The FAA has announced plans to hold four informal airspace meetings on proposed modifications to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Class B airspace. AOPA encourages pilots to attend the meetings and submit comments describing how they would be affected by the changes.
In general, the proposed airspace modifications are minor, and include slightly lower floors in a few sectors and small adjustments to lateral boundaries. In most cases, the changes are seen having little if any impact to general aviation.
AOPA is evaluating the proposed modifications including those at the southern edge of the airspace, where difficult-to-define boundaries could leave operations at Stanton Airfield at risk of inadvertent incursions. “The configuration and varying Class B floors just west and north of Stanton appear overly complex and may be a gotcha for pilots unfamiliar with the area,” said Tom Kramer, AOPA manager of air traffic services.
AOPA will submit formal comments to the FAA with the goal of ensuring that the airspace is allocated equitably and provides safe, efficient access for all users.
Meetings will be held:
On March 18, 2011, 2:30 p.m.– 4 p.m., at the Metropolitan Airports Commission, 6040 28th Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55450.
On March 19, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the In Flight Pilot Training, LLC., 10,000 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.
On March 21, 2011, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the Minnesota Army National Guard, Aviation Facility, 206 Airport Road, St. Paul, MN 55107.
On March 22, 2011, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., at the Metropolitan Airports Commission, 6040 28th Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55450.
Pilots are encouraged to submit written comments (in triplicate) through May 6 to 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.
Please also send your comments to AOPA.
