[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 139 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42963-42964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18381]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2003-15478; Airspace Docket No. 03-AWP-6]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment to Restricted Area 4809, Tonopah; NV

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action adds ``FAA, Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control 
Center (ARTCC)'' as the controlling agency for Restricted Area 4809 (R-
4809), Tonopah, NV. Additionally, this action changes the using agency 
of R-4809 from the ``Department of Energy (DOE), Albuquerque Operations 
Office, NM,'' to the ``U.S. Air Force (USAF), Headquarters Air Warfare 
Center, Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), NV.'' These changes will 
facilitate the FAA's ``Joint-Use Concept'' of managing airspace areas 
in a more dynamic manner. This action does not change any boundaries, 
times of designation, or activities conducted in the restricted 
airspace area.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, October 30, 2003.

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.

[[Page 42964]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    In April 2002, the DOE signed an agreement transferring 
responsibility for the daily use of R-4809 to the USAF. On May 14, 
2003, the USAF submitted a request to add the Los Angeles ARTCC as the 
controlling agency of R-4809, and to change the area's using agency 
from the DOE to the USAF.

The Rule

    This action responds to the above agreement and requested changes. 
Specifically, this action adds ``FAA, Los Angeles ARTCC,'' as the 
controlling agency for R-4809, and changes the using agency from the 
``DOE, Albuquerque Operations Office, NM,'' to the ``USAF, Headquarters 
Air Warfare Center, Nellis AFB, NV.'' These changes will designate R-
4809 as a joint-use area, and make the airspace accessible to 
nonparticipating aircraft. This action does not change any boundaries, 
times of designation, or activities conducted in the restricted 
airspace area.
    Section 73.48 of part 73 of the Federal Aviation Regulations was 
republished in FAA Order 7400.8K, dated September 26, 2002.
    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. 
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

    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 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration 
amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
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]

0
2. Sec.  73.48 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-4809, NV [Amended]

    By removing ``Using agency. DOE, Albuquerque Operations Office, 
NM,'' and substituting ``Using agency. USAF, Headquarters Air Warfare 
Center, Nellis AFB, NV.''
    By adding ``Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles ARTCC.''
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 10, 2003.
Paul Gallant,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 03-18381 Filed 7-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P