Proposed Rule2025-05636
Revocation of Class D and Class E4 Airspace; Establishment of Class E2 Airspace; Amendment of Class E5 Airspace Aberdeen, MD
Primary source
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Published
April 3, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to remove Class D and E4 airspace at Phillips Army Airfield (AAF) due to the closure of the air traffic control tower. This action proposes to establish Class E2 airspace extending upward from the surface above Phillips AAF, Aberdeen, MD, at the request of the United States Army to provide the required airspace for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Phillips AAF. This action also proposes to amend Class E5 airspace to accommodate the decommissioning of Aberdeen non-directional radio beacon (NDB), and cancellation of the associated instrument approach procedures. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of IFR operations in the area for existing instrument approaches.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 63 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 63 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14591-14593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-05636]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0400; Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-4]
RIN 2120-AA66
Revocation of Class D and Class E4 Airspace; Establishment of
Class E2 Airspace; Amendment of Class E5 Airspace Aberdeen, MD
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to remove Class D and E4 airspace at
Phillips Army Airfield (AAF) due to the closure of the air traffic
control tower. This action proposes to establish Class E2 airspace
extending upward from the surface above Phillips AAF, Aberdeen, MD, at
the request of the United States Army to provide the required airspace
for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Phillips AAF. This
action also proposes to amend Class E5 airspace to accommodate the
decommissioning of Aberdeen non-directional radio beacon (NDB), and
cancellation of the associated instrument approach procedures.
Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of IFR
operations in the area for existing instrument approaches.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 19, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-0400 and
Airspace Docket No. 25-AEA-4 using any of the following methods:
* Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> and follow
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
* Mail: Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department of Transportation,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
* Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except for Federal holidays.
* Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> at any time. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except for Federal holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11J Airspace Designations and Reporting Points
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at <a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/</a>. You may also contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Scott Stuart, Operations
Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration,
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; Telephone: (404) 305-
5926.
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 remove Class D and E4, establish Class E2, and amend Class
E5 airspace in Aberdeen, MD.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include
[[Page 14592]]
supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate
comments, commenters should submit only one time if comments are filed
electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of written
comments if comments are filed in writing.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments it receives.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edits, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
<a href="http://www.dot.gov/privacy">www.dot.gov/privacy</a>.
Availability of Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at
<a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/</a>.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during
regular business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center,
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College
Park, GA 30337.
Incorporation by Reference
Class D and Class E airspace designations are published in
paragraphs 5000, 6002, 6004, and 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 proposes to amend the
current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 2024, and effective
September 15, 2024. These updates will be published in the next update
to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11J is publicly available as
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11J
lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service
routes, and reporting points.
The Proposal
This action proposes an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to remove Class
D and E4 airspace, establish Class E2 airspace, and amend Class E5
airspace for Phillips AAF, Aberdeen, MD.
This action proposes to remove the Class D and Class E4 airspaces
extending upward from the surface above Phillips Army Airfield (AAF),
Aberdeen, MD, as the air traffic control tower will be permanently
closing and no longer providing air traffic control services.
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward
from the surface that is required to support the existing RNAV approach
servicing Phillips AAF and at the request of the United States Army.
Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of IFR
operations for existing instrument approaches at Phillips AAF.
This action proposes to amend Class E5 airspace extending upward
from 700 feet above the surface for Phillips AAF, Aberdeen, MD, to
accommodate airspace reconfiguration due to the decommissioning of
Aberdeen's non-directional radio beacon (NDB) and cancellation of the
NDB approaches. The reconfiguration would remove the extension from the
8.3-mile radius of Phillips AAF extending clockwise from the 260[deg]
bearing to the 030[deg] bearing from the airport leaving only the 6.9-
mile radius Class E5 airspace that is required for existing approaches
into Phillips AAF.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this proposed 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
Department of Transportation (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 proposed rule,
when promulgated, will 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 final regulatory action by the FAA.
Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, 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 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
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31,
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 5000 Class D Airspace.
* * * * *
AEA MD D Aberdeen, MD [Remove]
Phillips AAF, MD
(Lat. 39[deg]27'56'' N, long. 76[deg]10'06'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including
2,600 feet MSL within a 4.4-mile radius of Phillips AAF; excluding
that airspace in Restricted Area R-4001A when it is in effect. This
Class D airspace area is effective during the specific dates and
times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The specific
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.
* * * * *
AEA MD E4 Aberdeen, MD [Remove]
Phillips AAF, MD
(Lat. 39[deg]27'56'' N, long. 76[deg]10'06'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within 2 miles
each side of the 028[deg] bearing from Phillips AAF, extending from
the 4.4-mile radius of the airport to 9 miles
[[Page 14593]]
northeast of the airport; excluding that airspace in Restricted Area
R-4001A when it is in effect. This Class E airspace area is
effective during the specific dates and times established in advance
by a Notice to Airmen. The specific date and time will thereafter be
continuously published in the Chart Supplement.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6002 Class E Surface Airspace.
* * * * *
AEA MD E2 Aberdeen, MD [New]
Phillips AAF, MD
(Lat. 39[deg]27'56'' N, long. 76[deg]10'06'' W)
That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.4-
mile radius of Phillips AAF; excluding that airspace in Restricted
Area R-4001A when it is in effect. This Class E airspace area is
effective during the specific dates and times established in advance
by a Notice to Airmen. The specific date and time will thereafter be
continuously published in the Chart Supplement.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace.
* * * * *
AEA MD E5 Aberdeen, MD [Amended]
Phillips AAF, MD
(Lat. 39[deg]27'56'' N, long. 76[deg]10'06'' W)
That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within a 6.9-mile radius of Phillips AAF excluding the airspace in
Restricted Areas R-4001A and R-4001B when they are in effect.
* * * * *
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on March 28, 2025.
Patrick Young,
Manager, Airspace & Procedures Team North, Eastern Service Center, Air
Traffic Organization.
[FR Doc. 2025-05636 Filed 4-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 3, 2025.
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