Section 3. Class C Airspace Processing

16-3-1. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group Manager is responsible for oversight of the Class C airspace designation/modification process. All NPRMs and final rules must be issued by Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group. Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group will provide assistance, as needed, to the regions/service area offices in developing Class C airspace actions.

b. The service area office is responsible for coordination to determine Class C airspace candidacy, or the need for modifications to an existing area. As part of this responsibility, the service area office must perform an analysis of the Class C airspace candidate and document the analysis in a staff study. Preparation of the staff study may be delegated to the facility.

16-3-2. STAFF STUDY

The staff study must be in the format detailed in FAAO 1800.2, Evaluations, Appraisals, and Staff Studies. At a minimum, the staff study must include the following:

a. Traffic volume, density, and breakdown by category.

b. Geographical features, adjacent airspace, and ATC facilities.

c. A description of the terminal area including:

1. VFR traffic flow into, out of, and through the area.

2. IFR traffic flow in the affected en route structure including transition routes.

3. IFR traffic flow in conjunction with runway configuration, SIAPs, instrument departure procedures, STARs, and preferential arrival and departure routes.

4. The names and locations of satellite airports and a breakdown of air traffic at each, by category.

5. A general description of air traffic operations in the area.

d. A complete analysis of:

1. Major proposals submitted by users.

2. Near midair collision assessment.

3. The advantages and disadvantages of Class C airspace establishment.

4. Any budgetary impact on air traffic control and air navigation facilities, e.g., new or modified control positions, new or modified communications equipment, the capability of the facility to provide Class C services to the extent possible at minimum cost, and installation of new or relocation of existing navigational aids.

5. An assessment of the economic impact on users.

e. A statement regarding the actions taken to comply with paragraph 6-1-2.

f. The conclusions reached based on the analysis of the options and issues. The need to enhance safety must be the main factor in evaluating the options and issues.

16-3-3. AIRSPACE USERS COORDINATION

a. Pre-NPRM. The service area office must ensure that user input is sought and considered prior to formulating any planned Class C airspace area design.

1. An ad hoc advisory committee, composed of representatives of local airspace users, must be formed to present input or recommendations to the FAA regarding the proposed design of the Class C airspace area. The service area office should provide advice and assistance on technical matters to the committee as needed.

2. Informal airspace meeting(s) must be conducted in accordance with Chapter 2 of this order.

3. Based on the results of the region's analysis and the staff study, the service area office must determine whether the effort should be continued to NPRM or terminated. The service area office will forward the proposal, all pertinent documentation (including advisory committee and informal airspace meeting input), and the region's/service area office's recommendations, to Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group for further action. If it is determined to proceed with the rulemaking process, Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group will prepare the NPRM.

b. Post-NPRM. The service area office must:

1. Review all comments received in response to the NPRM and informal airspace meeting(s).

2. Coordinate with the concerned facility to address all substantive aeronautical comments.

3. Forward a discussion of how each substantive comment was addressed, along with the region's/service area office's recommendation for final action on the proposal to Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.