Docket Management System
U.S. Department of Transportation
Room Plaza 401
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, DC 20591-0001
RE: FAA-2001-10432/Airspace Docket No. 01-AWA-05
On behalf of over 380,000 members and pilots across the nation, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) submits the following comments in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify the Santa Ana, Calif., Class C airspace area. AOPA supports the common-sense approach the FAA has taken in the proposed SNA airspace modifications. Furthermore, we are pleased that the impact on general aviation aircraft operations will be minimal.
Through participation in the Southern California Airspace working group, AOPA was provided the opportunity to participate in the modification of the SNA Class C airspace area. We commend the FAA for incorporating the users and their recommendations throughout this modification process.
AOPA is pleased that the VFR practice area near El Toro continues to be accessible to general aviation aircraft by raising the outer floor area to 3,500 feet msl. In addition, we support the FAA rejection of a circular design between 5 and 10 nm that would have increased the size of the Class C airspace area and adversely impacted general aviation aircraft operations.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this important airspace issue. The proposed changes will result in more efficient use of the airspace by segments of the general aviation community, and we encourage the FAA to expeditiously publish this proposal as a final rule.
Sincerely,
Heidi J. Williams
Associate Director
Air Traffic Services
February 21, 2002
