Airspace Designations and Reporting Points: White Sulphur Springs Airport, White Sulphur Springs, MT

Establishment of Class E Airspace; White Sulphur Springs Airport, White Sulphur Springs, MT

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 establishes Class E airspace to support the airport's transition from VFR operations to IFR operations.

History

The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. FAA-2024-1265 in the Federal Register (89 FR 45615; May 23, 2024), proposing to establish Class E airspace at White Sulphur Springs Airport, MT. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments were received.

Differences From the NPRM

Subsequent to the publication of the NPRM-and prior to their planned publication date of Oct 31, 2024-the two instrument approach procedures developed for the airport were modified. As these procedures are the driving factor for the establishment of airspace within this action, the procedure modifications created a need to expand the airspace from that originally proposed. The north extension will now encompass an area approximately 6 x 16 miles in size, while the south extension now encompasses an area approximately 9 x 13 miles in size. This expanded airspace will more appropriately contain arriving IFR aircraft below 1,500 feet above the surface based on the modified procedures.

Incorporation by Reference

Class E5 airspace areas are published in paragraph 6005 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 amends the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11H, dated August 11, 2023, and effective September 15, 2023. FAA Order JO 7400.11H is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. These amendments will be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11.

FAA Order JO 7400.11H lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

The Rule

This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by establishing Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at White Sulphur Springs Airport, MT.

The airport is transitioning from VFR operations to IFR operations and requires Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface to contain departing IFR aircraft until reaching 1,200 feet above the surface and arriving IFR aircraft below 1,500 feet above the surface. The Class E airspace is centered on the airport reference point within a 5-mile radius and would include extensions to the north and south of the airport to provide additional containment for rising terrain in the vicinity.

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 so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that only affects air traffic procedures and 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 5-6.5.a. 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.

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