Class D part time

[minitour]

When the tower goes "bye-bye", does the weather observer go with them?

ahhhhhhh

Interesting. I'll give 'em a call Monday and find out.

-mini

 

[ksu_aviator]

http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/AIR/air1801.html

Chapter 18. CLASS E AIRSPACE

Section 1. GENERAL

18-1-1. INTRODUCTION
Class E airspace consists of general controlled airspace.

18-1-2. CLASS E SURFACE AREAS
A Class E surface area is designated to provide controlled airspace for terminal operations where a control tower is not in operation. Class E surface areas extend upward from the surface to a designated altitude; or to the adjacent or overlaying controlled airspace.

18-1-3. DESIGNATION
If the communication and weather requirements of paragraphs 17-2-9 and 17-2-10 are met, Class E2 airspace should be designated to accommodate:

a. IFR arrival, departure, holding, and en route operations not protected by other controlled airspace.

b. Instrument approach procedures. Class E2 airspace may be designated to accommodate special instrument procedures if such action is justified and/or in the public interest. The following factors are among those that should be considered:

1. Type of procedure including decision height or minimum descent altitude.

2. The actual use to be made of the procedure, including whether it is used by a certificated air carrier or an air taxi/commuter operator providing service to the general public.

NOTE-
For special instrument procedures, consideration should be given to availability to other users.
3. The operational and economic advantage offered by the procedure, including the importance and interest to the commerce and welfare of the community derived by the procedure.

4. Any other factors considered appropriate.


17-2-9. COMMUNICATIONS
Communications capability must exist with aircraft, that normally operate within the Class D Surface Area down to the runway surface of the primary airport (the airport upon which the surface area is designated). This communication may be either direct from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the area or by rapid relay through other communications facilities which are acceptable to the ATC facility having that jurisdiction.


17-2-10. WEATHER OBSERVATIONS AND REPORTING
a. Weather observations shall be taken at the primary airport during the times and dates the Class D airspace is active. A federally certified weather observer or a federally commissioned automated weather observing system (this includes all weather reporting systems) can take the weather observation. The weather observer shall take routine (hourly) and special observations. An automated weather observing system can provide continuous weather observations.

b. Scheduled record and special observations from weather observers or automated weather reporting systems shall be made available to the ATC facility(s) having control jurisdiction over the Class D designated surface area. This can be accomplished through Automated Flight Service Station/Flight Service Station (AFSS/FSS), Longline Dissemination, National Weather Service (NWS), or other FAA-approved sources. Facilities that require weather reports from satellite airports may enter into a letter of agreement (LOA) with the associated AFSS/FSS, airline/contract observer, airport management, etc.

NOTE-
[1] At ATC sites where non-Federal employees perform weather duties, the appropriate FAA office shall ensure that the reporting and dissemination requirements applicable to National Weather Service and FAA publication standards are followed
[2] In facilities where direct access to automated weather observing systems is not available, controllers will apply the provisions of FAA Order 7110.65, Air Traffic Control.
_________________________________________________________

To sum up, the airport is designated as Class E when the Class D is closed if, in the infinite wisdom of the FAA, the airport and the community surrounding would benefit from having controlled airspace to the surface. The weather observations and communication conditions must be met for that extension to be made.

 

[down2mins]

Thanks KSU!!