Draft EUG Master Plan Update, February 2010

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BACKGROUND AND INVENTORY CHAPTER 1 3. Airspace and Air Traffic Control The Federal Aviation Administration Act of 1958 established the FAA as the responsible agency for the control and use of navigable airspace. Navigable airspace determines the capacity and the operational interaction of EUG with surrounding airports and airways. Flights are conducted using both Visual Flight Rules (VFR), during fair weather, and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), during adverse weather. Published instrument procedures outline aircraft flight path and altitude. Three components of the airspace system encompass EUG: enroute, transitional, and terminal airspace facilities. Each component has a specific function and is supported in its role by a network Exhibit 1-4 of air traffic control and NAVAIDs. EUG’s airspace is depicted in . 3.1 Enroute Airspace Eugene Approach Control is charged with controlling any aircraft requesting air traffic services operating under VFR and IFR in the Eugene area which are destined for Eugene Airport, Rogue Valley International-Medford, or Corvallis Municipal Airport. Aircraft flying through the region or to an airport in the area typically follow designated routes known as Victor Airways or jet routes. These airways are defined by VORs located throughout the country. Aircraft in the Eugene area following these routes are controlled by the Eugene Tower Approach Control. 3.2 Transitional Airspace Transitional areas are FAA-defined Class E airspace areas, beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet, used by aircraft to transition between the terminal and en route airspace. As EUG has an ATCT, the airport is within FAA-defined Class D airspace, which extends from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation, and includes the airspace for instrument procedures. Within Class D airspace, aircraft are subject to certain pilot qualifications, operating rules, and equipment requirements, and aircraft must maintain communications with the ATCT. 3.3 Terminal Airspace Facilities EUG’s terminal airspace facilities include the visual and electronic equipment, navaids, and personnel used to aid pilots in navigating to, and landing at, an airport. The Airport ATCT is located south of the main terminal, behind the ARFF facility. The tower operates from 6 am to 11:30 pm. 3.4 Instrument Procedures EUG has 12 instrument approach procedures: 6 for Runway End 16R, 2 for 34L, 2 for 16L, 1 for 34R, and 1 serving the airport. EUG has one instrument departure procedure, and has take-off minimums and (obstacle) departure procedures. 1-17 Eugene Airport Master Plan Update (February 2010)