[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3003-3004]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-1268]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2003-15086; Airspace Docket No. 03-AAL-07]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revision of Restricted Area 2202C, and the Establishment of 
Restricted Area 2202D; Big Delta, AK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies Restricted Area 2202C (R-2202C), Big 
Delta, AK, by subdividing the altitude of R-2202C, to create R-2202D. 
The lateral dimensions of R-2202C will remain the same, however, the 
internal modification of the R-2202C and subsequent establishment of R-
2202D will enable the military to activate only that portion of the 
airspace that is actually needed to contain their operations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, April 15, 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:

Background

    As a result of a recent review of R-2202 airspace, the U.S. Army 
requested that the FAA take action to internally subdivide R-2202C into 
two sub-areas. Dividing the airspace into two sub-areas will allow for 
more efficient real-time use of the airspace, and allow more public 
access.

The Rule

    This action amends title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 (part 73) by subdividing R-2202C, and establishing R-2202D, to 
enable more efficient use of airspace. Specifically this action changes 
the vertical limit of R-2203C to FL 310 and establishes R-2202D in the 
former restricted airspace of R-2202C above FL 310. The internal 
stratification of R-2202C and subsequent establishment of R-2202D will 
enable the military to activate only that portion of the airspace that 
is actually needed to contain hazardous operations. There are no 
changes to the external boundaries, altitudes, and times of designation 
or activities conducted within the restricted area.
    Section 73.22 of part 73 was published in FAA Order 7400.8L, 
Special Use Airspace, 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 regulation: (1) Is not ``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 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.  73.22  [Amended]

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2. Sec.  73.22 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2202C Big Delta, AK (Revised)

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By removing the existing altitudes and substituting the following:

    Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to and including FL310.

[[Page 3004]]

R-2202D Big Delta, AK (New)

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 64[deg]14'44'' N., long. 
146[deg]43'23'' W.; to lat. 64[deg]03'34'' N., long. 146[deg]10'58'' 
W.; to lat. 63[deg]56'16'' N., long. 145[deg]49'38'' W.; to lat. 
63[deg]54'19'' N., long. 145[deg]50'28'' W.; to lat. 63[deg]50'29'' 
N., long. 145[deg]50'08'' W.; to lat. 63[deg]42'59'' N., long. 
145[deg]54'09'' W.; to lat. 63[deg]42'14'' N., long. 146[deg]13'34'' 
W.; to lat. 63[deg]43'59'' N., long. 146[deg]30'08'' W.; to lat. 
63[deg]50'49'' N., long. 146[deg]47'38'' W.; thence along the east 
bank of the East Fork and Little Delta Rivers to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Above FL 310 to unlimited.
    Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Anchorage ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commander, Cold Regions Test Activity, 
Fort Greely, AK.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC on January 9, 2004.
Reginald C. Mathews,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.
[FR Doc. 04-1268 Filed 1-21-04; 8:45 am]
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