AOPA has notified the FAA that the association is pleased with the proposed modification of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Class B airspace, but recommends changes to a confusing “alleyway of airspace” over a satellite airport that could create the potential for accidental incursions.
That airspace could be made easier and more efficient to use with a “more consistent Class B floor” established in the airspace overlying and on three sides of Stanton Airfield in Stanton, Minn., said AOPA Manager of Air Traffic Services Tom Kramer.
“AOPA members have expressed concern with the complexity of design for the Class B airspace over Stanton Airfield south of Minneapolis-St. Paul,” he wrote in formal comments submitted to the FAA April 22. “While the modification addresses concerns of access for the soaring community raised by AOPA, local pilots, and other organizations, it creates an alleyway of airspace that will confuse pilots and may result in inadvertent airspace incursions.”
Kramer explained that “in an effort to simplify the overall Class B design, AOPA requests that a more consistent Class B floor be utilized in this area while preserving the 7,000 foot floor directly over SYN.”
Pilots are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed redesign by May 6. Mail your comments in triplicate to Mr. Anthony D. Roetzel, Manager, Operations Support Group, AJV-C2, Central Service Center, Air Traffic Organization, FAA Southwest Regional Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76137.
