Chapter 14. Designation of Airspace Classes

Section 2. Ad Hoc Committee Procedures for Class B and Class C Airspace Actions

14-2-1. BACKGROUND

The ad hoc committee process was adopted in the 1980s in response to criticism that local user needs and suggestions were not being considered by the FAA during the initial airspace design phase prior to the issuance of an NPRM.

14-2-2. POLICY AND PURPOSE

a. An ad hoc committee must be formed to give users the opportunity to present input and recommendations to the FAA regarding the proposed design of, or modifications to, Class B and C airspace areas. The intent is to obtain suggestions from affected users before a proposed airspace design is developed by the FAA for publication in an NPRM.

b. The ad hoc committee process is not required for proposals to revoke Class B or C airspace or change the airspace designation from full-time to part-time or part-time to fulltime.

14-2-3. COMMITTEE FORMATION

a. To initiate the formation of an ad hoc committee, the service center must first submit a request to the Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group for approval to begin the public involvement phase (See chapter 15 or 16). A copy of the ATC facility's staff study must be included with the request.

b. Upon approval by the Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group, the service center begins the ad hoc process by requesting an aviation-related group, such as the concerned state government aviation department or another aviation organization to coordinate the formation of an ad hoc committee. Committee makeup and size should be determined by the local situation or requirements. Committee membership should represent a cross section of airspace users and aviation organizations that would be affected by the proposed airspace change.

c. Once formed, the group should elect a chairperson to lead the committee's efforts.

14-2-4. FAA PARTICIPATION

a. FAA participation on the committee is limited to the role of technical advisor or subject matter expert only. The FAA is not a voting member of the group and is not responsible for the operation of the committee or the development of recommendations.

b. The service center, in collaboration with the affected ATC facility and overlying ARTCC, will designate FAA representative(s). The FAA representative(s) will provide advice and assistance to the committee on technical matters such as ATC procedures, operations, and safety issues.

NOTE-
The number of FAA representatives designated to the committee should be kept to the minimum number required to avoid the appearance of FAA influence on the committee's discussions and recommendations.

c. Upon request, the FAA may provide administrative support to the committee, resources permitting.

14-2-5. COMMITTEE PROCESS

a. There is no set number of ad hoc committee meetings required. The committee should meet as needed to develop its recommendations to present to the FAA.

NOTE-
The ad hoc committee meetings should not be confused with the separate, informal airspace meetings that are also required for Class B and Class C airspace actions (see chapter 2 of this order).

b. At the first ad hoc committee meeting, the FAA representative should:

1. Review the FAA's policy for establishing ad hoc committees and the intended purpose of ad hoc committees.

2. Brief the committee on the purpose and need for the proposed airspace action. A depiction of current/projected traffic flows may be useful to illustrate what the issue is and why an airspace change is needed.

c. The ad hoc committee should limit its focus and efforts to addressing the specific airspace issue for which it was established. The committee should not address other airspace or procedural enhancement actions that do not contribute to resolving the issue under consideration.

d. Upon completion of the committee's work, the chairperson will ensure that a written report is prepared, summarizing the committee's efforts and documenting its recommendations for FAA consideration. The report is submitted to the FAA service center.

e. The ad hoc committee must automatically be dissolved upon submission of the committee's written report to the FAA.

14-2-6. FAA ACTION ON COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

a. The committee's recommendations must be considered and, to the extent practicable, should be incorporated into the proposed airspace design (i.e., if operationally feasible, safety and/or efficiency would not be compromised, and there is no conflict with regulations or ATC procedures.)

b. A copy of the committee's report will be included with the service center's recommendation to the Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group that the project continue to the NPRM phase.