[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 105 (Thursday, June 1, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28552-28554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-13401]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 94-ANM-25]


Proposed Reconfiguration of Restricted Area R-6714, Yakima Firing 
Center; Washington

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This notice proposes to restructure restricted airspace at 
Yakima Firing Center, WA. Presently, Restricted Area R-6714 is composed 
of five subareas: R-6714A, R-6714B, R-6714C, R-6714D, and R-6714E. This 
proposal would decrease the size of areas R-6714A, R-6714C, and R-6714D 
by deleting the restricted airspace west of Interstate Highway 82, and 
the airspace south of the Yakima Firing Center property boundary. R-
6714A and R-6714E would be redesigned, and three new subareas 
established: R-6714F, R-6714G, and R-6714H, to facilitate the release 
of portions of the restricted area for public access. A portion of R-
6714G, and all of R-6714H, would consist of new restricted airspace. 
These proposed changes are the result of a Department of Army review of 
their overall training and operational requirements.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposal in triplicate to: Manager, Air 
Traffic Division, ANM-500, Docket No. 94-ANM-25, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98055-4056.
    The official docket may be examined in the Rules Docket, Office of 
the Chief Counsel, Room 916, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC, weekdays, except Federal holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
    An informal docket may also be examined during normal business 
hours at the office of the Regional Air Traffic Division.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken McElroy, Military Operations 
Program Office (ATM-420), Office of Air Traffic System Management, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-7686.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. 
Communications should identify the airspace docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing 
the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must 
submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which 
the following statement is made: ``Comments to Airspace Docket No. 94-
ANM-25.'' The postcard will be date/ [[Page 28553]] time stamped and 
returned to the commenter. Send comments on environmental and land use 
aspects to: Commander, I Corps and Fort Lewis, ATTN: AFZH-DEQ (Gary 
Stedman), Fort Lewis, WA 98433-5000. All communications received on or 
before the specified closing date for comments will be considered 
before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in 
this notice may be changed in light of comments received. All comments 
submitted will be available for examination in the Rules Docket both 
before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing 
each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this 
rulemaking will be filed in the docket.

Availability of NPRM's

    Any person may obtain a copy of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM) by submitting a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, 
Office of Public Affairs, Attention: Public Inquiry Center, APA-220, 
800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 
267-3485. Communications must identify the notice number of this NPRM. 
Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRM's 
should also request a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, which 
describes the application procedure.

The Proposal

    The FAA is considering an amendment to part 73 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 73) to redesign Restricted Area R-
6714, Yakima Firing Center, WA. The Department of Army has performed a 
review of overall training and operational requirements and has 
requested changes in the Yakima Firing Center restricted airspace to 
accommodate changes in their training tactics.
    The revised restricted areas would support the firing of long-range 
weapons into existing impact areas, and no additional impact areas are 
planned. There would be no change in the other types of activities 
currently conducted in the R-6714 complex. In order to achieve training 
and operational requirements, it would be necessary to redesign R-
6714A, R-6714B, R-6714C, R-6714D, and R-6714E. R-6714E is a high 
altitude subdivision that overlies the current restricted airspace 
configuration. The current subareas R-6714A, R-6714C, and R-6714D would 
be slightly decreased in size. Three new subareas would be established: 
R-6714F, R-6714G, and R-6714H. R-6714F would be formed from airspace 
currently in the northwest end of the existing R-6714A. The purpose of 
the ``F'' area subdivision is to facilitate the release of restricted 
airspace to accommodate the VOR and GPS-A instrument approaches at 
Bowers Field, Ellenburg, WA. These approaches may not be utilized when 
the adjacent restricted area is activated. R-6714F would be activated 
approximately 30 days per year compared to an estimated 330 days per 
year for R-6714A, thus reducing the impact on instrument approach 
procedures at Bowers Field. R-6714G would be established using a 
combination of airspace comprising the northern tip of the existing R-
6714A, and the designation of new restricted airspace. R-6714H would 
consist entirely of new restricted airspace to the north of the 
existing R-6714A area. Projected use for R-6714G and R-6714H is 
approximately 100 days per year. The high altitude subdivision, R-
6714E, would be realigned so that it continues to overlie all subareas, 
except the new R-6714H. Under this proposal, existing restricted 
airspace outside the Yakima Firing Center boundary is deleted. The 
airspace to be deleted includes all restricted airspace west of 
Interstate Highway 82 and airspace south of the center property 
boundary. Restricted airspace would be expanded north of the present R-
6714 boundary by establishing R-6714G and R-6714H. Internal boundaries 
of R-6714A, R-6714B, R-6714C, and R-6714D are also being redesigned to 
better align the airspace to accommodate the requirements of the U.S. 
Army.
    The new R-6714 configuration would allow the activation of portions 
of the restricted area on an as needed basis, thus decreasing the 
burden on nonparticipating aircraft that normally circumnavigate the 
restricted areas when they are in use. The activities presently being 
conducted, time of use, and altitudes remain the same.
    Any subsequent final rulemaking on this proposal is contingent upon 
Congressional approval of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. 
Army agreement on land transfer. The coordinates for this airspace 
docket are based on North American Datum 83. Section 73.67 of part 73 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations was republished in FAA Order 
7400.8B dated March 9, 1994.
    The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves 
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
It, therefore--(1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); 
and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the 
anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that 
will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Impact

    An environmental impact review of this proposal will be conducted 
by the U.S. Army and the FAA prior to an FAA final decision in any 
subsequent rulemaking action.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 73 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 
9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 14 CFR 
11.69.


Sec. 73.67  [Amended]

    2. Section 73.67 is amended as follows:

R-6714A Yakima, WA  [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries, altitudes, and time of use 
and substituting the following:

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.51'15''N., long. 
119 deg.57'57''W.;
thence south along the west edge of the Columbia River
to lat. 46 deg.42'28''N., long. 119 deg.58'19''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.35'04''N., long. 120 deg.02'50''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.37'50''N., long. 120 deg.20'26''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'29''N., long. 120 deg.20'25''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 120 deg.22'13''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.42'19''N., long. 120 deg.26'12''W.;
then north along the east side of Interstate Highway 82
to lat. 46 deg.47'49''N., long. 120 deg.21'19''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.09'02''W.;
thence to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. 0700-2300 local time daily; other times by 
NOTAM. [[Page 28554]] 

R-6714B Yakima, WA  [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries and altitudes and 
substituting the following:

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.42'28''N., long. 
119 deg.58'19''W.;
thence south along the west edge of the Columbia River
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 119 deg.56'09''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'08''N., long. 119 deg.56'13''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'08''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.33'55''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.35'04''N., long. 120 deg.02'50''W.;
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.

R-6714C Yakima, WA  [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries and altitudes and 
substituting the following:

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.33'55''N., long. 
119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.32'50''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.32'50''N., long. 120 deg.04'25''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.37'03''N., long. 120 deg.20'26''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.37'50''N., long. 120 deg.20'26''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.35'04''N., long. 120 deg.02'50''W.;
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.

R-6714D Yakima, WA  [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries and altitudes and 
substituting the following:

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46o38'59''N., long. 120o22'13''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 120 deg.23'45''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.40'34''N., long. 120 deg.26'39''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.42'19''N., long. 120 deg.26'12''W.;
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.
R-6714E Yakima, WA  [Amended]

    By removing the present boundaries and altitudes and 
substituting the following:

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.51'15''N., long. 
119 deg.57'57''W.;
thence south along the west side of the Columbia River
to lat. 46 deg.42'28''N., long. 119 deg.58'19''W.;
thence south along the west side of the Columbia River
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 119 deg.56'09''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'08''N., long. 119 deg.56'13''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'08''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.33'55''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.33'19''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.32'50''N., long. 119 deg.55'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.32'50''N., long. 120 deg.04'25''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.37'03''N., long. 120 deg.20'26''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.37'50''N., long. 120 deg.20'26''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'29''N., long. 120 deg.20'25''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 120 deg.22'13''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.38'59''N., long. 120 deg.23'45''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.40'34''N., long. 120 deg.26'39''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.42'19''N., long. 120 deg.26'12''W.;
thence north along the east side of Interstate Highway 82
to lat. 46 deg.47'49''N., long. 120 deg.21'19''W.;
thence north along the east side of Interstate Highway 82
to lat. 46 deg.49'35''N., long. 120 deg.21'38''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.21'38''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.16'34''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.54'29''N., long. 120 deg.15'04''W.;
to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. 29,000 feet MSL to and not including 55,000 
feet MSL.

R-6714F Yakima, WA  [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.47'49P''W., long. 
120 deg.21'19''W.;
thence north along the east side of Interstate Highway 82
to lat. 46 deg.49'35''N., long. 120 deg.21'38''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.21'38''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.09'02''W.;
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Lewis, WA.

R-6714G Yakima, WA  [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.51'09''W., long. 
120 deg.16'34''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.54'29''N., long. 120 deg.15'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'15''N., long. 119 deg.57'57''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.51'09''N., long. 120 deg.08'54''W.;
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 29,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Lewis, WA.

R-6714H Yakima, WA  [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46 deg.54'58''W., long. 
120 deg.00'33''W.;
excluding that airspace within a 1.5-mile radius of the Vantage 
Airport
to lat. 46 deg.54'39''N., long. 119 deg.59'31''W.;
thence south along the west side of the Wanapum Road
to lat. 46 deg.51'15''N., long. 119 deg.57'57''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.54'29''N., long. 120 deg.15'04''W.;
to lat. 46 deg.55'20''N., long. 120 deg.15'04''W.,
thence to point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 5,500 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Lewis, WA.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 23, 1995.
Harold W. Becker,
Manager, Airspace-Rules and Aeronautical Information Division.
[FR Doc. 95-13401 Filed 5-31-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U