
[Federal Register: December 18, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 244)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 76940]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18de08-10]                         

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1018; Airspace Docket No. 08-AAL-31]

 
Revocation of Class E Airspace; Metlakatla, AK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action revokes Class E airspace at Metlakatla, AK. The 
privately funded special instrument approaches serving Metlakatla 
Airport have been removed. There is no longer a requirement for the 
controlled airspace. This action revokes existing Class E airspace 
surrounding the Metlakatla Airport, Metlakatla, AK.

DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, March 12, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual 
revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Rolf, AAL-538G, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 222 West 7th Avenue, Box 14, Anchorage, AK 99513-7587; 
telephone number (907) 271-5898; fax: (907) 271-2850; e-mail: 
gary.ctr.rolf@faa.gov. Internet address: http://www.faa.gov/about/
office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/systemops/fs/
alaskan/rulemaking/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    On Friday, October 17, 2008, the FAA proposed to amend part 71 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 71) to revoke the Class E 
airspace at Metlakatla, AK (73 FR 61752). The action was proposed in 
order to remove controlled airspace no longer necessary, due to the 
removal of the existing instrument approach procedure previously 
serving the Metlakatla Airport. Class E controlled airspace associated 
with the Metlakatla Airport area is revoked by this action.
    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
proceeding by submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. 
No comments were received. The rule is adopted as proposed.
    The area will be depicted on aeronautical charts for pilot 
reference. The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North 
American Datum 83. The Class E airspace areas designated as 700/1,200 
ft. transition areas are published in paragraph 6005 of FAA Order 
7400.9S, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed October 3, 
2008, and effective October 31, 2008, 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.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 revokes Class E airspace at the 
Metlakatla Airport, Alaska. This Class E airspace is revoked because 
there are no longer any instrument procedures at the Metlakatla 
Airport, and the airspace depiction will be removed from aeronautical 
charts.
    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. Because 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.
    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle 1, 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 1, Section 40103, Sovereignty and use of 
airspace. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing 
regulations to ensure the safe and efficient use of the navigable 
airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because 
it revokes Class E airspace no longer necessary for the Metlakatla 
Airport and represents the FAA's continuing effort to safely and 
efficiently use the navigable airspace.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration 
amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS D, AND 
CLASS E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIRWAYS; 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(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 Federal Aviation 
Administration Order 7400.9S, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, signed October 3, 2008, and effective October 31, 2008, is 
amended as follows:

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

* * * * *

AAL AK E5 Metlakatla, AK [Revoked]

* * * * *

    Issued in Anchorage, AK, on December 4, 2008.
Anthony M. Wylie,
Manager, Alaska Flight Services Information Area Group.
[FR Doc. E8-30013 Filed 12-17-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
