[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41819-41820]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-15600]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA 2001-10666; Airspace Docket No. ASD 01-ASW-12]


Revision of Jet Route

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action realigns Jet Route 180 (J-180) between the 
Daisetta, TX, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air 
Navigation (VORTAC) and the Little Rock, AR, VORTAC by moving the route 
to the east over the new Sawmill, LA, VORTAC. The FAA is taking this 
action to enhance aviation safety and the management of the aircraft 
operations in the Texas area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, August 8, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Rohring, Airspace and Rules 
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic

[[Page 41820]]

Airspace Management, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA is redesigning the nation's airspace to reduce the volume 
of air traffic operations in certain congested areas commonly referred 
to as ``choke-points.'' As part of this effort, the FAA believes that 
revising the affected segment of J-180 to reroute it over the new 
Sawmill, LA, VORTAC will alleviate air traffic congestion in specific 
``choke-point'' areas.

Public Input

    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
proceeding by submitting written comments on this proposal to the FAA 
(66 FR 56250). No comments were received in response to the proposal.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 realigns J-180 between the 
Daisetta, TX, VORTAC and the Little Rock, AR, VORTAC by moving the 
route eastward over the new Sawmill, LA, VORTAC. This action is 
necessary to support the national airspace redesign project and reduces 
air traffic congestion in identified ``choke-point'' areas.
    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.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004 of FAA Order 7400.9J 
dated August 31, 2001, and effective September 16, 2001, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The jet route listed in this 
document will be published subsequently in the Order.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1D, Policies and Procedures for Considering 
Environmental Impacts. This airspace action is not expected to cause 
any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary 
circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental 
assessment.

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 7400.9J, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 31, 2001, and effective September 16, 
2001, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004--Jet Routes

* * * * *

J-180  [Revised]

    From Humble, TX; Daisetta, TX; Sawmill, LA; Little Rock, AR.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2002.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 02-15600 Filed 6-19-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P