[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 234 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62690-62693]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26362]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0512; Product Identifier 2017-NM-170-AD; Amendment
39-19513; AD 2018-25-02]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the principal structural elements and certain life-
limited parts are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD
requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program to
incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. We are
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 10, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 10,
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected];
internet http://

www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0512.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0512; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS Model
A318, A319, A320 and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 14, 2018 (83 FR 27724). The NPRM was prompted
by an evaluation by the DAH indicating that the principal structural
elements and certain life-limited parts are subject to WFD. The NPRM
proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or inspection
program to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations.
    We are issuing this AD to address prevent fatigue cracking,
accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural elements, and
WFD, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0231, dated November 21, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model
A318, A319, A320 and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The airworthiness limitations for the A320 family aeroplanes are
currently defined and published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) document(s). The Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items are published in ALS Part 2,
approved by EASA. The instructions contained in the ALS Part 2 have
been identified as mandatory actions for continued airworthiness.
    Failure to comply with these instructions could result in an
unsafe condition.
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2016-0239 [which corresponds to FAA
AD 2017-22-03, Amendment 39-19083 (82 FR 49091, October 24, 2017)
(``AD 2017-22-03'')] to require accomplishment of all maintenance
tasks as described in ALS Part 2 at Revision 05, and [EASA] AD 2015-
0038 (later revised) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-09-06,
Amendment 39-18504 (81 FR 26113, May 2, 2016) (``AD 2016-09-06'')]
to require the implementation of reduced thresholds and intervals
for the detailed inspection of the forward engine mount on both
right hand and left hand sides of aeroplanes equipped with CFM56-5A/
5B engines, as specified in the ALS task 712111-01.
    Since those [EASA] ADs were issued, Airbus published Revision 06
of the ALS Part 2, and variations up to 6.3, including new and/or
more restrictive items, and new A320 family models were certified
and added to the Applicability of the ALS. The ALS Part 2 Revision
06 also includes the reduced threshold and intervals required by
EASA AD 2015-0038R1.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0239 and EASA AD 2015-0038R1, which are
superseded, requires accomplishment of all maintenance tasks as
described in the ALS Part 2 Revision 06, and ALS Part 2 variations
6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 (hereafter collectively referred to as ``the ALS''
in this [EASA] AD), and maintains specific compliance times for ALS
task 572021-01-1 (Wide Spread Fatigue Damage related).

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0512.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.

Request To Use the Latest Service Information

    Lufthansa Technik requested that we use the latest service
information in the NPRM. Lufthansa Technik stated that Airbus issued
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 07, dated
June 13, 2018, which is the latest revision of the document.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. We, along with the EASA,
have not determined that Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation
Items (DT-ALI), Revision 07, dated June 13, 2018, is required for
airplanes that do not include Revision 07 as part of the type design.
In the future, should we determine that Revision 07 is required, we
would consider issuing additional rulemaking at that time. However,
operators may request approval to incorporate Revision 07 as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) under the provisions of
paragraph (j) of this AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Change to Language for Previous Approved AMOCs

    We have revised paragraph (j)(1)(ii) of this AD to state that AMOCs
previously approved for AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-18112 (80 FR 15152,
March 23, 2015) (``AD 2015-05-02''), as applicable to ALS Part 2, are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD. In
paragraphs (j)(1)(ii)(A), (j)(1)(ii)(B), (j)(1)(ii)(C), and
(j)(1)(ii)(D) of the proposed AD, we had identified specific ALS
documents. However, any previously approved AMOC for AD 2015-05-02, as
applicable to ALS Part 2, is acceptable for the corresponding
requirements of this AD.

Removal of Terminating Action for AD 2016-09-06

    We have removed paragraph (i)(1) of the proposed AD, which
specified that accomplishing the action required by paragraph (g) of
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (j) of AD
2016-09-06. However, we have determined that the actions required by
this AD, do not terminate the requirements specified in AD 2016-09-06.
The actions specified in paragraph (g) of AD 2016-09-06 were not
incorporated into Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation
Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-
ALI), Revision 06, dated April 10, 2017, which is specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD. We have coordinated this issue with EASA.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this

final rule with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation
Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-
ALI), Revision 06, dated April 10, 2017. This service information
describes damage tolerant airworthiness limitations.
    Airbus has also issued the following variations to A318/A319/A320/
A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 06, dated April 10,
2017.
     A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part
2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation
6.1, dated May 18, 2017. The service information describes ALI tasks
applicable to certain Model A320-200 and A321-200 airplane
configurations.
     A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part
2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation
6.2, dated May 24, 2017. This service information describes ALI tasks
applicable to Model A321-271N and -272N airplanes.
     A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part
2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation
6.3, dated October 24, 2017. This service information describes ALI
tasks associated with door stops for certain Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes.
    This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,180 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to
operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-
hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have
determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-
airplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator
to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2018-25-02 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19513; Docket No. FAA-2018-0512;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-170-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 10, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2017-22-03, Amendment 39-19083 (82 FR 49091,
October 24, 2017) (``AD 2017-22-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD;
certificated in any category; with an original certificate of
airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued
on or before October 24, 2017.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N,
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -253N, -271N, and -272N airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder, which indicates that principal structural elements and
certain life-limited parts are subject to widespread

fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue
cracking, accidental damage, or corrosion in principal structural
elements, and WFD, which could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the airworthiness limitations (ALIs) specified in Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 06, dated
April 10, 2017; and Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation
Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.3, dated October 24, 2017. Except for
ALIs identified in paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this AD, the
initial compliance time for accomplishing the actions is at the
applicable time identified in the ALIs specified in Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Revision 06, dated
April 10, 2017, and Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness
Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation
Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.3, dated October 24, 2017; or within 90
days after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later,
without exceeding the inspection intervals in the ALIs required by
paragraph (i) of AD 2017-22-03.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.1, dated May
18, 2017: Concurrently with the revision required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate the ALIs specified in Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.1,
dated May 18, 2017. The initial compliance time for accomplishing
the actions is at the applicable time identified in the ALIs
specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation
Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-
ALI), Variation 6.1, dated May 18, 2017; or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later, without exceeding
the inspection intervals in the ALIs required by paragraph (i) of AD
2017-22-03.
    (3) For airplanes identified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321
Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant
Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.2, dated May
24, 2017: Concurrently with the revision required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, revise the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate the ALIs specified in Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section Part 2--Damage
Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI), Variation 6.2,
dated May 24, 2017. The initial compliance time for accomplishing
the actions is at the applicable time identified in the ALIs
specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation
Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-
ALI), Variation 6.2, dated May 24, 2017; or within 90 days after the
effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later, without exceeding
the inspection intervals in the ALIs required by paragraph (i) of AD
2017-22-03.

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(i) Terminating Action for AD 2017-22-03

    Accomplishing the applicable actions required by paragraph (g)
of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g)(2) and (i)
of AD 2017-22-03.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (i) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
    (ii) AMOCs previously approved for AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-
18112 (80 FR 15152, March 23, 2015), as applicable to Airworthiness
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2, are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0231, dated November 21, 2017, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the internet
at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket
No. FAA-2018-0512.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section
Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),
Revision 06, dated April 10, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section
Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),
Variation 6.1, dated May 18, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation
Section Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-
ALI), Variation 6.2, dated May 24, 2017.
    (iv) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Section
Part 2--Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items (DT-ALI),
Variation 6.3, dated October 24, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet
http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26362 Filed 12-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 18 (Thursday, January 28, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4881-4883]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01501]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3674; Airspace Docket No. 15-ANM-18]

Amendment of Class E Airspace; Boise, ID

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action modifies Class E surface area airspace designated
as an extension to Class C airspace, and Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen
Field Airport, formerly Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field), Boise, ID.
After reviewing the airspace, the FAA found standard instrument
approach procedures are not fully contained in controlled airspace,
thereby necessitating airspace redesign for the safety and management
of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. This action
also corrects the name of the airport to match the FAAs aeronautical
database.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, March 31, 2016. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1,
Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of
FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can
contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 29591; telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of
FAA Order 7400.9Z at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Haga, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section,
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient
use of airspace. This regulation is within the

scope of that authority as it amends controlled airspace at Boise Air
Terminal/Gowen Field Airport, Boise, ID.

History

    On November 13, 2015, the FAA published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify Class E surface area
airspace designated as an extension to the Class C airspace, and Class
E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Boise
Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport, Boise, ID, (80 FR 70176). Interested
parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by
submitting written comments on the proposal to the FAA. No comments
were received.
    Class E airspace designations are published in paragraph 6003 and
6005, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9Z, dated August 6, 2015, and
effective September 15, 2015, which is incorporated by reference in 14
CFR part 71.1. The Class E airspace designation listed in this document
will be published subsequently in the Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and effective September 15,
2015. FAA Order 7400.9Z is publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.9Z lists Class A, B,
C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.

The Rule

    This amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 modifies Class E airspace designated as an extension to Class C
airspace, and Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the
surface at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport, Boise, ID. Two
segments are expanded from the 5-mile radius of the airport and extend
to 12.8 miles southeast, and 11 miles northwest of the airport. Class E
airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Boise Air
Terminal/Gowen Field Airport is amended to accommodate standard
instrument approach procedures for IFR operations at the airport. A
review of the airspace found modification of the airspace necessary for
the safety and management of standard instrument approach procedures
for IFR operations at the airport. Also, the name of the airport is
updated from Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field), to Boise Air Terminal/
Gowen Field Airport, to coincide with the FAA's aeronautical database.
    Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
is modified to within an 8.6-mile radius north of Boise Air Terminal/
Gowen Field Airport, extending to 11.4 miles to the south, 17 miles to
the east and 30 miles to the west.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current, is
non-controversial and unlikely to result in adverse or negative
comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26,
1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation
as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter
that only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures,'' paragraph 5-6.5a. This airspace action is not expected to
cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an
environmental assessment.

Lists of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for Part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9Z,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 6, 2015, and
effective September 15, 2015, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6003 Class E Airspace Areas Designated as an Extension.

* * * * *

ANM ID E3 Boise, ID [Modified]

Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport, ID
    (Lat. 43[deg]33'52'' N., long. 116[deg]13'22'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface within 5 miles
each side of the Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport 114[deg]
bearing extending from the 5-mile radius of the airport to 12.8
miles southeast of the airport; and within 5 miles each side of the
Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport 295[deg] bearing extending
from the 5-mile radius of the airport to 11 miles northwest of the
airport.

Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700
Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth.

* * * * *

ANM ID E5 Boise, ID [Modified]

Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport, ID
    (Lat. 43[deg]33'52'' N., long. 116[deg]13'22'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
bounded by a line beginning at lat. 43[deg]44'51'' N., long.
116[deg]52'05'' W.; to lat. 43[deg]52'31'' N., long. 116[deg]38'57''
W.; to lat. 43[deg]51'24'' N., long. 116[deg]24'16'' W.; to lat.
43[deg]31'33'' N., long. 115[deg]50'14'' W.; to lat. 43[deg]19'45''
N., long. 115[deg]56'41'' W.; to lat. 43[deg]25'11'' N., long.
116[deg]32'39'' W.; to lat. 43[deg]35'39'' N., long. 116[deg]47'51''
W., thence to the point of beginning. That airspace extending upward
from 1,200 feet above the surface within the 30.5-mile radius of the
airport beginning at the 122[deg] bearing of the airport, thence via
a line to the intersection of the 34.8-mile radius of the airport
and the 224[deg] bearing of the airport, thence clockwise along the
34.8-mile radius of the airport to that airspace 7 miles each side
of the 269[deg] bearing of the airport extending from the 34.8-mile
radius to 49.6 miles west of the airport, and within 7 miles
northeast and 9.6 miles southwest of the 295[deg] bearing of the
airport extending from the 34.8-mile radius to 65.3 miles northwest
of the airport, to lat. 44[deg]00'27'' N., long. 117[deg]10'58'' W.,
thence along the 042[deg] bearing to V-253, thence south along V-
253, thence along the 30.5-mile radius of the airport to the point
of beginning. That airspace southeast of the airport extending
upward from 9,000 feet MSL bounded on the north by V-444, on the
east by V-293, on the south by V-330 and on the southwest by V-4.
That airspace northeast of the airport extending upward from 11,500
feet MSL, bounded on the northeast by V-293, on the south by V-444,
on the southwest by the 30.5-mile radius of the airport and on the
west by V-253.

    Issued in Seattle, Washington, on January 15, 2016.
Tracey Johnson,
Manager, Operations Support Group, Western Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2016-01501 Filed 1-27-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P