[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 121 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36871-36873]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15702]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0110; Airspace Docket No. 07-ASW-8]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of Restricted Areas R-4401A, R-4401B, and R-4401C; 
Camp Shelby, MS

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies restricted areas R-4401A, R-4401B, and R-
4401C, at Camp Shelby, MS, to ensure that aircraft remain within the 
confines of restricted airspace during high altitude munitions delivery 
and to enhance the efficient use of airspace in the vicinity of Camp 
Shelby, MS.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, August 25, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations 
and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Special Use Airspace (SUA) at Camp Shelby, MS, currently consists 
of three restricted areas that are layered from the surface up to 
29,000 feet MSL. Restricted area R-4401A extends from the surface up to 
4,000 feet MSL; R-4401B overlies R-4401A and extends from 4,000 feet 
MSL up to 18,000 feet MSL; R-4401C overlies A and B and extends from 
18,000 feet MSL up to 29,000 feet MSL. Adjacent to the restricted areas 
are two military operations areas (MOA). The De Soto 1 MOA abuts the 
north, east and south sides of the restricted areas and extends from 
500 feet AGL up to 10,000 feet MSL. The De Soto 2 MOA lies adjacent to 
the east and south sides of De Soto 1 MOA and extends from 100 feet AGL 
up to 5,000 feet MSL.

Military Operations Areas (MOA)

    MOAs are nonregulatory airspace areas that are established 
administratively and published in the National Flight Data Digest 
(NFDD) rather than through rulemaking procedures. MOAs are established 
to separate or segregate non-hazardous military flight activities from 
aircraft operating in accordance with instrument flight rules (IFR), 
and to advise pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) where these 
activities are conducted. IFR aircraft may be routed through an active 
MOA only by agreement with the using agency and only when air traffic 
control can provide approved separation from the MOA activity. VFR 
pilots are not restricted from flying in an active MOA, but they are 
advised to exercise caution while doing so. Although MOAs are not 
regulatory airspace actions, the De Soto MOAs are described in this 
rule because they form an integral part of the Camp Shelby Range 
airspace area. The MOA changes will be published separately in the 
NFDD.

History

    On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, the FAA published in the Federal 
Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify Restricted 
Areas R-4401A, R-4401B and R-4401C at Camp Shelby, MS, by moving the 
southeastern corner of the restricted areas approximately 2 nautical 
miles (NM) to the east of the present alignment (73 FR 9241). The FAA 
proposed this change to ``square off'' the corner to ensure that 
aircraft conducting high altitude munitions delivery training remain 
within the confines of restricted airspace. Interested parties were 
invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting 
written comments on the proposal to the FAA.
    In a separate action, on February 11, 2008, the FAA distributed a 
nonrulemaking circular soliciting public comment on a proposal to 
modify the De Soto 1 and De Soto 2 MOAs and to establish two new MOAs 
in order to raise the upper altitude limit of the MOA airspace at the 
Camp Shelby Range up to but not including FL 180 (Airspace Study No. 
08-ASW-09NR). In the circular, the FAA proposed to modify the De Soto 1 
MOA boundary to match the amended R-4401A/R-4401B boundary and to 
change the De Soto 1 MOA ceiling to read ``to but not including 10,000 
feet MSL.'' The De Soto 2 MOA altitude ceiling would be changed to read 
``to but not including 5,000 feet MSL,'' but the De Soto 2 boundary 
would not be changed.
    In addition, two new MOAs were proposed. The De Soto 3 MOA would 
overlie De Soto 1 and would extend from 10,000 feet MSL to but not 
including FL 180; and the De Soto 4 would overlie De Soto 2 with 
altitudes extending from 5,000 feet MSL to but not including FL 180. 
The Air National Guard (ANG) requested this change because the current 
MOAs do not provide sufficient altitudes to accommodate aircrew 
training in long-range set-up and stand-off tactics.
    Seven comments were received in response to the NPRM and the 
circular.

Discussion of Comments

    All of the commenters opposed the proposed rulemaking. Most 
commenters argued that the proposed airspace expansions would adversely 
impact civil aircraft operations in the area; and, in particular, those 
aircraft transiting the area via VOR Federal airways V-11 and V-70. 
Since this is a small boundary adjustment, with the expansion extending 
into existing MOA airspace, the FAA concluded the restricted area 
boundary change is not expected to impact air traffic in the area. 
Airways V-11 and V-70 do extend through the proposed expanded MOA 
airspace.
    However, in response to the comments, the configuration and 
altitude structure of the MOAs have been revised. Instead of one large 
MOA (De Soto 4) overlying the entire Desoto 2 MOA, the proposed De Soto 
4 MOA airspace is split into two separate MOAs (i.e., De Soto 4 and De 
Soto 5). The Desoto 4 MOA will extend from 5,000 feet MSL to but not 
including FL 180

[[Page 36872]]

and will overlie only the northern portion of De Soto 2 (i.e., north of 
airway V-70). The De Soto 5 MOA will overlie the remaining part of De 
Soto 2 (which is traversed by V-70). Also, the floor of the new De Soto 
5 MOA is set at 11,000 feet MSL instead of 5,000 feet MSL. This creates 
a gap in MOA airspace between 5,000 feet MSL and 11,000 feet MSL along 
V-70 allowing uninhibited access to five IFR altitudes along the 
airway. Additional steps to further minimize potential impacts include: 
Imposing time restrictions on use of the De Soto 4 and De Soto 5 MOAs; 
the airspace will be subject to recall for weather or civil air 
traffic; and communications lines between Range Control and the FAA 
controlling agency (Houston ARTCC) are being added to expedite 
coordination. These measures are designed to facilitate real time use 
of the airspace as well as improve civil aviation access to the 
airspace when not required for military training.
    Several commenters suggested that the range airspace be moved to 
another location in the United States where there is less air traffic. 
One commenter added that the training could be conducted over water in 
the existing warning areas that are located less than 50 miles from the 
De Soto MOA complex. Prior to submitting its airspace proposal, the 
proponent did consider alternative locations. However, alternative 
sites were either already saturated with test, evaluation, and training 
activities and/or did not have an associated air-to-ground bombing 
range. A bombing range, containing an array of target complexes, is 
required for conducting realistic maneuvering for actual and simulated 
ordnance delivery training. Use of the off-shore warning areas was 
judged to be unsuitable, in part, due to the lack of the required 
bombing range and the absence of usable ground references over water. 
Another option explored was to limit the proposed MOA expansion to just 
the De Soto 3 only. While this option would allow some training 
activities to be completed, it would not provide enough airspace to 
contain training in tactics requiring standoff distances that extend 
beyond the current De Soto 1 MOA boundary.

Differences From NPRM

    The NPRM proposed a minor expansion of the boundaries of restricted 
areas R-4401A, R-4401B, and R-4401C to move the southeastern corner of 
the areas approximately 2 NM to the east. However, in response to 
public comments, and to provide for better real time use of the 
airspace, the FAA and the proponent decided to further stratify the 
restricted areas into five sections instead of the original three, 
while maintaining the current restricted area altitude structure that 
extends from the surface up to Flight Level (FL) 290. In addition, the 
name of the restricted area using agency is updated to reflect the 
current organization; and, the time of designation for R-4401A, B and C 
is simplified as described in ``The Rule'' section, below.
    The NPRM did not include a discussion of the De Soto MOA changes, 
which are processed under nonrulemaking procedures. However, because 
the MOAs are an integral part of the Camp Shelby Range airspace, the 
FAA has included a discussion of these changes in this rule.

Summary of De Soto MOA Changes

    The existing De Soto 1 MOA is being amended to adjust the 
boundaries to match the revised southeast corner of restricted areas R-
4401A and R-4401B. In addition, the altitude of the De Soto 1 MOA will 
be amended to read ``500 feet AGL to but not including 10,000 feet 
MSL,'' and the name of the using agency is updated to reflect the 
current organization title. The altitude of the De Soto 2 MOA will be 
amended to read ``100 feet AGL to but not including 5,000 feet MSL,'' 
and the name of the using agency is also updated. The boundaries of the 
De Soto 2 MOA are not being changed. Instead of establishing two new 
MOAs as originally proposed (i.e., De Soto 3 and De Soto 4), three new 
MOAs will be established (De Soto 3, 4 and 5). This allows greater 
flexibility to facilitate real time use of the airspace as well as 
improve civil access to the airspace when not required by the military. 
As originally proposed, the De Soto 3 overlies the De Soto 1 MOA and 
extends from 10,000 feet MSL to but not including FL 180. However, the 
proposed De Soto 4 MOA airspace is revised so that, instead of 
overlying the entire De Soto 2 MOA, it overlies only the northern 
portion of De Soto 2 and extends from 5,000 feet MSL up to but not 
including FL 180. The new De Soto 5 MOA overlies the southern portion 
of De Soto 2. In addition, the De Soto 5 MOA has a floor of 11,000 feet 
MSL and extends up to but not including FL 180. This creates a gap in 
MOA airspace between the 5,000 foot MSL ceiling of the De Soto 2 MOA 
and the 11,000 foot MSL floor of the De Soto 5 MOA, bracketing a 
portion of airway V-70. This gap between De Soto 2 and De Soto 5 
provides five IFR altitudes (i.e., from 6,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet 
MSL inclusive) along V-70 that are always clear of MOA airspace.
    The new MOA configuration allows better real time use of the 
airspace so that parts of the MOAs that are not needed for the military 
mission can be released for access by other users. These measures 
lessen the potential impact on other airspace users, and facilitate 
better access to airways V-11 and V-70, which pass through, or in the 
vicinity of, the De Soto 2, 4 and 5 MOAs.
    The above MOA changes will be published in the NFDD.

The Rule

    This rule amends 14 CFR part 73 by modifying restricted areas R-
4401A, R-4401B, and R-4401C to ``square off'' the southeast boundary of 
the areas, realign the altitude structure of the restricted airspace, 
update the using agency name, and simplify the time of designation 
statement. In addition, two new restricted areas are designated: R-
4401D and R-4401E. These changes do not alter the overall altitude 
limits of the Camp Shelby restricted areas, which remain as currently 
designated (i.e., from the surface to but not including 29,000 feet 
MSL). However, to accommodate more flexible use of the airspace and to 
lessen the potential impact on other airspace users by enabling parts 
of the area to be released when not needed for the military mission, 
the existing altitude structure is divided into five subareas instead 
of three. With these changes, the restricted airspace at Camp Shelby, 
MS, consists of: R-4401A, extending from the surface to but not 
including 4,000 feet MSL; R-4401B, extending from 4,000 feet MSL to but 
not including 10,000 feet MSL; R-4401C, extending from 10,000 feet MSL 
to but not including FL 180; R-4401D, extending from FL 180 to but not 
including FL 230; and R-4401E, extending from FL 230 to FL 290. All 
five subareas share the same boundary alignment. The time of 
designation for R-4401A, B and C remains by NOTAM at least 24 hours in 
advance, except that the words ``NOTAMS to contain information 
concerning deactivation of the area'' are deleted from the description. 
This statement is not required because SUA NOTAMs normally include the 
times when the airspace is in effect.
    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

[[Page 36873]]

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 modifies restricted airspace in the vicinity of Camp Shelby, MS, 
to enhance the safe and the efficient use of the National Airspace 
System.

Environmental Review

    In July 2008, the Air National Guard (ANG) published a Final 
Environmental Assessment (FEA) ``Modification of CRTC-Used Airspace: 
Combat Readiness Training Center'' and associated Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) dated July 1, 2008. The ANG prepared the FEA 
and associated FONSI in compliance with their obligations under the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and as specified in ANG 
environmental regulations. The FAA was a cooperating agency in the NEPA 
process and provided input during the ANG environmental process. 
Additionally, in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental 
Impacts: Policies and Procedures,'' paragraph 404d, the FAA has 
independently evaluated the information contained in the FEA and is 
adopting the content that addresses FAA actions pursuant to 40 CFR 
1506.3(a) and (c) and has issued a FONSI/Record of Decision (ROD) dated 
May 2011. This final rule, which modifies the Camp Shelby. MS, 
restricted areas, will not result in significant environmental impacts.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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.  73.44  [Amended]

0
2. Section 73.44 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

1. R-4401A Camp Shelby, MS [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries, altitudes, time of 
designation and using agency and substituting the following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 31[deg]12'55'' N., long. 
89[deg]11'03'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]11'49'' N., long. 89[deg]00'00'' 
W.; to lat. 31[deg]10'16'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 
31[deg]04'37'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]04'37'' 
N., long. 89[deg]11'00'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 4,000 feet 
MSL.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
    Using agency. Commanding Officer, Camp Shelby, MS.

2. R-4401B Camp Shelby, MS [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries, designated altitudes, time 
of designation and using agency and substituting the following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 31[deg]12'55'' N., long. 
89[deg]11'03'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]11'49'' N., long. 89[deg]00'00'' 
W.; to lat. 31[deg]10'16'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 
31[deg]04'37'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]04'37'' 
N., long. 89[deg]11'00'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. 4,000 feet MSL to but not including 10,000 
feet MSL.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
    Using agency. Commanding Officer, Camp Shelby, MS.

3. R-4401C Camp Shelby, MS [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries, designated altitudes, time 
of designation and using agency and substituting the following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 31[deg]12'55'' N., long. 
89[deg]11'03'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]11'49'' N., long. 89[deg]00'00'' 
W.; to lat. 31[deg]10'16'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 
31[deg]04'37'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]04'37'' 
N., long. 89[deg]11'00'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to but not including FL 
180.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
    Using agency. Commanding Officer, Camp Shelby, MS.

4. R-4401D Camp Shelby, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 31[deg]12'55'' N., long. 
89[deg]11'03'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]11'49'' N., long. 89[deg]00'00'' 
W.; to lat. 31[deg]10'16'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 
31[deg]04'37'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]04'37'' 
N., long. 89[deg]11'00'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. FL 180 to but not including FL 230.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM 4 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. Commanding Officer, Camp Shelby, MS.

5. R-4401E Camp Shelby, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 31[deg]12'55'' N., long. 
89[deg]11'03'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]11'49'' N., long. 89[deg]00'00'' 
W.; to lat. 31[deg]10'16'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 
31[deg]04'37'' N., long. 88[deg]56'34'' W.; to lat. 31[deg]04'37'' 
N., long. 89[deg]11'00'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. FL 230 to FL 290.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM four hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. Commanding Officer, Camp Shelby, MS.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 15, 2011.
Gary A. Norek,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2011-15702 Filed 6-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P