80 FR 12253 - Notice of Submission Deadline for Schedule Information for Los Angeles International Airport for the Summer 2015 Scheduling Season
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 44 (March 6, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 44 (March 6, 2015)
| Page Range | 12253-12254 | |
| FR Document | 2015-05207 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 44 (Friday, March 6, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 12253-12254] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-05207] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Submission Deadline for Schedule Information for Los Angeles International Airport for the Summer 2015 Scheduling Season AGENCY: Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). ACTION: Notice of submission deadline. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has planned runway resurfacing and Runway Safety Area (RSA) construction at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) beginning in March of 2015 until mid-2018. During this timeframe, a runway will be either shortened or closed, which could increase delays throughout much of the period of construction. In response to the varying capacity changes and forecasted scheduled demand over the duration of the project, the FAA announces the designation of LAX as a Level 2 airport under International Air Transport Association (IATA) Worldwide Slot Guidelines effective June 28, 2015. The focus hours are daily from 0600 through 2259 local time (1300--0559 UTC). The deadline for carriers to submit schedule information for the later part of the Summer 2015 scheduling season (June 28 through October 24, 2015) is March 20, 2015. The submission deadline for the Winter 2015 scheduling season will be May 21, 2015, which coincides with the IATA submission deadline. The FAA intends for the Level 2 designation to be temporary and does not anticipate this designation to extend beyond the completion date of construction. DATES: Schedules must be submitted no later than March 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: Schedules may be submitted by mail to the Slot Administration Office, AGC-200, Office of the Chief Counsel, 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591; facsimile: 202-267-7277; or by email to: 7-AWA-slotadmin@faa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Pfingstler, System Operations Services, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone number: 202-267-6462; email: susan.pfingstler@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: IATA guidelines state that a Level 2 airport is one where there is the potential for congestion during some periods of the day, week or season, which can be resolved by schedule adjustments mutually agreed between airlines and the facilitator. The FAA has determined that LAX should be designated as Level 2 based on projected capacity reductions and operational delays that are anticipated during the upcoming periods of runway construction. This construction is expected to occur in phases from March 2015 through mid-2018. LAWA plans runway closures or shortened runway lengths for resurfacing, construction of runway safety areas, and other airfield projects for all four runways. LAWA's current proposal indicates that only one runway would be closed or shortened at a time. LAWA projects that Runway 7R/25L will be closed for 33 days in March/April 2015. Runway 6L/24R would close from late June to October 2015. Runway 6R/24L would be shortened beginning December 2015 for ten months. Runway 7L/ 25R would be shortened for four months beginning October 2016 followed by a four month closure until spring 2017. Runway 7R/25L would close in January 2018 for five months. Specific projects and dates will be determined and announced by LAWA. LAWA, the FAA, and stakeholders meet regularly to review construction plans, identify ways to improve airport and airspace efficiency, and mitigate construction impacts whenever possible. These and other collaborative efforts will continue to improve and manage operations as efficiently as possible; however, runway capacity and surface operations will be impacted during construction. The specific operational and delay impacts have not been definitively determined for each construction phase and will depend on the final project details, available runways, taxiways, and other operational factors. Surface operations will become more complex during construction and affect taxi times, terminal/gate area operations, and aircraft staging. FAA Design Group VI Aircraft operations present additional challenges. LAX currently has more scheduled Group VI Aircraft operations than any other U.S. airport with more operations planned in summer 2015. Operational restrictions for Group VI Aircraft include additional aircraft separation, runway selection, and taxi constraints. The FAA recognizes that many summer schedules have been completed or are approaching the final planning stages. The initial schedules published for August 2015 are slightly above the August 2014 schedules. While some carriers have reduced operations compared to last summer, other carriers have increased flights. The FAA modeled delays for the March to early April closure of Runway 7R/25L and the late June to October closure of Runway 6L/24R. Modeling suggests moderate delays for the March/April closure and more extensive delays during the peak July and August months. These projections are based on published schedules and historic unscheduled traffic and projected capacity during the 2015 closures. Capacity rates are expected to be reduced by approximately 25%, decreasing hourly arrivals and departures from about 138 to 104 in visual meteorological conditions. The FAA is continuing to look at potential ways to increase runway throughput during construction and improve operations given the constraints. The FAA, LAWA, operators, and other affected parties expect to improve their operational planning for future construction phases based on the experiences during the March/ April closure. The FAA considered whether it would be optimal to begin the Level 2 review during the Winter 2015 scheduling season. Winter schedules are in earlier stages of development and [[Page 12254]] present more opportunities for carriers to plan flights during less congested times. However, an earlier designation in summer rather than waiting until the next construction phase provides an opportunity for the FAA to facilitate modest positive schedule moves during peak demand season at LAX, discourage moves into peak periods that might increase congestion, and alert carriers thorough the IATA WSG process that there is a potential for congestion. Schedule review under Level 2 alone will not resolve the congestion and delays resulting from demand that may exceed capacity. Rather, we expect that delays may be reduced as the FAA and carriers consider the potential impacts of new or retimed flights in peak periods. The success of Level 2 relies on voluntary cooperation by carriers to maintain a reasonable balance between capacity and demand. Carriers should recognize the operational constraints during construction and the potential for lengthy delays, carrier network impacts, flight cancellations, and consumer disruption if planned schedules significantly exceed capacity. The FAA does not expect to confirm, under the Level 2 process, new peak hour flights beyond those published as of the date of this notice. Accordingly, effective June 28, 2015, the FAA designates LAX as a Level 2 airport daily between the hours of 0600 and 2259 local time (1300 and 0559 UTC) but carriers may submit schedule information for the full day, if preferred. Carriers should submit to the FAA schedule information for all planned operations no later than March 20, 2015. The FAA will reply to carrier schedule submissions within two weeks of the deadline. For future scheduling seasons, the FAA intends to follow the IATA WSG regular slot activity calendar. Runway capacity estimates for the Winter 2015 scheduling season are expected in the spring and will be reviewed during regular meetings with LAWA and stakeholders. Carriers should submit schedule information in sufficient detail including, at a minimum, the carrier, flight number, scheduled time of arrival or departure, half-hour period, frequency, and effective dates. IATA standard schedule information format and data elements (Standard Schedules Information Manual, Chapter 6) may be submitted and would provide additional information that could be beneficial in assessing operational impacts. LAX is designated by LAWA as Level 2 for flights at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). This notice does not replace that process, which is done separately by LAWA based on terminal constraints. Schedule submissions and discussions with LAWA will continue in addition to FAA's review for runway impacts as described in this notice. Carriers operating at TBIT may copy both LAWA and the FAA on schedule messages. Finally, the FAA expects that the Level 2 designation will allow all interested parties an opportunity to address any imbalance between demand and capacity, and work cooperatively to reduce delays. The FAA supports the Level 2 process as a preferred and viable alternative to full slot coordination under Level 3 or other administrative actions to address congestion during the runway and RSA construction. Since LAX does not have a history of significant delays and capacity is generally sufficient to meet demand, the FAA anticipates continuing its Level 2 designation only for the planned construction period that is expected to end in 2018. However, the FAA will review the Level 2 designation, at a minimum, in advance of each scheduling season and consider further action as may be necessary if operational data indicates that congestion cannot be mitigated effectively under the Level 2 designation. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 3, 2015. Daniel E. Smiley, Acting Vice President, System Operations Services. [FR Doc. 2015-05207 Filed 3-5-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 44 / Friday, March 6, 2015 / Notices 12253
submit your comments by mail or hand June 28, 2015. The focus hours are daily LAWA, the FAA, and stakeholders
delivery, submit them in an unbound from 0600 through 2259 local time meet regularly to review construction
format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, (1300—0559 UTC). The deadline for plans, identify ways to improve airport
suitable for copying and electronic carriers to submit schedule information and airspace efficiency, and mitigate
filing. If you submit comments by mail for the later part of the Summer 2015 construction impacts whenever
and would like to know that they scheduling season (June 28 through possible. These and other collaborative
reached the facility, please enclose a October 24, 2015) is March 20, 2015. efforts will continue to improve and
stamped, self-addressed postcard or The submission deadline for the Winter manage operations as efficiently as
envelope. FMCSA will consider all 2015 scheduling season will be May 21, possible; however, runway capacity and
comments and material received during 2015, which coincides with the IATA surface operations will be impacted
the comment period and may change submission deadline. The FAA intends during construction. The specific
this notice based on your comments. for the Level 2 designation to be operational and delay impacts have not
temporary and does not anticipate this been definitively determined for each
Viewing Comments and Documents designation to extend beyond the construction phase and will depend on
To view comments, as well as any completion date of construction. the final project details, available
documents mentioned in this preamble DATES: Schedules must be submitted no runways, taxiways, and other
as being available in the docket, go to later than March 20, 2015. operational factors. Surface operations
http://www.regulations.gov and in the ADDRESSES: Schedules may be will become more complex during
search box insert the docket number, submitted by mail to the Slot construction and affect taxi times,
‘‘FMCSA–2013–0021’’ in the Administration Office, AGC–200, Office terminal/gate area operations, and
‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ of the Chief Counsel, 800 Independence aircraft staging. FAA Design Group VI
Next, click ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591; Aircraft operations present additional
button choose the document listed to facsimile: 202–267–7277; or by email to: challenges. LAX currently has more
review. If you do not have access to the 7–AWA-slotadmin@faa.gov. scheduled Group VI Aircraft operations
Internet, you may view the docket FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
than any other U.S. airport with more
online by visiting the Docket Susan Pfingstler, System Operations operations planned in summer 2015.
Management Facility in Room W12–140 Services, Air Traffic Organization, Operational restrictions for Group VI
on the ground floor of the DOT West Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Aircraft include additional aircraft
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Independence Avenue SW., separation, runway selection, and taxi
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. Washington, DC 20591; telephone constraints.
and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, The FAA recognizes that many
number: 202–267–6462; email:
except Federal holidays. summer schedules have been completed
susan.pfingstler@faa.gov.
or are approaching the final planning
Dated: March 2, 2015. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: IATA
stages. The initial schedules published
Larry W. Minor, guidelines state that a Level 2 airport is for August 2015 are slightly above the
Associate Administrator for Policy. one where there is the potential for August 2014 schedules. While some
[FR Doc. 2015–05198 Filed 3–5–15; 8:45 am] congestion during some periods of the carriers have reduced operations
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P day, week or season, which can be compared to last summer, other carriers
resolved by schedule adjustments have increased flights. The FAA
mutually agreed between airlines and modeled delays for the March to early
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the facilitator. The FAA has determined April closure of Runway 7R/25L and the
that LAX should be designated as Level late June to October closure of Runway
Federal Aviation Administration 2 based on projected capacity 6L/24R. Modeling suggests moderate
reductions and operational delays that delays for the March/April closure and
Notice of Submission Deadline for are anticipated during the upcoming
Schedule Information for Los Angeles more extensive delays during the peak
periods of runway construction. This July and August months. These
International Airport for the Summer construction is expected to occur in
2015 Scheduling Season projections are based on published
phases from March 2015 through mid- schedules and historic unscheduled
AGENCY: Department of Transportation, 2018. LAWA plans runway closures or traffic and projected capacity during the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). shortened runway lengths for 2015 closures. Capacity rates are
ACTION: Notice of submission deadline. resurfacing, construction of runway expected to be reduced by
safety areas, and other airfield projects approximately 25%, decreasing hourly
SUMMARY: Los Angeles World Airports for all four runways. LAWA’s current arrivals and departures from about 138
(LAWA) has planned runway proposal indicates that only one runway to 104 in visual meteorological
resurfacing and Runway Safety Area would be closed or shortened at a time. conditions. The FAA is continuing to
(RSA) construction at Los Angeles LAWA projects that Runway 7R/25L look at potential ways to increase
International Airport (LAX) beginning will be closed for 33 days in March/ runway throughput during construction
in March of 2015 until mid-2018. April 2015. Runway 6L/24R would and improve operations given the
During this timeframe, a runway will be close from late June to October 2015. constraints. The FAA, LAWA, operators,
either shortened or closed, which could Runway 6R/24L would be shortened and other affected parties expect to
increase delays throughout much of the beginning December 2015 for ten improve their operational planning for
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
period of construction. In response to months. Runway 7L/25R would be future construction phases based on the
the varying capacity changes and shortened for four months beginning experiences during the March/April
forecasted scheduled demand over the October 2016 followed by a four month closure.
duration of the project, the FAA closure until spring 2017. Runway 7R/ The FAA considered whether it
announces the designation of LAX as a 25L would close in January 2018 for five would be optimal to begin the Level 2
Level 2 airport under International Air months. Specific projects and dates will review during the Winter 2015
Transport Association (IATA) be determined and announced by scheduling season. Winter schedules are
Worldwide Slot Guidelines effective LAWA. in earlier stages of development and
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![12254 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 44 / Friday, March 6, 2015 / Notices
present more opportunities for carriers based on terminal constraints. Schedule exemption renewals will provide a level
to plan flights during less congested submissions and discussions with of safety that is equivalent to or greater
times. However, an earlier designation LAWA will continue in addition to than the level of safety maintained
in summer rather than waiting until the FAA’s review for runway impacts as without the exemptions for these
next construction phase provides an described in this notice. Carriers commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
opportunity for the FAA to facilitate operating at TBIT may copy both LAWA drivers.
modest positive schedule moves during and the FAA on schedule messages. DATES: This decision is effective April 1,
peak demand season at LAX, discourage Finally, the FAA expects that the 2015. Comments must be received on or
moves into peak periods that might Level 2 designation will allow all before April 6, 2015.
increase congestion, and alert carriers interested parties an opportunity to
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
thorough the IATA WSG process that address any imbalance between demand
there is a potential for congestion. and capacity, and work cooperatively to bearing the Federal Docket Management
Schedule review under Level 2 alone reduce delays. The FAA supports the System (FDMS) numbers: Docket No.
will not resolve the congestion and Level 2 process as a preferred and viable [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7918;
delays resulting from demand that may alternative to full slot coordination FMCSA–2002–12844; FMCSA–2004–
exceed capacity. Rather, we expect that under Level 3 or other administrative 19477; FMCSA–2005–20027; FMCSA–
delays may be reduced as the FAA and actions to address congestion during the 2010–0385; FMCSA–2010–0413], using
carriers consider the potential impacts runway and RSA construction. Since any of the following methods:
of new or retimed flights in peak • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
LAX does not have a history of
periods. The success of Level 2 relies on http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
significant delays and capacity is
voluntary cooperation by carriers to on-line instructions for submitting
generally sufficient to meet demand, the
maintain a reasonable balance between comments.
FAA anticipates continuing its Level 2
capacity and demand. Carriers should • Mail: Docket Management Facility;
designation only for the planned
recognize the operational constraints U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
construction period that is expected to
during construction and the potential New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
end in 2018. However, the FAA will
for lengthy delays, carrier network Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
review the Level 2 designation, at a
impacts, flight cancellations, and Washington, DC 20590–0001.
minimum, in advance of each • Hand Delivery or Courier: West
consumer disruption if planned scheduling season and consider further
schedules significantly exceed capacity. Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
action as may be necessary if 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
The FAA does not expect to confirm, operational data indicates that
under the Level 2 process, new peak Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
congestion cannot be mitigated p.m., Monday through Friday, except
hour flights beyond those published as effectively under the Level 2
of the date of this notice. Federal Holidays.
designation. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
Accordingly, effective June 28, 2015,
the FAA designates LAX as a Level 2 Issued in Washington, DC, on March 3, Instructions: Each submission must
2015. include the Agency name and the
airport daily between the hours of 0600
and 2259 local time (1300 and 0559 Daniel E. Smiley, docket number for this notice. Note that
UTC) but carriers may submit schedule Acting Vice President, System Operations DOT posts all comments received
information for the full day, if preferred. Services. without change to http://
Carriers should submit to the FAA [FR Doc. 2015–05207 Filed 3–5–15; 8:45 am] www.regulations.gov, including any
schedule information for all planned BILLING CODE 4910–13–P personal information included in a
operations no later than March 20, 2015. comment. Please see the Privacy Act
The FAA will reply to carrier schedule heading below.
submissions within two weeks of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Docket: For access to the docket to
deadline. For future scheduling seasons, read background documents or
the FAA intends to follow the IATA Federal Motor Carrier Safety comments, go to http://
WSG regular slot activity calendar. Administration www.regulations.gov at any time or
Runway capacity estimates for the [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7918; FMCSA– Room W12–140 on the ground level of
Winter 2015 scheduling season are 2002–12844; FMCSA–2004–19477; FMCSA– the West Building, 1200 New Jersey
expected in the spring and will be 2005–20027; FMCSA–2010–0385; FMCSA– Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
reviewed during regular meetings with 2010–0413] a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
LAWA and stakeholders. Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Carriers should submit schedule Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Federal Docket Management System
information in sufficient detail Applications; Vision (FDMS) is available 24 hours each day,
including, at a minimum, the carrier, AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 365 days each year. If you want
flight number, scheduled time of arrival Administration (FMCSA), DOT. acknowledgment that we received your
or departure, half-hour period, ACTION: Notice of renewal of comments, please include a self-
frequency, and effective dates. IATA exemptions; request for comments. addressed, stamped envelope or
standard schedule information format postcard or print the acknowledgement
and data elements (Standard Schedules SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its page that appears after submitting
Information Manual, Chapter 6) may be decision to renew the exemptions from comments on-line.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
submitted and would provide additional the vision requirement in the Federal Privacy Act: In accordance with 5
information that could be beneficial in Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 11 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
assessing operational impacts. individuals. FMCSA has statutory from the public to better inform its
LAX is designated by LAWA as Level authority to exempt individuals from rulemaking process. DOT posts these
2 for flights at the Tom Bradley the vision requirement if the comments, without edit, including any
International Terminal (TBIT). This exemptions granted will not personal information the commenter
notice does not replace that process, compromise safety. The Agency has provides, to www.regulations.gov, as
which is done separately by LAWA concluded that granting these described in the system of records
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Document Created: 2018-02-21 09:33:19
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 09:33:19
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of submission deadline. | |
| Dates | Schedules must be submitted no later than March 20, 2015. | |
| Contact | Susan Pfingstler, System Operations Services, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone number: 202-267-6462; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 12253 |
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