[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 15 (Thursday, January 23, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3173-3174]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1479]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2002-14110; Airspace Docket No. 02-AEA-23]
RIN 2120-AA66


Change of Controlling Agency for Restricted Areas R-6601 Fort 
A.P. Hill, VA; and R-6608A, R-6608B, and R-6608C, Quantico, VA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 3174]]

SUMMARY: This action changes the controlling agency for Restricted Area 
R-6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA, from ``FAA, Richmond ATCT,'' to ``FAA, 
Potomac Approach''; and the controlling agency for Restricted Areas R-
6608A, R-6608B, and R-6608C, Quantico, VA, from ``FAA, Dulles ATCT,'' 
to ``FAA, Potomac Approach.'' This change is needed due to the airspace 
realignments associated with the establishment of the Potomac 
Consolidated Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility. The new 
Potomac TRACON will assume air traffic control (ATC) responsibility for 
the airspace encompassing these restricted areas. This is only an 
administrative change to reflect the name of the proper controlling ATC 
facility. The change will not affect the current restricted area 
boundaries, altitudes, time of designation, or the activities conducted 
within the areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 20, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, 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 commissioning of the new Potomac TRACON will consolidate 
several air traffic facilities that currently provide ATC service in 
the greater Washington, DC, area. This consolidation includes two 
facilities (i.e., Dulles Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and 
Richmond ATCT) that are currently designated as the controlling 
agencies for Restricted Areas R-6601, R-6608A, R-6608B, and R-6608C. 
With Potomac TRACON assuming responsibility for the airspace 
encompassing these restricted areas, the FAA is taking action to change 
the name of the controlling agency to ``Potomac Approach.''

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 73 by changing the name of the 
controlling agency for Restricted Area R-6601, Fort A.P. Hill, VA, from 
``FAA, Richmond ATCT'' to ``FAA, Potomac Approach.'' In addition, this 
action changes the name of the controlling agency for Restricted Areas 
R-6608A, R-6608B, and R-6608C, Quantico, VA, from ``FAA, Dulles ATCT'' 
to ``FAA, Potomac Approach.'' These administrative changes will not 
alter the boundaries, altitudes, time of designation, or activities 
conducted within the restricted areas; therefore, I find that notice 
and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.
    Section 73.66 of part 73 was republished in FAA Order 7400.8K, 
dated September 26, 2002.
    This regulation is limited to 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. It 
has been determined that 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 is a minor administrative change to amend the 
designated controlling agency of existing restricted areas. There are 
no changes to air traffic procedures or routes as a result of this 
action. Therefore, this action is not subject to environmental 
assessments and procedures in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, 
``Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' and 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, 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.  73.66  [Amended]

    2. Sec.  73.66 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-6601 Fort A.P. Hill, VA [Amended]

    By removing ``Controlling agency. FAA, Richmond ATCT,'' and 
substituting ``Controlling agency. FAA, Potomac Approach'' in its 
place.
* * * * *

R-6608A Quantico, VA [Amended]

    By removing ``Controlling agency. FAA, Dulles ATCT'' and 
substituting ``Controlling agency. FAA, Potomac Approach'' in its 
place.

R-6608B Quantico, VA [Amended]

    By removing ``Controlling agency. FAA, Dulles ATCT'' and 
substituting ``Controlling agency. FAA, Potomac Approach'' in its 
place.

R-6608C Quantico, VA [Amended]

    By removing ``Controlling agency. FAA, Dulles ATCT'' and 
substituting ``Controlling agency. FAA, Potomac Approach'' in its 
place.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2003.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 03-1479 Filed 1-22-03; 8:45 am]
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