Top, Bottom Of Bravo Airspace Would Drop

In terms of population, one of the fastest-growing parts of the country right now is the area surrounding Phoenix, AZ. In addition to the number of cars that choke I-10 at all hours of the day, air traffic is growing as well... and the FAA wants to cut down on the number of separation incidents involving commercial and general aviation.

To that end, FAA officials at Sky Harbor International want to lower the floor of the Class B airspace from 3,000 feet to 2,700 feet -- forcing GA traffic to fly closer to the ground.

If enacted, the changes would go into effect next year; it would be the second major revamping of the airspace above Phoenix since 2000.

Already, the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association promises to fight the changes in airspace designation.

"We strenuously oppose it," AOPA's Chris Dancy told the Arizona Star, adding the new boundaries for GA traffic would no longer be aligned with easily-identifiable highways and other important reference points.

Also firmly in the "nay" column is Tempe mayor Hugh Hallman. The suburb, which lies east of Sky Harbor, already deals with noise caused by jet traffic landing and departing the busy airport.

"They are going to be bringing aircraft closer to the ground and adding to the noisy environment that has already been created," Hallman told the Star.

Meanwhile, US Airways (formerly America West) spokesman Phil Gee said the Tempe-based airline strongly supports the airspace redesign. "It gives the FAA better control of the airspace in and out of Phoenix," Gee said.

To make up for the loss of airspace for general aviation traffic over the Phoenix metro area, the proposal would also lower the ceiling of the Class B envelope, from 10,000 feet to 9,000 feet, so GA traffic could fly above the controlled airspace at a lower altitude.

That's little comfort, though, to a pilot flying under the envelope, who would lose a 300-foot margin of safety in an emergency -- or to those on the ground, who would now be 300 feet closer to his unmuffled Lycoming.

"Pilots need to be high enough that they have gliding room in an emergency for a safe landing," said Jim Timm with the Arizona Pilots Association. "And, obviously, this will put some general-aviation airplanes closer to residents."

FAA meetings over the change will be held, beginning in April. "That's when the painful part really begins," Timm said.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.azpilots.org