Proposed Establishment of Class E Surface Area Airspace; and Modification of Class D Airspace; Topeka, Forbes Field, Kansas

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) is the world leader in recreational aviation. With an international membership of 171,000 people in more than 100 nations, EAA brings together aviation enthusiasts, pilots and aircraft owners who are dedicated to the continued growth of aviation, the preservation of its history and a commitment to aviation's future. EAA programs, activities and events are known throughout the world for supporting aviation safety and promoting personal enjoyment and responsibility within an aviation lifestyle. These efforts are made possible through massive volunteer involvement in support of the organization, as well as EAA's special interest Divisions, and a global network of nearly 1,000 local Chapters and the affiliated National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). EAA has reviewed this docket and feel an equal level of safety is already in place at Forbes Field. Designating the airspace around Forbes Field as a Class E surface area (E2), will not provide sufficient increases in safety to warrant the proposed change. This airspace is currently described in FAA Order 7400.9K as Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth, or E5 airspace. EAA has researched the volumn of air traffic at Forbes Field during the operating times effected and don't feel this increase in "protective" airspace is warranted for the limited volumne of aircraft using the airfield during these times. EAA has also investigated the NTSB and other web sites to determine the accident history of aircraft operating in or from, or in the traffic pattern at Forbes Field, and can't find any safety data that would support this change. EAA feels aircraft operating out of Forbes Field can safety operate within all the airspace protections provided by the currently established Class E5, Class G airspace, and the part 91 safety "see-and-avoid" rules. EAA does not see a public safety demand for this requested increase in "controlled" airspace protection, and therefore request that this proposal be denied. Randy Hansen EAA