[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 220 (Friday, November 14, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28529]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. 2002-FAA-14912; Airspace Docket No. 03-AWP-4]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Restricted Area R-2301E Ajo East, AZ; and R-2304, 
and 2305 Gila Bend, AZ

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends the designated time of use for Restricted 
Area 2301E Ajo East, AZ (R-2301E); and R-2304 and R-2305, Gila Bend, 
AZ. Increased training requirements at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) have 
resulted in a continued need for restricted airspace usage up to 2400 
hours in these areas. This modification of the designated time of use 
does not change the current boundaries or activities conducted in the 
airspace areas.

DATES: 0901 UTC, February 19, 2004.

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:

History

    On May 30, 2003, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice 
proposing to amend R-2301, R-2304 and R-2305 (68 FR 14912). Interested 
parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by 
submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received 
regarding this rulemaking. Except for editorial changes, this amendment 
is the same as that proposed in the notice. These rulemaking actions 
``are necessary in the interest of national defense,'' as required 
under 49 U.S.C. 40103(b)(3)(A).

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 (part 73) to amend the designated time of use for R-2301, R-
2304, and R-2305. Specifically, this action changes the designated time 
of use for R-2301E from ``Monday-Friday, 0630-2230 local time; other 
times by NOTAM,'' to ``Daily, 0630 to 2400 local time; other times by 
NOTAM;'' R-2304 from ``0700-2200 local time; other times by NOTAM,'' to 
``Monday-Saturday, 0630-2400 local time; other times by NOTAM;'' and R-
2305 from ``0700-2300 local time; other times by NOTAM,'' to ``Monday-
Saturday, 0630-2400 local time; other times by NOTAM.'' Increased 
training requirements at Luke AFB have resulted in a continued need for 
restricted airspace availability until 2400 hours. This modification 
does not change the current boundaries or activities conducted in the 
airspace areas.
    Section 73.23 of part 73 of the Federal Aviation Regulations was 
republished in FAA Order 7400.8L dated October 7, 2003.
    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 proposed 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 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.  73.23  [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.23 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2301E, Ajo East, AZ (Amended)

0
By removing ``Time of designation. Monday-Friday, 0630-2230 local time; 
other times by NOTAM,'' and substituting ``Time of designation. Daily, 
0630-2400 local time; other times by NOTAM.''
* * * * *

R-2304, Gila Bend, AZ (Amended)

0
By removing ``Time of designation. 0700-2200 local time; other times by 
NOTAM,'' and substituting ``Time of designation. Monday-Saturday, 0630-
2400 local time; other times by NOTAM.''

R-2305, Gila Bend, AZ (Amended)

0
By removing ``Time of designation. 0700-2300 local time; other times by 
NOTAM,'' and substituting ``Time of designation. Monday-Saturday, 0630-
2400 local time; other times by NOTAM.''
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 4, 2003.
Paul Gallant,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 03-28529 Filed 11-13-03; 8:45 am]
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