Overview
Title
Amendment of the Class E Airspace; Bradford, PA
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is making changes to the airspace around a small airport in Bradford, Pennsylvania, to make it safer and more efficient for airplanes to fly. They're doing this because they're getting rid of an old tool that helps planes know where they are in the sky.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend the Class E airspace designation at the Bradford Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. This change was prompted by the removal of the Bradford VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The amendment involves adjusting the airspace dimensions and removing outdated navigation references to improve safety and efficiency for aircraft operations at the airport. The rule is set to take effect on June 17, 2021.
Abstract
This action amends the Class E airspace at Bradford Regional Airport, Bradford, PA. This action is the result of airspace reviews caused by the decommissioning of the Bradford VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Editorial Commentary
The document at hand is a formal announcement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding an amendment to the Class E airspace at Bradford Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. This change, which takes effect on June 17, 2021, stems from the decommissioning of a VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid under the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. Essentially, this amendment updates the airspace dimensions and eliminates outdated navigation points to enhance the safety and efficiency of aviation operations around the airport.
General Summary
The FAA's final rule modifies the Class E airspace surrounding the Bradford Regional Airport. Specifically, the amendment reduces and alters the boundaries of the designated airspace, adapting it to changes in navigation technology due to the removal of the Bradford VOR, which was a key instrument for guiding aircraft. This action arises from a broader initiative to streamline and update navigation systems, promising improved operation protocols for pilots using instrument flight rules at this location.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues stand out in this document:
Technical Language: The document utilizes specialized aviation jargon, such as 'VOR,' 'VORTAC,' and 'Class E airspace,' without offering explanations or definitions. These terms may be opaque to those outside the field of aviation.
Regulation Clarifications: It briefly notes the regulation involves "non-controversial" changes without providing in-depth justification or evidence supporting this claim. There is also limited explanation on regulatory and environmental determinations, which might not suffice for readers unfamiliar with policy frameworks.
Geographic Coordinates: Detailed navigation coordinates are supplied without context, presupposing a familiarity with aviation and cartographic interpretations, which not every reader will possess.
Broad Public Impact
Broadly, this change is likely to have minimal direct impact on the general public. The adjustments are primarily technical and focused on enhancing aviation safety and efficiency, which, indirectly, enhances service reliability and safety for air travelers.
Specific Stakeholder Impact
Positive for Aviation Stakeholders: Pilots and aviation professionals operating out of Bradford Regional Airport will benefit directly from clearer and more efficient flight operations due to updated airspace definitions. Removing outdated navigation aids reduces confusion, potentially leading to fewer in-air mishaps and streamlined navigation protocols.
Neutral or Negative for Curious General Readers: The document may not resonate well with the lay public, especially those interested in understanding civic changes. The complex language and technical presentation might alienate readers without a specialized background in aviation or regulatory policies.
Affiliated Communities: Residents in and around the Bradford area could see implicit benefits, such as potentially fewer aircraft noise disturbances due to more predictable flight paths, although this isn't directly addressed in the document.
In summary, this FAA rule demonstrates an ongoing modernization effort in aviation navigation, addressing outdated technologies while maintaining a commitment to high safety standards. While its technical nature might limit comprehension among non-experts, the document outlines crucial steps toward a more efficient and responsive aviation environment, crucially supporting pilots and airport operations staff in their daily activities.
Issues
• The document uses technical terms such as 'VOR', 'Class E airspace', and 'VORTAC' without providing definitions or explanations. This could be unclear to readers unfamiliar with aviation terminology.
• The significant regulatory actions and determinations under Executive Order 12866 are mentioned but could benefit from further elaboration to provide context to readers unfamiliar with these terms.
• The document lists specific coordinates (e.g., Lat. 41°48′11″ N, long. 78°38′24″ W) and bearings without explanation of their significance or context, which could be confusing for readers who are not experts in navigation or geography.
• The section on 'Regulatory Notices and Analyses' briefly mentions that the regulation is non-controversial with minimal impact without providing detailed reasoning or evidence to support this conclusion.
• The environmental review section refers to FAA Order 1050.1F and its applicability without detailing why this action specifically qualifies for categorical exclusion.
• The document structure, with detailed amendments to 14 CFR part 71, may be overly complex for general audiences who might benefit from a more simplified or summarized explanation of changes.