FR 2021-02967

The document under review is a formal notice from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the permanent closure of the Haines, Alaska Seaplane Base (3Z9). The notice, issued in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Transportation (AKDOT), highlights the infrastructural and operational changes resulting in the seaplane base's shutdown. While the necessity of closures like these often arises from practical considerations, this particular document leaves some questions unanswered that might be relevant for the interested public and stakeholders.

General Summary

The FAA has released a notice affirming the permanent closure of the Haines, Alaska Seaplane Base, referenced by its identifier 3Z9. This closure follows the transfer of infrastructure ownership to the City of Haines back in 2006. It appears that the harbor in Haines underwent expansions that rendered it unsuitable to accommodate floatplane activities, necessitating the base's closure. Hence, the FAA presents this notice retroactively.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable concern with this document is the mention of a retroactive effective date for the closure. The lack of a specific date when the infrastructure became non-operable could create confusion. Readers might find it challenging to understand the precise span of this transition, which obscures the timeline of key events.

Additionally, the document uses more technical references such as "49 U.S.C. 46319(b)" without further explanation. These terms might not be immediately clear to those without a legal or regulatory background, limiting their comprehension of the document’s legal context.

Furthermore, the statement that harbor expansion made floatplane traffic infeasible lacks detailed explanation. The public and stakeholders might expect a more thorough account of how the expansion directly affects floatplane operations, as transparency can build greater trust and understanding.

Impact on the Public Broadly

The closure of the Haines Seaplane Base might broadly impact residents of Haines and surrounding regions. For a community heavily dependent on various forms of transportation due to geographical challenges, the loss of any transit option, especially one linked to aviation, can significantly affect mobility and connectivity. Residents and travelers who relied on seaplane service may face inconvenience due to this closure.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For aviation enthusiasts, operators, and pilots who may have had an interest or operational investments in the Haines Seaplane Base, this closure can represent a loss. It limits opportunities for floatplane flights in the area and might necessitate longer, less convenient travel to alternative locations.

However, broader city development and harbor operations may benefit positively. The expansion of the harbor, which indirectly catalyzed the closure of the seaplane base, can accommodate more maritime activity. This can lead to increased economic activity associated with cargo shipping, fishing, recreational boating, or other marine-oriented businesses.

In conclusion, while the document communicates necessary information pertaining to the administrative changes in Alaska's transportation infrastructure, it presents areas needing clarity and elaboration. Stakeholders, especially at the community level, might find it helpful to seek further clarification on the timeline and implications of the seaplane base's closure to fully understand its impact on their day-to-day operations and long-term plans.