AOPA member input sought for New York airspace redesign

A series of more than 30 FAA "scoping" meetings on redesign of New York City terminal airspace are under way, and AOPA members who fly in that area are urged to attend at least one of the meetings before the series ends in May. [Members may e-mail their comments on this issue to AOPA's Government and Technical Affairs Division at [email protected].]

"AOPA has been involved in the redesign effort with the goal of maintaining and improving access for general aviation pilots, " said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president for airspace. "These meetings are an opportunity for AOPA members who fly in the area to voice their opinions." The meeting schedule includes all areas of metropolitan New York.

The FAA is looking for ways to relieve airspace congestion and reduce aircraft noise.

Three possible concepts for airspace redesign, developed by FAA working groups that included Bailey, will be presented at each meeting. The concepts include:

• Ocean departures. Extended climb paths would be required for turbojet aircraft departing Newark Airport, JFK Airport, and La Guardia Airport, preventing them from crossing urbanized areas until reaching a minimum of 16,000 feet msl. Many departures would be routed over the Atlantic Ocean, adding flight time.
• Four corners. Arriving aircraft would enter New York airspace at one of four "corners" of an airspace box placed over the area, and then be routed for an approach at the destination airport. An alternative to this concept would place approaching aircraft in a large overhead circular pattern to await final sequencing for their destination airport.
• Existing route modifications. Additional routes for entering or departing New York airspace would be developed, using GPS and other advanced technology to supplement today's radar-based routing system.

"The airlines and heavy-iron corporate operators have lobbyists who will make sure their aircraft benefit from any changes in this busy airspace." said Bailey, "AOPA is looking out for the interests of our members, most of whom are GA pilots who fly single-pilot piston aircraft below 8,000 or 10,000 feet."

More information about the scoping meetings is available by calling toll-free 866/EIS-Line (866/347-5463).

01-1-047x

The meetings will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations: