General aviation pilots will have a little more time to study a complex set of proposed airspace changes that would affect many flights—VFR and IFR—in Alaska.
AOPA requested a 60-day extension to allow more time for aviators and the public to consider a 12-point plan that includes expansion, realignment, and repurposing of various military operations and restricted areas. Known as the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, or JPARC, the proposal has prompted concerns from many, as Heidi Williams, AOPA vice president of air traffic services and modernization noted recently. Williams attended several recent meetings on the JPARC proposal, and it was concerns raised in those venues that prompted AOPA’s request for more time to consider the complicated proposals.
While the 60-day extension sought by AOPA was not granted, Alaska Command has agreed to accept comments through July 9—a 32-day extension over the original closing date.
Concerns expressed to date include adverse impacts on local communities, along with new limits on IFR and VFR access to various affected areas and critical routes that connect northern and southern Alaska. AOPA is preparing detailed comments that will be shared prior to the new deadline, and strongly urges members to weigh in as well.
Comments can be sent via email, or mailed to ALCOM Public Affairs, 9480 Pease Avenue, Suite 120, JBER, AK 99506.
AOPA requests a copy of any comments submitted, and will also file comments on behalf of members.
