[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 30, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67711-67712]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-33866]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 97-ANM-22]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of VOR Federal Airway V-204; Yakima, WA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action reduces the width of Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-204 east of the Yakima, 
WA, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation 
(VORTAC) from 4 to 3 nautical miles (NM) north of the airway 
centerline. Currently, the northern edge of V-204 penetrates Special 
Use Airspace Restricted Area R-6714 (R-6714), thus creating an 
inefficient and potentially hazardous situation. The FAA is taking this 
action to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations in 
the vicinity of Yakima VORTAC.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 26, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bil Nelson, 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.

[[Page 67712]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by modifying V-204. Specifically, 
this action reduces the width of the V-204 from 4 to 3 NM north of the 
airway centerline, along a portion of the Federal airway between the 
Yakima VORTAC and the PAPPS Intersection. The standard width of a VOR 
Federal airway is 8 NM (4 NM each side of the airway centerline). 
Currently, the northern edge of V-204 penetrates R-6714. This 
penetration increases the potential for conflict between aircraft 
operating along that portion of V-204 and users operating within R-
6714, and reduces air traffic control efficiency by preventing 
simultaneous use of V-204 and R-6714 during nonradar operations. Since 
V-204, as currently described, penetrates R-6714, immediate, corrective 
action is required in the interest of flight safety. Therefore, I find 
that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest. The FAA is taking 
this action to enhance the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations 
in the vicinity of the Yakima VORTAC.
    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. 
Therefore, this regulation: (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.
    Domestic VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of 
FAA Order 7400.9E, dated September 10, 1997 and effective September 16, 
1997, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The airway 
listed in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS D, AND 
CLASS E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIRWAYS; ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

    1. The authority citation for part 71 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.


Sec. 71.1  [Amended]

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of the Federal 
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9E, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated September 10, 1997, and effective September 16, 
1997, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a)--Domestic VOR Federal Airways

* * * * *

V-204  [Revised]

    From Hoquiam, WA; Olympia, WA; INT Olympia 114 deg. and Yakima, 
WA, 271 deg. radials; Yakima; 25 miles, 7 miles wide (3 miles N and 
4 miles S of centerline) INT Yakima 087 deg. and Pasco, WA, 269 deg. 
radials; Pasco; INT Pasco 035 deg. and Spokane, WA, 221 deg. 
radials; to Spokane.
* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 19, 1997.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 97-33866 Filed 12-29-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P