[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18050-18051]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-8439]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA 2001-8682; Airspace Docket No. 01-ASW-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Establishment of V-611 and Revocation of V-19; NM

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action changes the designation of Federal Airway 19 (V-
19) to V-611. Currently, two airways with similar designations, V-19 
and V-190, converge at the Albuquerque very high frequency 
omnidirectional range tactical air navigation (VORTAC) facility. This 
similarity has resulted in some pilots inadvertently joining the wrong 
route segment. This action will eliminate the similarity by 
redesignating V-19 as V-611. Except for the route designation, the 
airway alignment, radials, and published altitudes will all remain 
unchanged. This action will reduce the air traffic controller workload 
and enhance aviation safety.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, May 17, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Rohring, 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

    The FAA has identified a potentially unsafe situation resulting 
from two airways with similar names (V-19 and V-190) that cross the 
Albuquerque, NM, VORTAC navigation facility and proceed in the same 
general direction. Aircraft that were cleared via V-19 have been 
observed joining V-190 by mistake. This results in a potentially unsafe 
situation because the minimum en route altitude (MEA) on V-190 is 
13,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL) while the MEA on V-19 is only 
9,000 feet above MSL. As a result, aircraft cleared via V-19, but 
joining V-190 by mistake, may not be high enough to clear the mountains 
northeast of the VORTAC. This is a common mistake and in a recent 
incident, corrective action was taken by the controller to prevent an 
unsafe situation.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 changes the designation of V-19 in 
its entirety to V-611. There are no changes to any of the existing 
radials or altitudes.
    This change is necessary because two airways with similar 
designations, V-19 and V-190, converge at the Albuquerque, NM, VORTAC 
navigation facility. This similarity has resulted in some pilots 
inadvertently joining the wrong route segment northeast of the 
Albuquerque, NM, VORTAC while continuing to fly at an altitude that

[[Page 18051]]

would have been safe on the correct airway route segment but that would 
not be safe on the route segment that they joined by mistake. This 
action will reduce the likelihood that this mistake would happen by 
redesignating V-19 as V-611. Because this action is needed for safety 
reasons, for good cause, I find that notice and public procedure under 
5 U.S.C. 553(b) are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. 
Comments are not being requested because it is unlikely that useful 
information will be received.
    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 
Department of Transportation (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.
    Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 
7400.9H dated September 1, 2000, and effective September 16, 2000, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Federal airways 
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 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 7400.9H, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated September 1, 2000, and effective September 16, 
2000, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a)--Domestic VOR Federal Airways

* * * * *

V-19  [Remove]

* * * * *

V-611  [New]

    From Newman, TX, via INT Newman 286 deg. and Truth or Consequences, 
NM, 159 deg. radials; Truth or Consequences; INT Truth or Consequences 
028 deg. and Socorro, NM, 189 deg. radials; Socorro; Albuquerque, NM; 
INT Albuquerque 036 deg. and Santa Fe, NM, 245 deg. radials; Santa Fe; 
Las Vegas, NM; Cimarron, NM; Pueblo, CO; Black Forest, CO; INT Black 
Forest 036 deg. and Gill, CO, 149 deg. radials; Gill; Cheyenne, WY; 
Muddy Mountain, WY; 5 miles, 45 miles 71 MSL, Crazy Woman, WY; 
Sheridan, WY; Billings, MT; 38 miles 72 MSL, INT Billings 347 deg. and 
Lewistown, MT, 104 deg. radials; Lewistown; INT Lewistown 322 deg. and 
Havre, MT, 226 deg. radials; to Havre.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 30, 2001.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 01-8439 Filed 4-4-01; 8:45 am]
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