The FAA has proposed an NPRM to "to revise and codify Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 51–1, Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of the Los Angeles International Airport."

The proposed action plans to change the northern boundary of the Los Angeles Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), established by SFAR No. 51–1, to align the area with the Los Angeles Class B airspace area revisions adopted in 1997. Also, this action would revise the description of the SFRA airspace to make the requirement to operate at fixed altitudes clearer. The FAA is proposing this action to reduce the potential for climb/descent conflicts, to ensure compatibility with current traffic flows, and to increase overall system efficiency and safety.

The FAA is asking for comments to the NPRM by February 14, 2003.

The FAA issued SFAR No. 51–1 in February, 1988, to provide Visual Flight Rule (VFR) pilots with a safe and direct north/south route through the Los Angeles (LAX) Terminal Control Area (TCA), now known as the Los Angeles Class B area (53 FR 3812, February 9, 1988). Specifically, SFAR No. 51–1 allows certain aircraft operating under VFR to fly through the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) without contacting air traffic control personnel provided that specific conditions are met. The conditions include equipment, use of lights, maximum indicated airspeed and operations at fixed altitudes.

FMI: http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/p74/210240.pdf