[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32723-32724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15956]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 98-AWP-13]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment to Time of Designation for Restricted Areas; California

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action reduces the times of designation for Restricted 
Areas 2534A and 2534B (R-2534A and R-2534B), Vandenberg AFB, California 
(CA). The FAA is taking this action in response to a request from the 
United States Air Force (USAF) to more accurately reflect the actual 
times of use for these restricted areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, August 13, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken McElroy, 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:

Background

    As a result of a review of restricted area activity, the USAF 
requested the FAA to change the times of operation for R-2534A and R-
2534B, Vandenberg AFB, CA, to more accurately reflect

[[Page 32724]]

actual use. This is an administrative change and does not affect the 
boundaries, designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the 
restricted areas.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 changes the times of designation 
for R-2534A and R-2534B, Vandenberg AFB, CA, from ``continuous'' to 
``intermittent by Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at least 4 hours in 
advance.'' The FAA is taking this action in response to written 
notification from the using agency that a reduction in the times of use 
for the restricted areas is appropriate. As the solicitation of 
comments would not offer any meaningful right or benefit to any segment 
of the public, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
unnecessary.
    The FAA has determined that this action 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.

Environmental Review

    This action reduces the time of designation for restricted areas. 
In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Polices and Procedures for 
Considering Environmental Impacts,'' this action is not subject to 
environmental assessments and procedures and the National Environmental 
Policy Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

    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.


Sec. 73.25  [Amended]

    Sec. 73.25 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2534A Vandenberg AFB, CA [Amended]

    By removing ``Time of designation. Continuous,'' and inserting 
``Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM at least 4 hours in 
advance.''

R-2534B Vandenberg AFB, CA [Amended]

    By removing ``Time of designation. Continuous,'' and inserting 
``Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM at least 4 hours in 
advance.''
* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 9, 1998.
John S. Walker,
Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 98-15956 Filed 6-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P