AOPA says Orlando Class B modifications benefit GA, but FAA process not followed on Sanford Class C proposal

AOPA says Orlando Class B modifications benefit GA, but FAA process not followed on Sanford Class C proposal

AOPA-supported modifications to Orlando's Class B airspace will make transiting the area easier for GA pilots. The FAA created and expanded VFR flyways, raised the floor of a portion of the airspace, and established two VFR waypoints. The changes will take effect February 16, 2006.

"AOPA is pleased that our advocacy resulted in Orlando Class B modifications that will meet the needs of GA pilots by providing expanded flyway accessibility," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "However, at the same time, the agency failed to properly notify airspace users about meetings regarding the creation of Class C airspace over Sanford, and AOPA is disappointed that the FAA will implement a proposal that disregards input from AOPA and local users stating the notification process was flawed."

The FAA raised the floor a of a portion of the Class B airspace north of Orlando Executive from 1,600 to 2,000 feet, expanding the east-west flyway in that area to provide more airspace for VFR traffic transiting the area. The addition of a north-south flyway to the east of Orlando Sanford International's Class C airspace will further alleviate the compression of VFR traffic.

December 23, 2005