The FAA has published its proposal to modify Houston's Class B airspace, which includes AOPA recommendations to reduce the impact on VFR traffic.
The airspace is being modified to allow "tri-multaneous" approaches to three runways at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The changes include lowering the shelves east and west of IAH by 1,000 feet, eliminating a heavily traveled VFR flyway. Working with the FAA and controllers from Houston Tracon, AOPA helped develop VFR waypoints to help pilots flying in and around the Class B area.
"AOPA argued against lowering the Class B floor," said AOPA Manager of Air Traffic Heidi Williams. "But we are pleased that the FAA worked with us to find a solution that will reduce the impact on VFR pilots."
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteers played a key role, providing valuable input that helped air traffic control representatives develop additional waypoints.
Formal comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) are due to the FAA by June 2, 2003. Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed changes may do so on the Internet by visiting the government's Docket Management System and entering 14402 as the docket number.
03-2-067x
