Overview
Title
Amendment of Class E Airspace; Prairie Du Chien, WI
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA is making changes to the air above a small airport in Wisconsin to make it safer and simpler to fly. They're shrinking how big the protected area is and changing the directions a little, like a careful game of "dot to dot," because they're removing an old guiding signal.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to update the Class E airspace at Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport in Wisconsin. This change involves reducing the radius of airspace from 9.3 miles to 6.6 miles and adding specific extensions from the airport in certain directions. The adjustments are necessary following the removal of a navigation aid and are part of the FAA's ongoing effort to manage airspace efficiently while ensuring safety. These revisions have been deemed noncontroversial and are not expected to have significant economic or environmental impacts.
Abstract
This action amends the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport, Prairie Du Chien, WI. This action is the result of an airspace review caused by the decommissioning of the Waukon VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The geographic coordinates of the airport are also being updated to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), published in the Federal Register, pertains to amendments in the Class E airspace at Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport, Wisconsin. This adjustment in airspace management is part of an effort following the decommissioning of a local navigation aid. Specifically, the radius of controlled airspace has been reduced and new extensions from the airport have been delineated.
General Summary
The key change involves reducing the radius of Class E airspace from 9.3 miles to 6.6 miles, while adding extensions from the airport in designated directions (specifically at 110°, 140°, and 320° bearings). These updates aim to facilitate the efficient use of airspace and maintain aviation safety. The amendments are a result of the Waukon VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid being removed, as part of a larger national program, the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The FAA has determined that these changes are noncontroversial and should not lead to any significant economic or environmental impact.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document raises several issues. Firstly, it does not deeply explore why the 9.3-mile airspace radius was specifically reduced to 6.6 miles, nor does it clarify the precise rationale for selecting the extensions at the specified bearings. Additionally, while the Waukon VOR's decommissioning is cited as a driver for these changes, further context regarding the reasons for its removal might help lay readers understand the broader implications and rationale.
The language used in the document heavily relies on technical jargon and multiple references to specific FAA Orders and obscure regulations. This complexity might pose a challenge for individuals not familiar with aviation terminology or regulatory frameworks. Simplifying these aspects or offering additional resources for further clarification could improve accessibility and comprehension.
Moreover, the document refers to older legislative and executive documents such as E.O. 10854, without clearly addressing any potential updates from more recent orders. Clarifying whether these older references are superseded or amended by more current directives would be useful.
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, these changes represent ongoing efforts to manage the national airspace safely and efficiently. Individuals traveling near Prairie Du Chien, or availing of flights from the municipal airport, may notice enhanced safety or potential efficiency improvements in flight procedures due to more precise airspace management.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, such as local pilots, aviation businesses, and nearby residents, might encounter more direct impacts. Local pilots and general aviation operators could experience a different airspace environment due to the shrinking controlled radius and new directional paths. Navigation and flight planning might need slight adjustments, albeit without a marked financial burden, according to the FAA’s assessment.
Meanwhile, businesses relying on aviation services or facing overhead flight paths might welcome these revisions if they lead to more efficient or quieter air traffic routing. However, the document lacks a detailed assessment of any potential economic changes for these stakeholders or operational impacts.
In conclusion, while the document outlines crucial airspace adjustments following the removal of a local navigation aid, broader accessibility and understanding could be improved with greater clarification of technical elements and potential stakeholder impacts.
Issues
• The document could be clarified by providing a more detailed explanation of specific changes in airspace dimensions. For instance, why the decrease from 9.3 miles to 6.6 miles and the specific reasons for the extensions at 110°, 140°, and 320° bearings?
• The document mentions the decommissioning of the Waukon VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) but does not specify the reasons for its decommissioning. Adding more context about this would enhance understanding.
• While it states there are no significant economic impacts, a more detailed summary of any potential financial or operational impacts for local stakeholders or general aviation users might be beneficial.
• The document uses technical jargon and references to multiple FAA Orders and regulations, which could be complex for individuals not familiar with aviation regulations. Simplifying this language or offering additional resources for clarification might increase accessibility.
• The reference to E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389 as part of the legal authority seems outdated and complex. Clarifying if there has been any amendment or impact from more recent executive orders could be useful.