Establishment of Restricted Area Airspace R-6604C/D/E at Wallops Flight Facility Final Environmental Assessment (FEA)

Document Review and Comment Process

The Establishment of R-6604C/D/E at WFF FEA is available for review at the following locations:

Chincoteague Island Library, Chincoteague Island, VA
Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac, VA
Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, VA Rt. 175 near Chincoteague Island, VA

To request a hard copy of the Establishment of R-6604C/D/E at WFF FEA, please contact:

Shari Miller
NASA Wallops Flight Facility
34200 Fulton Street
Mailstop: 250.W
Wallops Island, VA 23337
Phone: 757-824-2327
Fax: 757-824-1819
E-mail: shari.a.miller@nasa.gov

Background

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) which evaluated and addressed the potential environmental consequences of the NASA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishment of Restricted Area Airspace (R-) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), located in Accomack County, Virginia. Under the Proposed Action, NASA has requested the FAA grant additional Restricted Area Airspace such that NASA can conduct experimental test profiles with a much lower risk of encountering non-participating aircraft. No changes are proposed to the types of aircraft or types and number of operations conducted within the airspace above and adjacent to WFF. The new Restricted Area Airspaces, R-6604C/D/E would supplement WFF's existing R-6604A/B airspace. Based upon public involvement, NASA amended the Proposed Action to include the processes and procedures below that would ensure the least impact to the surrounding community while also meeting NASA flight testing objectives. The FAA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Chapter 32 of FAA Order JO 7400.2K, has served as a Cooperating Agency for the preparation of this EA.

  • Similar to existing R-6604A/B, each section of airspace could be activated separately, as needed.
  • Activation of R-6604C/D/E would be accomplished by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at least 12 hours prior to the activation.
  • NASA would staff the WFF Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower whenever R-6604C/D/E are active.
  • Status messages would be broadcast real-time through the airfield's Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) system.
  • Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) would be the sole controlling agency for NASA utilized airspace.
  • WFF proposes to enter into Letters of Agreement with local airspace users to grant authorization and establish procedures (e.g. checklists, WFF ATC tower contact information, etc.) for operating in the airspace, whether active or inactive.
  • NASA proposes to allow small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) (defined as those less than 25 kilograms [55 pounds]) to conduct flight operations in accordance with FAA Rule Part 107 within the proposed Restricted Area Airspace without a Letter of Agreement.

Information regarding Establishment of R-6604C/D/E at WFF Draft EA may be accessed here.

The public comment period for the Draft EA concluded on September 1, 2016.