[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 129 (Thursday, July 3, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38109-38110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15020]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 129 / Thursday, July 3, 2008 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 38109]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0038; Airspace Docket No. 07-ANM-16]


Establishment of Low Altitude Area Navigation Route (T-Route); 
Southwest Oregon

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action establishes a low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) 
route, designated T-274 in the State of Oregon. T-routes are low 
altitude Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes, based on RNAV, for use by 
aircraft having instrument flight rules (IFR)-approved Global 
Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 
equipment. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and improve 
the efficient use of the navigable airspace in Oregon.

DATES: Effective Date: 0901UTC, September 25, 2008. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On February 14, 2008, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a low altitude T-
route in southwest Oregon (73 FR 8628). Interested parties were invited 
to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments 
on this proposal to the FAA. Four comments were received in response to 
the NPRM, each supporting the establishment of the route and 
recommending lower minimum en route altitudes (MEA). The Aircraft 
Owners and Pilots Association recommended the FAA modify its proposal 
to ensure that T-274 has a lower MEA than current Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways. Regarding route altitudes, 
the charted depiction will include MEA requirements which are 
established in accordance with 14 CFR part 95. The establishment of 
MEAs is outside the scope of this rule.
    Low altitude RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA 
Order 7400.9R signed August 15, 2007, and effective September 15, 2007, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The low altitude 
RNAV routes listed in this document will be published subsequently in 
the Order.

The Rule

    This amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 establishes a low altitude RNAV route in southwest Oregon. The 
route is designated T-274, and will be depicted on the appropriate IFR 
En Route Low Altitude charts. T-routes are low altitude RNAV ATS 
routes, similar to VOR Federal airways, but based on GNSS navigation. 
RNAV-equipped aircraft capable of filing flight plan equipment suffix 
``G'' may file for these routes.
    The T-route described in this rule will enhance safety, and 
facilitate more flexible and efficient use of the navigable airspace 
for en route IFR operations transitioning through mountainous terrain 
of southwest Oregon.
    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 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 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.
    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's 
authority.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the 
FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the 
airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient 
use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority 
as it establishes an RNAV T-route in southwest Oregon.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 311a, 311b, and 311k. 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 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration 
amends 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

0
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.

[[Page 38110]]

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9R, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 15, 2007, and 
effective September 15, 2007, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6011 Contiguous United States Area Navigation Routes

* * * * *

T-274 CRAAF to Newport, OR (ONP) [New]

CRAAF
    Fix (lat. 44[deg]45'37'' N., long. 123[deg]21'06'' W.)
Newport, OR (ONP)
    VORTAC (lat. 44[deg]34'31'' N., long. 124[deg]03'38'' W.)
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2008.
Ellen Crum,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.
[FR Doc. E8-15020 Filed 7-2-08; 8:45 am]
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