In April 2018, the FAA issued a Categorical Exclusion allowing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's control tower (SEA ATCT) to automatically direct southbound turboprop aircraft to turn westward to a 250-degree heading within one nautical mile of the runway end, rather than waiting for the Seattle TRACON radar facility to issue the turn after takeoff. This procedural change, active between 6 am and 10 pm during north-flow operations, was designed to improve safety and efficiency by reducing delays in aircraft transitioning to their filed flight routes. The FAA determined the action would not significantly increase noise over sensitive areas and therefore required no further environmental review beyond this Categorical Exclusion.Open full document
Notes
This FAA Categorical Exclusion document covers a proposed Letter of Agreement update between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and the Seattle Terminal Radar Approach Control (S46) to automate a 250° westerly turn for southbound turboprops during north-flow operations between 6 am and 10 pm. The action would allow SEA ATCT to issue the westerly departure heading for approximately 90 percent of southbound turboprops within one NM of the runway end, rather than having S46 issue the turn on initial contact. The FAA determined this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under FAA Order 1050.1F and will not result in extraordinary circumstances.