[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 216 (Friday, November 12, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62750-62753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24456]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0814; Airspace Docket No. 21-AGL-30]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment of Class D and Class E Airspace and Revocation 
of Class E Airspace; Rochester and St. Cloud, MN

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the Class D and Class E airspace 
at Rochester International Airport, Rochester, MN, and St. Cloud 
Regional Airport, St. Cloud, MN, and revoke Class E airspace at 
Rochester International Airport. The FAA is proposing this action as 
the result of biennial airspace reviews. The geographic coordinates of 
St. Cloud Regional Airport would also be updated to coincide with the 
FAA's aeronautical database.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 2021.

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 (800) 647-5527. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0814/Airspace Docket No. 21-AGL-30 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://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 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://

[[Page 62751]]

www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

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 the Class D airspace, Class E surface airspace, and 
Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at 
Rochester International Airport, Rochester, MN; revoke the Class E 
airspace designated as an extension to Class D and Class E surface 
areas at Rochester International Airport; amend the Class D airspace, 
Class E surface area, Class E airspace designated as an extension to 
Class D and Class E surface areas, and Class E airspace extending 
upward from 700 feet above the surface at St. Cloud Regional Airport, 
St. Cloud, MN, to support instrument flight rule operations at these 
airports.

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-2021-0814/
Airspace Docket No. 21-AGL-30.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped 
and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received before the specified closing date for 
comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. 
The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the 
comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact 
with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://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 
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 for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend 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 service 
routes, and reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 by:
    Amending the Class D airspace to within a 4.4-mile (increased from 
a 4.3-mile) radius of Rochester International Airport, Rochester, MN; 
removing the Rochester VOR/DME from the airspace legal description as 
it is not required; and updating the outdated term ``Airport/Facility 
Directory'' to ``Chart Supplement'';
    Amending the Class D airspace to within a 4.2-mile (increased from 
a 4.1-mile) radius of St. Cloud Regional Airport, St. Cloud, MN; 
updating the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the 
FAA's aeronautical database; and updating the outdated term ``Airport/
Facility Directory'' to ``Chart Supplement'';
    Amending the Class E surface area to within a 4.4-mile (increased 
from a 4.3-mile) radius of Rochester International Airport; removing 
the Rochester VOR/DME and associated extension from the airspace legal 
description as they are no longer required; and updating the outdated 
term ``Airport/Facility Directory'' to ``Chart Supplement'';
    Amending the Class E surface area to within a 4.2-mile (increased 
from a 4.1-mile) radius of St. Cloud Regional Airport; removing the St. 
Cloud VOR/DME and associated extension from the airspace legal 
description as they no longer required; updating the geographic 
coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical 
database; and updating the outdated term ``Airport/Facility Directory'' 
to ``Chart Supplement'';
    Removing the Class E airspace designated as an extension to Class D 
and Class E surface areas at Rochester International Airport as it is 
no longer required;
    Amending the Class E airspace designated as an extension to Class D 
and Class E surface areas at St. Cloud Regional Airport to within 2.4 
miles each side of the St. Cloud VOR/DME 140[deg] (previously 143[deg]) 
radial extending from the 4.2-mile (increased from 4.1-mile) radius of 
the St. Cloud Regional Airport to 7 (decreased from 7.2) miles 
southeast of the St. Cloud VOR/DME (previously airport); and updating 
the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's 
aeronautical database;
    Amending the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above 
the surface to within a 6.9-mile (increased from a 6.8-mile) radius of 
Rochester International Airport; removing the Rochester VOR/DME and 
associated extension from the airspace legal description as they are no 
longer required; adding an extension within 2 miles each side of the 
132[deg] bearing from the airport extending from the 6.9-mile radius to 
10.9 miles southeast of the airport; amending the southeast extension 
to within 4 miles each side of the of the 132[deg] bearing from the 
Rochester Intl.: RWY 31-LOC (previously 5.3 miles northeast and 4 miles 
southwest of the Rochester southeast localizer course) extending from 
the 6.9-mile (increased from a 6.8-

[[Page 62752]]

mile) radius to 7.5 miles (decreased from 17.3 miles) southeast of the 
airport; amending the northwest extension to within 3.9 miles each side 
of the 312[deg] bearing from the Rochester Intl.: RWY 13-LOC 
(previously 5.3 miles southwest and 4 miles northeast of the Rochester 
northwest localizer course) extending from the 6.9-mile (increased from 
6.8-mile) radius of the airport to 11.4 (decreased from 20) miles 
northwest of the airport;
    And amending the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet 
above the surface to within a 6.7-mile (increased from 6.6-mile) radius 
of St. Cloud Regional Airport; amending the southeast extension to 
within 2.4 miles each side of the St. Cloud VOR/DME 140[deg] 
(previously 143[deg]) radial extending from the 6.7-mile (increased 
from 6.6-mile) radius of the airport to 7 (decrease from 7.2) miles 
southeast of the St. Cloud VOR/DME (previously airport); and updating 
the geographic coordinates of the airport to coincide with the FAA's 
aeronautical database.
    This action is due to biennial airspace reviews.
    Class D and Class 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 FAA Order JO 7400.11.
    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, 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 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.

* * * * *

AGL MN D Rochester, MN [Amended]

Rochester International Airport, MN
    (Lat. 43[deg]54'30'' N, long. 92[deg]30'00'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
3,800 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of the Rochester 
International Airport. This Class D airspace area is effective 
during the specific dates and times established in advance by a 
Notice to Airmen. The effective dates and times will thereafter be 
published continuously in the Chart Supplement.

AGL MN D St. Cloud, MN [Amended]

St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'46'' N, long. 94[deg]03'34'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 
3,500 feet MSL within a 4.2-mile radius of the St. Cloud 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 dates and times will thereafter be continuously published 
in the Chart Supplement.

Paragraph 6002 Class E Airspace Designated as a Surface Area.

* * * * *

AGL MN E2 Rochester, MN [Amended]

Rochester International Airport, MN
    (Lat. 43[deg]54'30'' N, long. 92[deg]30'00'' W)

    Within a 4.4-mile radius of Rochester International Airport. 
This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates 
and times established by a Notice to Airmen. The effective dates and 
times will thereafter be continuously published in the Chart 
Supplement.

AGL MN E2 St. Cloud, MN [Amended]

St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'46'' N, long. 94[deg]03'34'' W)

    Within a 4.2-mile radius of St. Cloud Regional Airport. This 
Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates and 
times established by a Notice to Airmen. The effective dates and 
times 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.

* * * * *

AGL MN E4 Rochester, MN [Removed]

AGL MN E4 St. Cloud, MN [Amended]

St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'46'' N, long. 94[deg]03'34'' W)
St. Cloud VOR/DME
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'58'' N, long. 94[deg]03'31'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2.4 miles 
each side of St. Cloud VOR/DME 140[deg] radial extending from the 
4.4-mile radius of St. Cloud Regional Airport to 7 miles southeast 
of the St. Cloud VOR/DME.

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

* * * * *

AGL MN E5 Rochester, MN [Amended]

Rochester International Airport, MN
    (Lat. 43[deg]54'30'' N, long. 92[deg]30'00'' W)
Rochester Intl.: RWY 31-LOC
    (Lat. 43[deg]55'19'' N, long. 92[deg]30'54'' W)
Rochester Intl.: RWY 13-LOC
    (Lat. 43[deg]54'06'' N, long. 92[deg]29'02'' W)
Mayo Clinic-St. Mary's Hospital, MN
    (Lat. 44[deg]01'11'' N, long. 92[deg]28'59'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.9-mile radius of the Rochester International Airport, and 
within 2 miles each side of the 132[deg] bearing from the Rochester 
International Airport extending from the 6.9-mile radius of 
Rochester International Airport to 10.9 miles southeast of Rochester 
International Airport, and within 4 miles each side of the 132[deg] 
bearing from the Rochester Intl.: RWY 31-LOC extending from the 6.9-
mile radius of Rochester International Airport to 7.5 miles 
southeast of Rochester International Airport, and within 3.9 miles 
each side of the 312[deg] bearing from the Rochester Intl.: RWY 13-
LOC extending from the 6.9-mile radius of Rochester International 
Airport to 11.4 miles northwest of Rochester International Airport, 
and within a 6.4-mile radius of the Mayo Clinic-St. Mary's Hospital.
* * * * *

[[Page 62753]]

AGL MN E5 St. Cloud, MN [Amended]

St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'46'' N, long. 94[deg]03'34'' W)
St. Cloud VOR/DME
    (Lat. 45[deg]32'58'' N, long. 94[deg]03'31'' W)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface 
within a 6.7-mile radius of St. Cloud Regional Airport, and within 
2.4 miles each side of the St. Cloud VOR/DME 140[deg] extending from 
the 6.7-mile radius of the airport to 7 miles southeast of the St. 
Cloud VOR/DME.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on November 4, 2021.
Martin A. Skinner,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2021-24456 Filed 11-10-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


