Proposed Establishment of Class D and Class E Airspace; Sugar Land, TX

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 the airspace docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed under the caption ADDRESSES. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit, with those comments, a self- addressed, stamped, postcard containing the following statement: ``Comments to Airspace Docket No. 99-ASW-01.'' The postcard will be date and time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or 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 the light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket.

Availability of NPRM's

Any person may obtain a copy of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by submitting a request to the Operations Branch, Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, TX 76193-0520. Communications must identify the notice number of this NPRM. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM's should also request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A that describes the application procedure.

The Proposal

The FAA is considering an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish Class D and Class E airspace, controlled airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,600 feet MSL, at Sugar Land/Hull Airport, Sugar Land, TX. A non-federal air traffic control tower has been in operation since April 1995 and the Sugar Land/Hull Airport has experienced significant air traffic growth in the past few years. The Class D airspace will revert to Class E airspace when the control tower is not in operation. The intended effect of this proposal is to provide adequate Class D and Class E airspace for aircraft operating in the vicinity of Sugar Land/Hull Airport, Sugar Land, TX. The coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 83. Designated Class D and E airspace areas are published in Paragraph 5000 and 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9F, dated September 10, 1998, and effective September 16, 1998, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class D and Class E airspace designations listed in this document would be published subsequently in the order. The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations that require frequent and routine amendments 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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List 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, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS D, AND CLASS E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIRWAYS; ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

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]

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal Aviation Administration Order 7400.9F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 10, 1998, and effective September 16, 1998, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace areas.

* * * * *

ASW TX D Houston Sugar Land/Hull Airport, TX [New]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land/Hull Airport, TX

(Lat. 29 deg.37'20''N., long. 095 deg.39'24''W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,600 feet MSL within a 4.2-mile radius of Sugar Land/Hull Airport. This Class D airspace is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory. * * * * *

Paragraph 6002 Class E airspace areas extending upward from the surface of the earth.

* * * * *

ASW TX E3 Houston Sugar/ Land/Hull Airport, TX [New]

Sugar Land, Sugar Land/Hull Airport, TX (Lat. 29 deg.37'20''N., long. 095 deg.39'24''W.)

That airspace extending upward from the surface within a 4.2- mile radius of Sugar Land/Hull Airport. This Class E airspace is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Airport/Facility Directory. * * * * * Issued in Fort Worth, TX on February 25, 1999. Albert L. Viselli, Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division, Southwest Region. [FR Doc. 99-5393 Filed 3-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M