[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 115 (Thursday, June 15, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31426-31428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-14656]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 94-ASO-18]


Proposed Establishment of Restricted Areas, Camp Lejeune, NC

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This notice proposes the establishment of restricted areas at 
Camp Lejeune, NC. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has determined 
that the existing ranges at Camp Lejeune are inadequate to meet both 
current and projected Marine Corps training requirements. The proposed 
restricted areas would accommodate an expansion of the Camp Lejeune 
facilities to improve range training capabilities.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 31, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on the proposal in triplicate to: Manager, Air 
Traffic Division, ASO-500, Docket No. 94-ASO-18, Federal Aviation 
Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, GA 30320.
    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: Paul Gallant, Military Operations 
Program Office (ATM-420), Office of Air Traffic System Management, 
Federal Aviation [[Page 31427]] Administration, 800 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-9361.

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-
ASO-18.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the 
commenter. Send comments on environmental and land-use aspects to: 
Commanding General, Operations, MCAS, PSC Box 8011, Cherry Point, NC 
28533, ATTN: Lt. Col. Clark. 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 establish restricted areas at 
Camp Lejeune, NC. The USMC requested that the FAA establish these 
restricted areas because the existing facilities at Camp Lejeune do not 
have adequate firing ranges, maneuver areas, and impact areas to 
accommodate the expanded, complex training requirements that have 
evolved over the years. These documented range shortfalls preclude Camp 
Lejeune from satisfying a number of basic Fleet Marine Force training 
requirements, forcing the USMC to conduct periodic, multi-million 
dollar deployments of personnel and equipment to other locations to 
complete essential training events. The proposed restricted areas are 
necessary to accommodate the training facilities at Camp Lejeune. The 
proposed restricted areas would be designated over a Government-
purchased tract of land contiguous to Camp Lejeune, known as the 
Greater Sandy Run Area. The restricted areas, designated R-5303 and R-
5304, would extend from the surface up to but not including Flight 
Level (FL) 180. R-5303 and R-5304 would each be subdivided vertically 
into three sections (A, B, and C) to facilitate the real-time 
activation of the restricted areas, and to enable release of the 
airspace to accommodate nonparticipating air traffic. These 
subdivisions would be configured as follows: R-5303A and R-5304A would 
extend from the surface to but not including 7,000 feet MSL; R-5303B 
and R-5304B would extend from 7,000 feet MSL to but not including 
10,000 feet MSL; and R-5303C and R-5304C would extend from 10,000 feet 
MSL to but not including FL 180. The activities to be conducted in the 
restricted areas would include the firing of various surface weapons 
and air-delivered ordnance. Aerial ordnance delivery would be limited 
to helicopters only. Most training activities would be conducted in the 
lowest portion of the restricted areas (i.e., R-5303A and R-5304A, 
below 7,000 feet MSL). The proposed time of designation for R-5303A and 
R-5304A would be 0600 to 1800 local time, Monday through Friday; with a 
provision for activation at other times by a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) 
at least 6 hours in advance. R-5303B, R-5303C, R-5304B, and R-5304C 
would be activated by NOTAM at least 6 hours in advance when required 
for training. It is estimated that the highest altitude strata of the 
restricted areas would be required approximately 10 percent of the 
time. An estimated 75 percent of the total training activities would 
take place during daylight hours. On a yearly basis, it is projected 
that the restricted areas would be used on 30- to 40-week nights. 
Training would also be conducted on 30- to 40-weekend days, which may 
include additional night-time operations. Peak firing periods are 
expected to occur between the hours of 0800-1600, Tuesday, Wednesday, 
and Thursday; with March through October projected as the peak firing 
months. The proposed restricted areas were configured to maximize 
training flexibility, and to facilitate the activation of only those 
portions of the restricted areas actually needed for training 
operations. The proposed restricted areas would affect the utilization 
of the segment of V-139 between Wilmington, NC (ILM) and New Bern, NC 
(EWN). In order to minimize the affect on air traffic utilizing V-139, 
the restricted areas would be subject to real-time activation 
procedures. The lowest subareas (R-5303A and R-5304A, extending from 
the surface to but not including 7,000 feet MSL) would be the most 
frequently used portions of the restricted areas. Normally, V-139 above 
7,000 feet MSL would remain available for transit by nonparticipating 
aircraft. Procedures for real-time use of the restricted areas would be 
specified in a joint-use letter of procedure (LOP) between the using 
agency and the appropriate ATC facilities. The LOP also would include 
provisions to give ATC priority for use of the areas when necessary 
during periods of severe weather, or other emergency situations. The 
coordinates for this airspace docket are based on North American Datum 
83. Section 73.53 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 
[[Page 31428]] under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subjected to appropriate environmental impact 
analysis by the proponent and the FAA prior to any FAA final regulatory 
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. 73.53  [Amended]

    2. Section 73.53 is amended as follows:

R-5303A Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.41'40'' N., long. 
77 deg.33'09'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.39'16'' N., long. 77 deg.28'31'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.37'03'' 
N., long. 77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.38'49'' N., long. 
77 deg.37'31'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 7,000 feet MSL, 
excluding the airspace 1,500 feet AGL and below within a 3NM radius 
of Sky Manor Airport.
Time of designation. 0600-1800 Monday-Friday; other times by NOTAM 
at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. USMC, Cherry Point Approach Control.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

R-5303B Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.41'40'' N., long. 
77 deg.33'09'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.39'16'' N., long. 77 deg.28'31'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.37'03'' 
N., long. 77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.38'49'' N., long. 
77 deg.37'31'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. 7,000 feet MSL to but not including 10,000 
feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. USMC, Cherry Point Approach Control.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

R-5303C Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.41'40'' N., long. 
77 deg.33'09'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.39'16'' N., long. 77 deg.28'31'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.37'03'' 
N., long. 77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.38'49'' N., long. 
77 deg.37'31'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to but not including FL 180.
Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Washington ARTCC.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

R-5304A Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.37'03'' N., long. 
77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.32'16'' N., long. 77 deg.30'13'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.29'43'' 
N., long. 77 deg.33'15'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.32'42'' N., long. 
77 deg.34'54'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 7,000 feet MSL, 
excluding the airspace 1,500 feet AGL and below within a 3NM radius 
of Holly Ridge airport.
Time of designation. 0600-1800, Monday-Friday; other times by NOTAM 
at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. USMC, Cherry Point Approach Control.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

R-5304B Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.37'03'' N., long. 
77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.32'16'' N., long. 77 deg.30'13'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.29'43'' 
N., long. 77 deg.33'15'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.32'42'' N., long. 
77 deg.34'54'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. 7,000 feet MSL to but not including 10,000 
feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. USMC, Cherry Point Approach Control.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

R-5304C Camp Lejeune, NC [New]

Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34 deg.37'03'' N., long. 
77 deg.35'25'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'13'' N., long. 77 deg.31'51'' 
W.; to lat. 34 deg.36'51'' N., long. 77 deg.29'01'' W.; to lat. 
34 deg.32'16'' N., long. 77 deg.30'13'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.29'43'' 
N., long. 77 deg.33'15'' W.; to lat. 34 deg.32'42'' N., long. 
77 deg.34'54'' W.; to point of beginning.

Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to but not including FL 180.
Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Washington ARTCC.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station, Cherry Point, NC.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 7, 1995.
Harold W. Becker,
Manager, Airspace-Rules and Aeronautical Information Division.
[FR Doc. 95-14656 Filed 6-14-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U