AOPA is encouraging pilots who fly in southern California’s congested airspace to review the Southern California (SoCal) Metroplex Project Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and submit comments on the proposed procedures it contains by Sept. 8.
AOPA is a participant in the Southern California Airspace Users Work Group, which has been closely involved in the review process, said Rune Duke, AOPA director of government affairs for airspace and air traffic.
"The metroplex process offers the possibility of gains in efficiency for local and transient IFR pilots in southern California. Its implementation also has the potential to improve access to smaller airports," he said.
Under the metroplex process, the FAA analyzes a geographic area centered on a large hub airport with the goal of adding efficiency by implementing performance-based navigation (PBN) departures, instrument approaches, and arrival procedures. The study involves analyzing historical radar flight tracks through the area, interviewing air traffic control personnel, and reaching out to local pilot groups, to develop new procedures or modify existing procedures to reduce flight time, cut delays, and improve safety.
The SoCal Metroplex study team analyzed Class B airspace-based Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego International Airport, as well as many general aviation airports in the airspace—which has been called the most complex airspace in the National Airspace System because of the number of airports in close proximity, high terrain, and extensive special-use airspace.
The SoCal study is proposing 155 procedures including numerous new and revised standard terminal arrivals (STARs) and standard instrument departures (SIDs) designed for conventionally equipped and RNAV-equipped aircraft.
Members are encouraged to review the proposal and submit comments to the FAA by Sept. 8. Please include "SoCal Metroplex EA" in the subject line of your email.
Please also share your comments with AOPA.
