[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 58 (Monday, March 26, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12852-12856]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05013]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1096; Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD; Amendment
39-19221; AD 2018-06-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model
A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by reports of false traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS)
resolution advisories. This AD requires modifying the software in the
TCAS computer processor or replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS
computer. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 30, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference

of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 30, 2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 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 referenced 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<PHONE_NUMBER>. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1096.

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-2017-
1096; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone
800-647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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 Section, 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 Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200 Freighter, -
200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and
-600 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 30, 2017 (82 FR 56749) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of false TCAS resolution advisories. The NPRM proposed to
require modifying the software in the TCAS computer processor or
replacing the TCAS computer with a new TCAS computer. We are issuing
this AD to prevent false TCAS resolution advisories. False TCAS
resolution advisories could lead to a loss of separation with other
airplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air collision.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; all Model A330-200
Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Since 2012, a number of false TCAS [traffic collision avoidance
system] resolution advisories (RA) have been reported by various
European Air Navigation Service Providers. EASA has published
certification guidance material for collision avoidance systems (AMC
20-15) which defines a false TCAS RA as an RA that is issued, but
the RA condition does not exist. It is possible that more false (or
spurious) RA events have occurred, but were not recorded or
reported. The known events were mainly occurring on Airbus single-
aisle (A320 family) aeroplanes, although several events have also
occurred on Airbus A330 aeroplanes. Investigation determined that
the false RAs are caused on aeroplanes with a certain Honeywell TPA-
100B TCAS processor, P/N [part number] 940-0351-001, installed,
through a combination of three factors: (1) Hybrid surveillance
enabled; (2) processor connected to a hybrid GPS source, without a
direct connection to a GPS source; and (3) an encounter with an
intruder aeroplane with noisy (jumping) ADS-B Out position.
    EASA previously published Safety Information Bulletin (SIB)
2014-33 to inform owners and operators of affected aeroplanes about
this safety concern. At that time, the false RAs were not considered
an unsafe condition. Since the SIB was issued, further events have
been reported, involving a third aeroplane.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to a loss of
separation with other aeroplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air
collision.
    Prompted by these latest findings, and after review of the
available information, EASA reassessed the severity and rate of
occurrence of false RAs and has decided that mandatory action must
be taken to reduce the rate of occurrence, and the risk of loss of
separation with other aeroplanes.
    Honeywell International Inc. published Service Bulletin (SB)
940-0351-34-0005 [Publication Number D201611000002] to provide
instructions for an upgrade of TPA-100B processors P/N 940-0351-001
to P/N 940-0351-005, introducing software version 05/01.
    Consequently, Airbus developed certain modifications (mod 159658
and mod 206608) and published SB A32034-1656, SB A320-34-1657, SB
A330-34-3342, SB A340-34-4304 and SB A340-34-5118, to provide
instructions for in-service introduction of the software update
(including change to P/N 940-0351-005) on the affected aeroplanes,
or to replace the TCAS processor with a P/N 940-0351-005 unit.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2017-0091, to require modification
or replacement of Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001
processors, hereafter referred to as `affected processor' in this
[EASA] AD. That [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of an affected
processor on post-mod aeroplanes.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, it was found that an error had
been introduced, inadvertently restricting the required action to
those aeroplanes that had the affected part installed on the Airbus
production line, thereby excluding those that had the part installed
in-service by Airbus SB. Consequently, EASA revised AD 2017-0091 to
amend Note 1 and include references to the relevant Airbus SBs that
introduced the affected processor in service.
    Since EASA AD 2017-0091R1 was issued, prompted by operator
feedback and to avoid confusion, it was decided to exclude
aeroplanes that had an affected processor installed by STC, for
which EASA AD No.: 2017-0091R2 separate [EASA] AD action is planned.
It was also determined that the prohibition to install an affected
processor was too strict, particularly for Group 2 aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to
reduce the Applicability, introduce some minor editorial changes and
to amend paragraph (3).

    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-2017-
1096.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.

Supportive Comment

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International supported the NPRM.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Information

    Airbus requested that the NPRM be updated to reference the current
revision level of certain service information. Airbus noted that four
of the service bulletins referred to in the NPRM were revised.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have updated the preamble
and paragraph (i) of this AD to refer to the revised service
information. Because the revised service information does not include
any additional actions, we have added paragraph (l) to this AD to
provide credit for actions accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD using the applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in
paragraphs (l)(1)

through (l)(4) of this AD. We have redesignated subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD 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 correcting 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 AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information, which
describes procedures for modifying the software in the TCAS computer
processor and procedures for replacing the TCAS computer with a new
TCAS computer. These documents are distinct since they apply to
different airplane models in different configurations.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated
September 6, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated
September 6, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated
November 13, 2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19,
2017.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated
September 12, 2017.
    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 205 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
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Software modification.................  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170         $34,850
                                         hour = $170.
TCAS replacement......................  2 work-hours x $85 per               298             468          95,940
                                         hour = $170.
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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 to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that 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):

2018-06-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-19221; Docket No. FAA-2017-1096;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-072-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 30, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, all manufacturer serial
numbers, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(11) of this AD; except those Model A318, A319,
A320 and A321 series airplanes that have been modified by a
supplemental type certificate (STC) that installs Honeywell traffic
alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) 7.1 processor, part
number (P/N) 940-0351-001.
    (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, and -271N airplanes.

    (5) Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
    (6) Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
    (7) Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342,
and -343 airplanes.
    (8) Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
    (9) Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
    (10) Model A340-541 airplanes.
    (11) Model A340-642 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of false TCAS resolution
advisories. We are issuing this AD to prevent false TCAS resolution
advisories, which could lead to a loss of separation with other
airplanes, possibly resulting in a mid-air collision.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of Group 1 and Group 2 Airplanes

    (1) For the purposes of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are those
that have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 processor that
was installed during production, or in-service using the procedures
in the applicable service information identified in paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(xii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1504.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1506.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1533.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1534.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1572.
    (vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3247.
    (vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3281.
    (viii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3344.
    (ix) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4263.
    (x) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4254.
    (xi) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5076.
    (xii) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5087.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, Group 2 airplanes are airplanes
that do not have a Honeywell TPA-100B TCAS P/N 940-0351-001
processor installed.

(h) Software Modification or TCAS Processor Replacement

    For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
modification of the TCAS processor to upgrade the software, or
replace the TCAS processor with a TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N
940-0351-005, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
the applicable service information identified in paragraph (i) of
this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance for modifying an
affected TCAS processor and re-identifying the processor as P/N 940-
0351-005 can be found in paragraph 3.F. of Honeywell Service
Bulletin 940-0351-34-0005, dated January 20, 2017.

(i) Service Information for Accomplishment of Actions Specified in
Paragraph (h) of This AD

    Use the applicable service information specified in paragraphs
(i)(1) through (i)(5) of this AD to accomplish the actions required
by paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (1) For Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211,
A320-212, A320-214, A320-216, A320-231, A320-232, and A320-233
airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated September 6, 2017.
    (2) For Model A320-251N and Model A320-271N airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated September 6, 2017.
    (3) For Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated
November 13, 2017.
    (4) For Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 2017.
    (5) For Model A340-500 and A340-600 series airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated September 12,
2017.

(j) Identification of Airplanes That Do Not Have a Honeywell TPA-100B
TCAS P/N 940-0351-001 Processor Installed

    An airplane on which Airbus modification 159658 or Airbus
modification 206608, as applicable, has been embodied in production
and on which it can be positively determined that no TCAS processor
has been replaced or modified on that airplane since its date of
manufacture is a Group 2 airplane, as identified in paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD. Group 2 airplanes are not affected by the requirements
of paragraph (h) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable to make this determination, provided those
records can be relied upon for that purpose and that the TCAS
processor part number and software standard can be positively
identified from that review.

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    Installation of a Honeywell TCAS TPA-100B processor having P/N
940-0351-001 is prohibited, as required by paragraphs (k)(1) and
(k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD: After modification of an airplane as required by paragraph
(h) of this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the Accomplishment Instructions of
the applicable Airbus service bulletin identified in paragraphs
(l)(1) through (l)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, dated April 19, 2017.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, dated April 19, 2017.
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, dated April 19, 2017.
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, dated April 19, 2017.

(m) 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 (n)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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.
    (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's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0091R2, dated June 2, 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-2017-1096.
    (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>.

    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) 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 Service Bulletin A320-34-1656, Revision 01, dated
September 6, 2017.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1657, Revision 01, dated
September 6, 2017.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3342, Revision 01, dated
November 13, 2017.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4304, dated April 19, 2017.
    (v) Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-5118, Revision 01, dated
September 12, 2017.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; 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 Renton, Washington, on March 2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-05013 Filed 3-23-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45716-45717]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20956]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0277; Airspace Docket No. 17-ASO-9]

Establishment of Class E Airspace; Columbia, MS

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E airspace extending upward from
700 feet above the surface at Marion General Hospital Heliport,
Columbia, MS, to accommodate new area navigation (RNAV) global
positioning system (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures
(SIAPs) serving Marion General Hospital Heliport. Controlled airspace
is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations at the heliport.

DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, December 7, 2017. 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 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11B, 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 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of FAA Order 7400.11B at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go
to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Fornito, Operations Support
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation

Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404)
305-6364.

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 establishes Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above
the surface at Marion General Hospital Heliport, Columbia, MS, to
support IFR operations under SIAPs at the heliport.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the
Federal Register (82 FR 25988, June 6, 2017) Docket No. FAA-2017-0277
to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the
surface at Marion General Hospital Heliport, Columbia, MS, due to the
new RNAV (GPS) SIAPs developed for IFR operations at the heliport.
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 6005 of
FAA Order 7400.11B dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15,
2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR part 71.1. The Class
E airspace designations 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 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective September 15,
2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists Class A,
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 by establishing Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet
above the surface within a 6.5-mile radius of Marion General Hospital
Heliport, Columbia, MS. This action provides the controlled airspace
required to support the new RNAV (GPS) SIAPs for IFR operations at the
heliport.

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.
Therefore, this regulation: (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 FAA 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 Federal Aviation
Administration Order 7400.11B, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 3, 2017, effective September 15, 2017, is amended
as follows:

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

* * * * *

ASO MS E5 Marion General, Columbia, MS [New]

Marion General Hospital Heliport, MS
    (Lat. 31[deg]15'17'' N., long. 89[deg]48'19'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface
within a 6.5-mile radius of Marion General Hospital Heliport.

    Issued in College Park, Georgia, on September 22, 2017.
Ryan W. Almasy,
Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic
Organization.
[FR Doc. 2017-20956 Filed 9-29-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P