Overview
Title
Modification of Class D and Class E Airspace; Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field, Cheyenne, WY
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to change some invisible lines in the sky above an airport in Wyoming to help planes fly safely. They are taking one line away and moving another one, and they're asking people what they think about this idea.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a rule to change the airspace regulations at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The proposal includes modifying the Class E airspace starting 700 feet above the ground and removing the Class E airspace starting 1,200 feet above the ground. These changes aim to improve the management and safety of visual and instrument flight operations. The FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal until January 24, 2025.
Abstract
This action proposes to modify the Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface and remove the Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet above the surface at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field, Cheyenne, WY. Additionally, this action proposes administrative amendments to update the airport's legal descriptions for its Class D airspace and Class E airspace designated as a surface area. These actions would support the safety and management of visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a proposed rule to modify airspace regulations at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As outlined in the document, the proposal suggests changes to Class E airspace, specifically adjusting the starting elevation from 700 feet and removing the airspace starting at 1,200 feet. Additionally, updates to the legal descriptions for the airport's Class D and surface-Designated Class E airspace are included. The overarching goal is to enhance safety and manage flight operations effectively, both visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR).
Key Issues and Concerns
There are several noteworthy issues in this proposal. Firstly, the document lacks an analysis of potential cost implications or budget concerns related to the proposed changes. Understanding the financial impact is crucial for evaluating the rule's feasibility and determining any economic burdens.
Secondly, the document is filled with technical aviation terminology, which might not be easily understood by those without a background in aviation. This potential barrier could hinder meaningful public participation if individuals cannot grasp the specifics of what is being proposed.
Additionally, the proposal includes a terminology update, replacing "Notice to Airmen" with "Notice to Air Missions." While this aligns with updated FAA nomenclature, there is no explanation provided about the change's significance or reason, which could be confusing to stakeholders unfamiliar with this development.
Another concern is that the document does not clearly outline how public comments will influence the final decision, which might cause uncertainty regarding the role and weight of public input.
Lastly, while the proposal states that the Class E airspace extending from 1,200 feet is redundant, it does not provide detailed reasoning for its redundancy. A deeper explanation would aid in understanding the necessity and rationale behind redesigning airspace configurations.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the broader public, the proposed modifications could result in improved flight safety and more efficient air traffic management at Cheyenne Regional/Jerry Olson Field. This enhances the traveling experience and operational safety for both pilots and passengers.
Specific stakeholders, such as local residents, aviators, and businesses reliant on the airport, may experience different impacts. Residents might appreciate potential enhancements in air traffic safety and decreased airspace clutter. Pilots and aviation professionals could benefit from clearer airspace boundaries and optimized air traffic routes, which may facilitate smoother IFR and VFR operations.
However, there could be negative implications for individuals or entities that may not agree with the changes or find compliance with new regulations burdensome. The absence of details about costs may also raise concerns about financial impacts on smaller aviation businesses or private pilots operating in or around the Cheyenne area.
Overall, while the proposed changes appear tailored to improve operational efficiency and safety, their success largely hinges on transparent communication, including detailed justifications for changes and active public engagement throughout the rulemaking process.
Issues
• The document proposes changes to airspace designations but does not specify any cost implications or budget considerations, which could be important for assessing potential financial impacts.
• The language describing the proposed changes to the airspace designations is highly technical and not easily understood by individuals without specialized knowledge in aviation terminology.
• The proposal mentions replacing 'Notice to Airmen' with 'Notice to Air Missions' for updated nomenclature; however, there is no explanation provided for this change, which may be unclear to some readers.
• The document does not provide specific detail on how comments will influence the final decision, which may lead to uncertainty about the effectiveness of public input.
• There is a lack of detailed explanation of why the current Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet is considered redundant, which could help in understanding the rationale for its removal.