[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56391-56394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19205]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22398; Airspace Docket No. 05-ASO-7]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of High Altitude Area Navigation Routes 
(RNAV); South Central United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish 16 high altitude area 
navigation (RNAV) routes in the South Central United States to support 
the High Altitude Redesign (HAR) program. The FAA is proposing this 
action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the 
navigable airspace.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management 
System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. You must identify FAA Docket 
No. FAA-2005-22398 and Airspace Docket No. 05-ASO-7, at the beginning 
of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules, 
Office of System Operations Airspace and AIM, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 56392]]

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as 
they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2005-22398 and Airspace Docket No. 05-ASO-7) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for 
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2005-22398 and Airspace Docket No. 05-ASO-7.'' 
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified closing date 
for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed 
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of 
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for 
examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date 
for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with 
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRM's

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents 
can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov, 
or the Federal Register's web page at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An 
informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at 
the office of the Regional Air Traffic Division, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337.
    Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future 
NPRM's should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, 
for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application 
procedure.

Background

    As part of the on-going National Airspace Redesign, the FAA 
implemented the HAR program. The HAR program's focus is to develop and 
implement fundamental improvements in navigation structure and 
operating methods to allow more flexible and efficient high altitude en 
route operations. In support of this program, the FAA is establishing 
new RNAV routes for use by suitably equipped aircraft. These new routes 
would allow users greater flexibility in route selection. In addition, 
users should achieve economic benefits derived from less restrictive 
routing options than are currently available in the jet route 
structure.
    These high altitude RNAV routes will be identified by the letter 
prefix ``Q,'' followed by a number consisting of from one to three 
digits.

Related Rulemaking

    On April 8, 2003, the FAA published the Designation of Class A, B, 
C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes, and Reporting 
Points rule in the Federal Register (68 FR 16943). The purpose of the 
rule was to facilitate the establishment of RNAV routes in the National 
Airspace System (NAS) for use by aircraft with advanced navigation 
system capabilities. This rule adopted certain amendments proposed in 
Notice No. 02-20, Area Navigation and Miscellaneous Amendments. The 
rule revised and adopted several definitions in FAA regulations, 
including Air Traffic Service Routes, to be in concert with ICAO 
definitions; and reorganized the structure of FAA regulations 
concerning the designation of Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, 
airways, routes, and reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish 16 RNAV routes in the South 
Central United States within the airspace assigned to the Memphis Air 
Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). These routes are proposed as part 
of the HAR program to enhance safety, and to facilitate the more 
flexible and efficient use of the navigable airspace for en route 
instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the Memphis ARTCC's 
area of responsibility.
    The FAA has determined that this proposed 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 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 proposed 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE 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 FAA Order 
7400.9N, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated September 1, 
2005 and effective September 15, 2005, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2006--Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-19 PLESS to BNA [New]
PLESS.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 37[deg]48'35'' N., long. 88[deg]57'48'' W.)

[[Page 56393]]

 
BNA.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]08'13'' N., long. 86[deg]41'05'' W.)
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
Q-21 JONEZ to RZC [New]
JONEZ.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 34[deg]30'57'' N., long. 95[deg]27'34'' W.)
RZC.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]14'47'' N., long. 94[deg]07'17'' W.)
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
Q-23 FSM to RZC [New]
FSM.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 35[deg]23'18'' N., long. 94[deg]16'18'' W.)
RZC.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]14'47'' N., long. 94[deg]07'17'' W.)
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
Q-25 MEEOW to PXV [New]
MEEOW.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 34[deg]19'05'' N., long. 93[deg]31'25'' W.)
ARG.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]06'36'' N., long. 90[deg]57'13'' W.)
WLSUN.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 37[deg]35'00'' N., long. 88[deg]08'00'' W.)
PXV.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 37[deg]55'42'' N., long. 87[deg]45'45'' W.)
Q-26 ARG to ABROC [New]
ARG.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]06'36'' N., long. 90[deg]57'13'' W.)
ABROC.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 34[deg]37'05'' N., long. 87[deg]26'07'' W.)
Q-27 FSM to ZALDA [New]
FSM.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 35[deg]23'18'' N., long. 94[deg]16'18'' W.)
ZALDA.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 36[deg]04'55'' N., long. 93[deg]37'37'' W.)
Q-28 GRAZN to PXV [New]
GRAZN.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 34[deg]15'00'' N., long. 94[deg]21'29'' W.)
PYRMD.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 34[deg]34'00'' N., long. 93[deg]44'00'' W.)
HAKAT.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 36[deg]17'00'' N., long. 91[deg]04'00'' W.)
ESTEE.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 37[deg]41'00'' N., long. 88[deg]17'00'' W.)
PXV.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 37[deg]55'42'' N., long. 87[deg]45'45'' W.)
Q-29 HARES to PXV [New]
HARES.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 33[deg]00''00'' N., long. 91[deg]44'00'' W.)
MEM.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 35[deg]00'54'' N., long. 89[deg]59'00'' W.)
SIDAE.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 37[deg]20'00'' N., long. 87[deg]50'00'' W.)
PXV.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 37[deg]55'42'' N., long. 87[deg]45'45'' W.)
Q-30 SQS to VUZ [New]
SQS.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 33[deg]27'50'' N., long. 90[deg]16'38'' W.)
VUZ.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 33[deg]40'13'' N., long. 86[deg]53'59'' W.)
Q-31 DHART to PXV [New]
DHART.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 33[deg]23'52'' N., long. 92[deg]25'10'' W.)
TOROS.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 33[deg]40'00'' N., long. 92[deg]10'00'' W.)
UJM.........................  VOR/DME.............  (Lat. 34[deg]34'30'' N., long. 90[deg]40'28'' W.)
TIIDE.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 37[deg]28'00'' N., long. 87[deg]59'00'' W.)
PXV.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 37[deg]55'42'' N., long. 87[deg]45'45'' W.)
Q-32 ELD to SWAPP [New]
ELD.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 33[deg]15'22'' N., long. 92[deg]44'38'' W.)
GAGLE.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 34[deg]08'00'' N., long. 90[deg]17'00'' W.)
CRAMM.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 34[deg]38'11'' N., long. 88[deg]53'55'' W.)
BNA.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]08'13'' N., long. 86[deg]41'05'' W.)
SWAPP.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 36[deg]36'50'' N., long. 85[deg]10'56'' W.)
Q-33 PROWL to DHART [New]
PROWL.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 37[deg]02'00'' N., long. 91[deg]15'00'' W.)
LIT.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 34[deg]40'40'' N., long. 92[deg]10'50'' W.)
DHART.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 33[deg]23'52'' N., long. 92[deg]25'10'' W.)
Q-34 TXK to SWAPP [New]
TXK.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 33[deg]30'50'' N., long. 94[deg]04'24'' W.)
MATIE.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 34[deg]05'42'' N., long. 92[deg]33'02'' W.)
MEM.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 35[deg]00'54'' N., long. 89[deg]59'00'' W.)
SWAPP.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 36[deg]36'50'' N., long. 85[deg]10'56'' W.)
Q-36 RZC to SWAPP [New]
 
 RZC........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]14'47'' N., long. 94[deg]07'17'' W.)
TWITS.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 36[deg]08'32'' N., long. 90[deg]54'48'' W.)
DEPEC.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 36[deg]06'00'' N., long. 87[deg]31'00'' W.)
BNA.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 36[deg]08'13'' N., long. 86[deg]41'05'' W.)
SWAPP.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 36[deg]36'50'' N., long. 86[deg]10'56'' W.)
Q-38 ROKIT to BESOM [New]
ROKIT.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 30[deg]29'50'' N., long. 94[deg]30'50'' W.)
INCIN.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 31[deg]21'09'' N., long. 92[deg]45'18'' W.)
LAREY.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 32[deg]00'12'' N., long. 91[deg]22'22'' W.)
BESOM.......................  Fix.................  (Lat. 33[deg]35'11'' N., long. 87[deg]39'23'' W.)
Q-40 AEX to MISLE [New]
AEX.........................  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 31[deg]15'24'' N., long. 92[deg]30'04'' W.)
DOOMS.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 31[deg]53'08'' N., long. 91[deg]09'56'' W.)
SALVA.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 32[deg]38'00'' N., long. 89[deg]21'56'' W.)
MISLE.......................  WP..................  (Lat. 33[deg]24'00'' N., long. 87[deg]38'00'' W.)
 


[[Page 56394]]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 19, 2005.
Edith V. Parish,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules.
[FR Doc. 05-19205 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P