[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 117 (Monday, June 17, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30508-30509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15212]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 73
[Airspace Docket No. 95-ASO-18]
Subdivision of Restricted Area R-2103, Fort Rucker, AL
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action subdivides Restricted Area 2103 (R-2103), Fort
Rucker, AL, into two separate areas, to permit more efficient use of
the airspace. R-2103A is designated from the surface to but not
including 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), and R-2103B is designated
from 10,000 feet MSL to 15,000 feet MSL. This subdivision of the
restricted areas utilize the existing lateral boundaries of R-2103. No
new restricted airspace is established by this action.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, August 15, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Rule
This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 subdivides R-2103, Fort Rucker,
AL, into two separate areas to permit more efficient utilization of
airspace. Currently, R-2103 extends from the surface to 15,000 feet
MSL, with a time of designation of ``continuous.'' The using agency has
determined that the majority of mission activities currently do not
require restricted airspace above 10,000 feet MSL. Certain activities,
however, still require restricted airspace up to the 15,000 feet MSL
ceiling, but not on a ``continuous'' basis. Under the current
restricted area configuration, airspace is restricted up to 15,000 feet
MSL even when mission activities do not require airspace above 10,000
feet MSL. This unnecessarily limits public access to a portion of the
airspace. This amendment will subdivide the existing R-2103 as follows:
R-2103A is designated from the surface to but not including 10,000 feet
MSL, and retains a ``continuous'' time of designation. Cairns Approach
Control, a U.S. Army air traffic control facility, is designated as the
controlling agency for R-2103A, per agreement with the FAA,
Jacksonville ARTCC. R-2103B is designated from 10,000 feet MSL to
15,000 feet MSL, with a time of designation of ``By Notice to Airmen
(NOTAM) 6 hours in advance.'' The FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC is designated
as the controlling agency for R-2103B. This change enables the using
agency to accomplish its mission while improving the capability to
activate only the minimum amount of restricted airspace necessary for
that mission. There is no change to the lateral boundaries or
activities conducted in the existing area. This action affects only the
internal subdivision of an existing restricted area and enhances
efficient airspace utilization. Therefore, I find that notice and
public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary since this
action is a minor amendment in which the public would not be
particularly interested. The coordinates for this airspace docket are
based on North American Datum 83. Section 73.21 of part 73 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations was republished in FAA Order 7400.8C dated
June 19, 1995.
Environmental Review
This action internally subdivides an existing restricted area and
does not affect the lateral boundaries or overall vertical limits of
restricted airspace. There are no changes to air traffic control
procedures, routes, or type of activity conducted within these
boundaries as a result of this amendment. Therefore, this action is not
subject to environmental assessments and procedures under FAA Order
1050.1D, ``Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental
Impacts,'' and the National Environmental Policy Act.
The FAA has determined that this 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 will not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73
Airspace, Navigation (air).
[[Page 30509]]
Adoption of the Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73 as follows:
PART 73--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24
FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389; 14 CFR 11.69.
Sec. 73.21 [Amended]
2. Section 73.21 is amended as follows:
R-2103 Fort Rucker, AL [Removed]
R-2103A Fort Rucker, AL [New]
Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at
lat. 31 deg.26'56''N., long. 85 deg.47'45''W.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 10,000 feet
MSL.
Time of designation. Continuous.
Controlling agency. U.S. Army, Cairns Approach Control.
Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center,
Fort Rucker, AL.
R-2103B Fort Rucker, AL [New]
Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at
lat. 31 deg.26'56''N., long. 85 deg.47'45''W.
Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to 15,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center,
Fort Rucker, AL.
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 5, 1996.
Harold W. Becker,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic, Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 96-15212 Filed 6-14-96; 8:45 am]
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