Overview
Title
Proposed Establishment of Class E Airspace; Newburyport, MA
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to make a special zone in the sky above a hospital in Newburyport, Massachusetts, so helicopters can use GPS to land safely, and people have until March 1, 2021, to say what they think about it.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a rule to create a new Class E airspace in Newburyport, Massachusetts, specifically for the Anna Jaques Hospital Heliport. This airspace would start from 700 feet above the surface, helping with new GPS-based procedures for helicopter landings. The proposal aims to enhance safety and manage air traffic better for flights operating under instrument flight rules around the hospital. The public can submit comments on this proposal until March 1, 2021.
Abstract
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface for Anna Jaques Hospital Heliport, Newburyport, MA, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures (SIAPs) serving this heliport. Controlled airspace is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a proposal to establish a new Class E airspace in Newburyport, Massachusetts, specifically aimed at supporting the Anna Jaques Hospital Heliport. This proposed airspace will commence at 700 feet above ground level to accommodate new navigational procedures using GPS for helicopter landings. The main intent behind this proposal is to enhance safety and improve the management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in this region. The public has the opportunity to submit comments regarding this proposal until March 1, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue is that the document lacks information on the financial implications of creating this airspace. Readers might find it beneficial to understand the economic impact this change could have. Additionally, the text does not adequately explain how the newly proposed airspace will specifically improve safety or efficiency compared to current measures. Such details could bolster the justification for the proposal.
The document repeatedly references legal and regulatory orders without providing sufficient explanation of their relevance, which may confuse those unfamiliar with these documents. For example, FAA Order 7400.11E is mentioned several times, but it is unclear what specific changes or provisions pertain to the new airspace establishment.
Broad Impact on the Public
Overall, the proposed establishment of Class E airspace is intended to improve flight safety and air traffic management, thereby potentially benefiting the general public by reducing aviation-related incidents. However, there may be some concern about whether such regulatory changes are necessary or beneficial without a clearer articulation of their expected advantages.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For aviation stakeholders, particularly those operating in and around Newburyport, Massachusetts, the establishment of Class E airspace could mean more structured and safer operational procedures. Pilots and aviation companies might experience improvements in flight efficiency and reduced risks during instrument-based approaches.
Conversely, local residents and the hospital might face changes due to increased air traffic, although this potential impact wasn't explicitly covered in the proposal. Understanding how these operational modifications will affect the community, both positively by improving medical emergency response times and potentially negatively with increased noise or traffic, would require more comprehensive analysis.
In summary, while the FAA has outlined the procedural steps and legal frameworks for establishing this airspace, further clarity on its economic impact, safety benefits, and specific procedural enhancements would provide a more holistic view of its implications. Public engagement and comment will play a critical role in shaping the final decision.
Issues
• The document does not specify the cost or potential financial implications of establishing the Class E airspace. More information on economic impact would be helpful.
• The document does not detail how the new airspace will specifically enhance safety or efficiency compared to current operations, which could aid in justifying the proposal.
• The language used in the legal and regulatory references might be difficult for the general public to understand without prior legal knowledge.
• While the incorporation by reference of FAA Order 7400.11E is mentioned repeatedly, the document does not explain what changes or specific elements of this order are relevant to the new airspace establishment.
• The document references multiple orders and executive actions (like FAA Order 7400.11E, Executive Order 12866) without summarizing or explaining their relevance, which could be confusing for readers not familiar with these documents.