, Alice, TX; Bay City Municipal Airport, Bay 
City, TX; Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham, TX; Burnet Municipal 
Airport-Kate Craddock Field, Burnet, TX; Brooks County Airport, 
Falfurrias, TX; Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX; and Hamilton 
Municipal Airport, Hamilton, TX; and remove Class E at Horseshoe Bay 
Resort Airport, Austin, TX.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as 
they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. 
Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in 
triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to 
acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with 
those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the 
following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. FAA-2016-8503/
Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-11.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through

[[Page 53092]]

the FAA's Web page at http://www.regulations.gov.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Office (see the ADDRESSES section for the address and phone number) 
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal 
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal 
business hours at the Federal Aviation Administration, Air Traffic 
Organization, Central Service Center, Operations Support Group, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX, 76177.

Availability and Summary of Documents Proposed for Incorporation by 
Reference

    This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and effective 
September 15, 2015. FAA Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as listed 
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.9Z 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 Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) Part 71 by modifying:
    Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace within a 5.8-
mile radius of Sugar Land Regional Airport, Houston Sugar Land, TX, and 
updating the name of airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical 
database;
    Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius of Kingsville, Kleberg County Airport, Alice, 
TX, with an extension northwest of the airport from the 6.6-mile radius 
to 10.3 miles;
    Within a 6.5-mile radius of Bay City Municipal Airport, Bay City, 
TX, and updating the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide 
with the FAAs aeronautical database;
    Within a 6.5-mile radius of Brenham Municipal Airport, Brenham TX, 
and updating the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with 
the FAAs aeronautical database;
    Within a 6.6-mile radius of the Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate 
Craddock Field, Burnet, TX;
    Within a 6.6-mile radius of Brooks County Airport, Falfurrias, TX, 
and updating the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with 
the FAAs aeronautical databases;
    Within a 7.0-mile radius of Possum Kingdom Airport, Graford, TX, 
with extensions to the northeast of the airport from the 7.0-mile 
radius to 10.9 miles, and to the southwest of the airport from the 7.0-
mile radius to 10.9 miles;
    And within a 6.5-mile radius of Hamilton Municipal Airport, 
Hamilton, TX, with extensions to the north of the airport from the 6.5-
mile radius to 9.4 miles, and to the south of the airport from the 6.5-
mile radius to 10.3 miles;
    The Class E airspace area extending upward from 700 feet above the 
surface within a 6.5-mile radius of Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, 
Austin Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, TX, would be removed as the SIAPs 
have been cancelled and controlled airspace is no longer needed.
    Airspace reconfiguration is necessary due to the decommissioning of 
NDBs, cancellation of NDB approaches, and implementation of RNAV 
procedures at the above airports. Controlled airspace is necessary for 
the safety and management of the standard instrument approach 
procedures for IFR operations at the airports.
    Class D and E airspace designations are published in paragraph 
5000, 6002, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9Z, dated August 
6, 2015, and effective September 15, 2015, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class E airspace designations listed in 
this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

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 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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, would 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, 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), 106(g); 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 7400.9Z, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and 
effective September 15, 2015, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

* * * * *

ASW TX D Houston Sugar Land, TX [Amended]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX
    (Lat. 29[deg]37'20'' N., long. 95[deg]39'24'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,600 feet MSL within a 5.8-mile radius of Sugar Land Regional 
Airport. This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific 
dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The 
effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in 
the Airport/Facility Directory.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Designated as Surface Areas.

* * * * *

ASW TX E2 Houston Sugar Land, TX [Amended]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land Regional Airport, TX
    (Lat. 29[deg]37'20'' N., long. 95[deg]39'24'' W.)

    Within a 5.8-mile radius of Sugar Land Regional Airport. This 
Class E airspace is effective during the specific dates and times 
established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and 
time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/
Facility Directory.
* * * * *

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

* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Alice, TX [Amended]

Alice International Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]44'27'' N., long. 98[deg]01'37'' W.)
Orange Grove NALF, TX

[[Page 53093]]

    (Lat. 27[deg]53'49'' N., long. 98[deg]02'37'' W.)
Navy Orange Grove TACAN
    (Lat. 27[deg]53'43'' N., long. 98[deg]02'33'' W.)
Kingsville, Kleberg County Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]33'03'' N., long. 98[deg]01'51'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 7.5-mile radius of Alice International Airport, and within 
2 miles each side of the 135[deg] bearing from Alice International 
Airport extending from the 7.5-mile radius to 9.8 miles southeast of 
the airport, and within a 7.2-mile radius of the Orange Grove NALF, 
and within 1.6 miles each side of the 129[deg] radial of the Navy 
Orange Grove TACAN extending from the 7.2-mile radius of the Orange 
Grove NALF to 11 miles southeast of the Orange Grove NALF, and 
within 1.5 miles each side of the 320[deg] radial of the Navy Orange 
Grove TACAN extending from the 7.2-mile radius of the Orange Grove 
NALF to 9.7 miles northwest of the Orange Grove NALF, and within a 
6.6-mile radius of Kleberg County Airport, and within 4.0 miles each 
side of the 320[deg] bearing from the Kleberg County Airport from 
the 6.6-mile radius to 10.3 miles northwest of the airport, 
excluding that airspace within the Corpus Christi, TX, Class E 
airspace area.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport, TX [Removed]

* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Bay City, TX [Amended]

Bay City Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 28[deg]58'24'' N., long. 95[deg]51'48'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Bay City Municipal Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Brenham, TX [Amended]

Brenham Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 30[deg]13'11'' N., long. 96[deg]22'28'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Brenham Municipal Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Burnet, TX [Amended]

Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock Field, TX
    (Lat. 30[deg]44'20'' N., long. 98[deg]14'19'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius of Burnet Municipal Airport-Kate Craddock 
Field.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Falfurrias, TX [Amended]

Brooks County Airport, TX
    (Lat. 27[deg]12'22'' N., long. 98[deg]07'16'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.6-mile radius of Brooks County Airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Graford, TX [Amended]

Possum Kingdom Airport, TX
    (Lat. 32[deg]55'24'' N., long. 98[deg]26'13'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 7.0-mile radius of Possum Kingdom Airport and within 4 
miles each side of the 031[deg] bearing from the airport extending 
from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles northeast of the airport, and 
within 4 miles each side of the 210[deg] bearing from the airport 
extending from the 7.0-mile radius to 10.9 miles southwest of the 
airport.
* * * * *

ASW TX E5 Hamilton, TX [Amended]

Hamilton Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 31[deg]39'57'' N., long. 98[deg]08'55'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.5-mile radius of Hamilton Municipal Airport, and within 2 
miles each side of the 009[deg] bearing from the airport extending 
from the 6.5-mile radius to 9.4 miles north of the airport, and 
within 2 miles each side of the 189[deg] bearing from the airport 
extending from the 6.5-mile radius to 10.3 miles south of the 
airport.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 1, 2016.
Walter Tweedy,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2016-18769 Filed 8-10-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P