[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7777-7778]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3803]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 98-AWP-27]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revocation and Establishment of Restricted Areas; NV

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action revokes Restricted Areas R-4803N and R-4803S, and 
establishes R-4803, Fallon, Nevada (NV). The FAA is taking this action 
in response to a request from the United States Navy (USN) to eliminate 
R-4803N, and to redefine the arc of R-4803S as a complete circle and 
rename it R-4803. This action reduces restricted airspace at Fallon, 
NV, and improves access to Fallon Municipal Airport, NV.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, May 20, 1999.

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

    Residential development in the vicinity of R-4803N and R-4803S has 
led to an increasing number of noise complaints and perceived safety 
concerns by the local community. In 1997, USN personnel at Fallon Naval 
Air Station began a comprehensive review of restricted area operations 
in the Fallon area. As a result of the review, public meetings, over-
flight tests, and a survey of local residents, the USN requested the 
FAA disestablish the restricted airspace that overlies what were 
formerly farmlands bordering the city of Fallon, NV. This is an 
administrative change which reduces the size of the restricted airspace 
and eliminates a portion of restricted airspace no longer needed by the 
USN. It does not alter the type of activities conducted within the 
remaining restricted airspace.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 revokes Restricted Areas R-4803N 
and R-4803S, and establishes R-4803, Fallon, NV. The FAA is taking this 
action in response to a request from the USN to eliminate R-4803N and 
redefine the arc R-4803S as a complete circle and rename it R-4803. 
This action reduces restricted airspace at Fallon, NV, and improves 
access to Fallon Municipal Airport, NV. 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.

[[Page 7778]]

Environmental Review

    This action reduces the size of the restricted airspace. In 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Polices and Procedures for 
Considering Environmental Impacts,'' this action is categorically 
excluded.

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. 73.48  [Amended]

    2. Sec. 73.48 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-4803N  Fallon, NV [Revoked]

R-4803S  Fallon, NV [Revoked]

R-4803  Fallon, NV [New]

Boundaries: A 3-NM radius circle centered at lat. 39 deg.20'40'' N., 
long. 118 deg.52'19'' W.
Designated Altitudes. Surface to but not including FL 180.
Time of designation. 0715 to 2330 daily.
Controlling agency. FAA Oakland ARTCC.
Using agency. Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, NV.
* * * * *
    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 10, 1999.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 99-3803 Filed 2-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P