[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 11, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40067-40068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19036]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0229; Airspace Docket No. 09-ASO-13]


Revocation of VOR Federal Airway V-329; Alabama-Florida

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action removes very high frequency omnidirectional range 
(VOR) Federal airway V-329, which extends between Montgomery, AL and 
the vicinity of Crestview, FL. The route is being removed at the 
request of the U.S. Army because the Andalusia, AL, VOR, which forms a 
segment of the airway, is being decommissioned due to unreliability and 
coverage limitations. This action will not adversely impact National 
Airspace System (NAS) Operations.

DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, October 22, 2009. 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: Paul Gallant, 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 April 6, 2009, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking to revoke VOR Federal airway V-329 (74 FR 
15403). Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. One 
comment was received. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 
recommended that the FAA consider establishing a T-route (i.e., a low-
altitude area navigation route) along the same route as V-329. The FAA 
supports this recommendation and will consider establishing a T-route 
as part of the national effort to expand area navigation capabilities.
    With the exception of editorial changes, this amendment is the same 
as that proposed in the NPRM.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by revoking VOR Federal airway V-329. The FAA is taking this 
action because the Andalusia VOR, which is owned and operated by the 
U.S. Army, is being decommissioned due to recurring outages, 
maintenance issues, and coverage limitations. Decommissioning of the 
Andalusia VOR renders V-329 unusable. As an alternative, V-115, which 
lies to the west of the V-329, extends between the Crestview, FL, and 
the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010 of FAA Order 
7400.9S signed October 3, 2008 and effective October 31, 2008, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airway listed 
in this document will be subsequently deleted from the Order.
    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

[[Page 40068]]

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 amends a portion of the en route structure to enhance the safe 
and efficient use of the NAS in the Southeast United States.

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 and 311b. 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.


Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9S, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated October 3, 2008 and 
effective October 31, 2008, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010 Domestic VOR Federal airways

* * * * *

V-329 [Removed]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 31, 2009.
Edith V. Parish,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.
[FR Doc. E9-19036 Filed 8-10-09; 8:45 am]
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