FAA Moves To Keep LGA High-density Rule

The FAA today issued a "proposed order" to keep in effect through at least September of next year the high-density rule at New York La Guardia Airport, including the slot reservation program, that is now scheduled to expire on January 1. The agency last month proposed a new rule for public comment to maintain the number of operations at La Guardia’s current hourly limits (for general aviation, six slots available per hour between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.). Comments on the proposed rule are not due until October 30 and a final rule cannot be issued before the expiration of the high-density rule. "An order that temporarily maintains La Guardia's current operational limits during the interval between the high-density rule's expiration and the effective date of the proposed replacement rule appears necessary," the FAA said, "because we need to avoid any increase in the number of operations or a significant rescheduling of existing flights at La Guardia."