Document ID: FAA-2021-0589-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airspace Designations and Reporting Points: Columbus, GA
Posted Date: 2022-01-18T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 18, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2536-2538]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00651]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0589; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASO-23]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment and Establishment of Class D and Class E Airspace; 
Columbus, GA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Class D airspace, Class E surface area, and 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for 
Columbus Airport and Lawson Army Air Field (AAF) (Fort Benning), 
Columbus, GA. This action merges Columbus Airport and Lawson AAF (Fort 
Benning) Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace into one 
header under FAA Order JO 7400.11 and removes the header Columbus 
Lawson AAF under FAA Order JO 7400.11. This action also amends Columbus 
Airport's Class D by updating the name of Columbus Airport, (formerly 
Columbus Metropolitan Airport) and updating the name of Lawson Army 
Airfield (Fort Benning), (formerly Columbus Lawson AAF); the Lawson AAF 
(Fort Benning) Class D is amended by establishing an extension to the 
southeast. This action establishes Class E airspace designated as an 
extension to a Class D surface area for Columbus Airport, Columbus, GA. 
The Columbus Airport Class E surface area extension is eliminated and 
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) Class E surface area is amended by 
establishing an extension to the southeast. Columbus Class E airspace 
extending upward from 700 feet above the surface and Lawson AAF (Fort 
Benning) Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the 
surface is amended by increasing the radii and removing the Lawson Very 
High Frequency Omnidirectional Range with Distance Measuring Equipment

[[Page 2537]]

(VOR/DME) and Lawson Localizer (LOC) from the description. In addition, 
this action also makes an editorial change replacing the term Airport/
Facility Directory with the term Chart Supplement in the legal 
descriptions of associated Class D airspace and Class E surface area. 
In addition, this action updates the geographic coordinates of the 
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) to coincide with the FAA's database. 
Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of 
instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, March 24, 2022. 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 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://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 JO 7400.11F at NARA, email 
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Goodson, Operations Support 
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 
Columbia Ave., 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 Class D airspace, amends Class E Surface airspace, amends 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, and 
establishes Class E airspace designated as an Extension to a Class D 
Surface Area for Columbus, GA, to support IFR operations in the area.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register (86 FR 58819, October 25, 2021) for Docket No. FAA-2021-0589 
to amend Class D airspace, amend Class E Surface airspace, amend Class 
E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface, and 
establishes Class E airspace designated as an Extension to a Class D 
Surface Area for Columbus, GA.
    Subsequent to publication, the FAA found the names of Lawson AAF 
(AAF) required updating. The correct name is Lawson AAF (Fort Benning). 
This action makes the update.
    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. Two 
comments were received, one comment was positive and one comment was a 
blank submission.
    Class D airspace and Class E airspace designations are published in 
Paragraph 5000, 6002, 6004, and 6005 respectively, of FAA Order JO 
7400.11F, dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 15, 2021, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and 
Class E airspace designations listed in this document will be published 
subsequently in FAA Order JO 7400.11F.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 
15, 2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic routes, and reporting 
points.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 71 by amending Class D, Class E 
surface area, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above 
the surface at Columbus Airport, Columbus, GA, and Lawson AAF (Fort 
Benning), Columbus, GA. This action merges Columbus Airport and Lawson 
AAF (Fort Benning) Class D airspace and Class E surface area airspace 
into one header under FAA Order JO 7400.11 and removes the header 
Columbus Lawson AAF under FAA Order JO 7400.11. This action establishes 
Class E airspace designated as an extension to a Class D surface area 
at Columbus Airport, Columbus, GA.
    The Columbus Airport Class D airspace is amended by eliminating the 
extension to the southwest and updating the name to Columbus Airport 
(previously Columbus Metropolitan Airport). This action also makes the 
editorial change replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with the 
term Chart Supplement in the legal description.
    The Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) Class D airspace is amended by 
establishing an extension within 1.0 mile each side of the 145[deg] 
bearing from the AAF extending from the 5.2-mile radius to 6.8 miles 
southeast of the AAF and updating the name to Lawson AAF (Fort 
Benning), (previously Columbus Lawson AAF). This action also makes the 
editorial change replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with the 
term Chart Supplement in the legal description. In addition, this 
action also updates the geographic coordinates to coincide with the 
FAA's database.
    The Columbus Airport Class E surface area is amended by eliminating 
the extension to the southwest. This action also makes the editorial 
change replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with the term 
Chart Supplement in the legal description.
    The Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) Class E surface area is amended by 
establishing an extension within 1.0 mile each side of the 145[deg] 
bearing from the AAF extending from the 5.2-mile radius to 6.8 miles 
southeast of the AAF. This action also makes an editorial change 
replacing the term Airport/Facility Directory with the term Chart 
Supplement in the legal description. In addition, this action also 
updates the geographic coordinates to coincide with the FAA's database.
    The Columbus, GA Class E airspace designated as an extension to a 
Class D surface area at for Columbus Airport is established by adding 
that airspace extending upward from the surface within 1 mile each side 
of the 234[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 4.4-mile 
radius to 7.1 miles southwest of the airport.
    The Columbus, GA Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet 
above the surface is amended by increasing the radius of Columbus 
Airport to 9.6 miles, (previously 6.8 miles) and eliminating the 
extension to the southeast.
    The Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) Class E airspace extending upward 
from 700 feet above the surface is amended by increasing the radius to 
9.3 miles,

[[Page 2538]]

(previously 7.6 miles), eliminating the Lawson VOR/DME and Lawson LOC 
from the description, adding the airspace within 3.8 miles each side of 
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) 341[deg] bearing from the AAF extending from 
the 9.3-mile radius to 15.2 miles northwest of the AAF, and 4.1 miles 
each side of the Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) 145[deg] bearing from the 
AAF extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 10.6 miles southeast of the 
AAF.
    Class D and E airspace designations are published in Paragraphs 
5000, 6002, 6004, and 6005, respectively, of FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 
dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 15, 2021, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and E airspace 
designations listed in this document will be published subsequently in 
the Order.
    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. 
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 minimal. Since this is a routine matter that only 
affects air traffic procedures an 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 5-6.5a. 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.

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

0
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.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO GA D Columbus, GA [Amended]

Columbus Airport, GA
    (Lat 32[deg]30'59'' N, long. 84[deg]56'20'' W)
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning), GA
    (Lat. 32[deg]19'54'' N, long. 84[deg]59'14'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,900 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of the Columbus Airport; and 
that airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
2,700 feet MSL within a 5.2-mile radius of Lawson Army Airfield (Ft. 
Benning) and that airspace within 1 mile each side of the 145[deg] 
bearing from the AAF extending from the 5.2-mile radius to 6.8 miles 
southeast of the AAF. This Class D 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 Chart Supplement.

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as a Surface Area

* * * * *

ASO GA E2 Columbus, GA [Amended]

Columbus Airport, GA
    (Lat 32[deg]30'59'' N, long. 84[deg]56'20'' W)
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning), GA
    (Lat. 32[deg]19'54'' N, long. 84[deg]59'14'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.4-
mile radius of Columbus Airport; and that airspace within a 5.2-mile 
radius of Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) and that airspace within 1 mile 
each side of the 145[deg] bearing from the AAF extending from the 
5.2-mile radius to 6.8 miles southeast of the AAF. This Class E 
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 Chart 
Supplement.

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

* * * * *

ASO GA E4 Columbus, GA [New]

Columbus Airport, GA
    (Lat 32[deg]30'59'' N, long. 84[deg]56'20'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within 1 mile 
each side of the 234[deg] bearing from the airport extending from 
the 4.4-mile radius to 7.1 miles southwest of the airport.

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

* * * * *

ASO GA E5 Columbus, GA [Amended]

Columbus Airport, GA
    (Lat 32[deg]30'59'' N, long. 84[deg]56'20'' W)
Lawson AAF (Fort Benning), GA
    (Lat. 32[deg]19'54'' N, long. 84[deg]59'14'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 9.6-mile radius of Columbus Airport; and within a 9.3-mile 
radius of Lawson AAF (Fort Benning), and within 3.8 miles each side 
of Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) 341[deg] bearing from the AAF extending 
from the 9.3-mile radius to 15.2 miles northwest of the AAF, and 4.1 
miles each side of the Lawson AAF (Fort Benning) 145[deg] bearing 
from the AAF extending from the 9.3-mile radius to 10.6 miles 
southeast of the AAF.

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on January 10, 2022.
Andreese C. Davis,
Manager, Airspace & Procedures Team South, Eastern Service Center, Air 
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2022-00651 Filed 1-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P