FAA's Eastern Region circulated a "non-rule" proposal to drop the ceiling of the VFR corridor between Baltimore-Washington International and Andrews Air Force Base to 2,000 feet msl, as well as lowering to 3,000 feet msl the floor of the 15 to 25 nm ring from BWI. FAA had asked for comments to be submitted by January 31, but the agency now tells AOPA that deadline will be extended.
AOPA also fired off a letter objecting to the specifics of the proposal, saying the changes would crowd VFR traffic into a much smaller space. That would increase the risk of collision and, because aircraft would have to fly at lower altitudes, aggravate noise problems over densely populated residential areas.
The Association offered its own proposals for changing the Washington Tri-Area Class B Airspace, including lowering the top from 10,000 to 7,000 feet msl and moving the Dulles western boundary in towards the ridge line. AOPA also suggested FAA establish and publish preferred general aviation routes through the Class B.
"It's important to note that this proposal is at the very beginning of the process," said AOPA vice president for air traffic Marty Shuey. "We'll ensure that FAA sticks to the established procedure for changing Class B airspace and that everyone has their say."
Following comments on FAA's preliminary proposal, an airspace users group will meet to offer its recommendations.
The users group will include representatives of AOPA, Maryland and Virginia, airlines, airports, air traffic controllers, and others.
After FAA has considered the airspace user group recommendations, it will conduct informal airspace meetings to allow all pilots an opportunity to comment.
Then the airspace proposal will be published as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, allowing yet another opportunity for comment.
AOPA will continue to push for significant improvements to the Washington Tri-Area Class B design, permitting general aviation to better use the airspace.