[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3415-3417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1395]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1386; Airspace Docket No. 11-ANE-11]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Modification, Revocation and Establishment of Air 
Traffic Service Routes; Windsor Locks Area; CT

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify four VOR Federal airways, 
revoke one VOR Federal airway, and establish three area navigation 
(RNAV) routes in the vicinity of Windsor Locks, CT. The FAA is 
proposing this action to adjust the airway route structure due to the 
planned decommissioning of the Bradley VHF omnirange/tactical air 
navigation (VORTAC) aid located on Bradley International Airport 
property, Windsor Locks, CT.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 9, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001; telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must identify 
FAA Docket No. FAA-2011-1386 and Airspace Docket No. 11-ANE-11 at the 
beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

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: 

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-2011-1386 and Airspace Docket No. 11-ANE-11) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for 
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.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-2011-1386 and Airspace Docket No. 11-ANE-11.'' 
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 NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.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

[[Page 3416]]

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 Eastern Service Center, Federal 
Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 
30337.
    Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future 
NPRMs 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

    The State of Connecticut requested the decommissioning and removal 
of the Bradley VORTAC located on Bradley International Airport 
property, Windsor Locks, CT. Plans are in place for taxiway expansion 
and cargo and industry development in the quadrant where the VORTAC is 
currently sited. There is no suitable site to relocate the VORTAC. The 
FAA conducted an aeronautical study of the proposal in 2009 and issued 
a determination of non-objection with the special provision that all 
instrument procedures that utilize the Bradley VORTAC be modified with 
minimal impact to the aviation community. This proposed action would 
modify the affected airways as well as establish new RNAV routes to 
provide continued navigation capability in the Winsor Locks, CT area.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to modify VOR Federal airways V-130, V-
203, V-405 and V-419; remove V-205; and establish RNAV routes T-212, T-
255, and T-300. These changes are required due to the planned 
decommissioning of the Bradley VORTAC in 2012.
    V-130 currently extends from the Albany, NY VORTAC, through the 
Bradley VORTAC, to the Martha's Vineyard, MA, VOR/DME. The FAA would 
eliminate the segment that currently extends from the Albany, NY, 
VORTAC, through the Bradley VORTAC to the Norwich, CT VOR/DME. The 
modified V-130 would originate at the Norwich VOR/DME, then follow the 
existing route to the Martha's Vineyard, MA, VOR/DME.
    V-203 would be extended to encompass the part of V-130 that is 
being removed as described above. V-203 currently extends between the 
Albany VORTAC and the Montreal, Canada, VOR/DME. The extension of V-203 
would run southeast from the Albany VORTAC to the existing STELA 
intersection (formed by the Albany 134[deg](T)/147[deg](M) radial and 
the Chester, MA, VOR/DME 266[deg](T)/279[deg](M) radial). At that 
point, flights could link with other VOR Federal airways.
    The FAA is proposing to remove V-205 that currently extends from 
the COATE intersection (8 NM northwest of the Sparta, NJ VORTAC) to the 
Putnam, CT, VOR/DME. There are other existing airways available that 
provide navigation to and from Putnam, CT. In addition, a proposed new 
RNAV route (T-212) would overlie part of V-205's route and would 
terminate at Putnam.
    V-405 would be realigned to bypass the Bradley VORTAC and, instead, 
be routed through the Barnes, MA, VORTAC (located approximately 13 NM 
north of Bradley). The airway would then proceed through the Putnam, 
CT, VOR/DME to the Providence, RI, VORTAC and resume the currently 
published route to Martha's Vineyard, MA.
    V-419 currently extending between Westminster, MD and Boston, MA, 
would be to extend between Westminster, MD, and the existing BRISS 
intersection (formed by the Carmel, NY VOR/DME 045[deg](T)/057[deg](M) 
radial and the Madison, CT 328[deg](T)/341[deg](M) radial). The route 
segments between BRISS intersection and Boston would be eliminated. 
Alternative routing would be available using other existing airways 
and/or via the proposed new RNAV routes.
    The FAA is also proposing to establish three new RNAV routes, 
designated T-212, T-255 and T-300. T-212 would extend between the 
WEARD, NY, fix and the Putnam, CT, VOR/DME. T-212 would overlie V-205 
(which would be removed). T-255 would extend between the NELIE, CT, 
waypoint (WP) and the Martha's Vineyard, MA, VOR/DME. It would overlie 
that portion of V-405 that the FAA is proposing to remove from the 
route as described above. T-300 would extend between the Albany, NY, 
VORTAC and the Martha's Vineyard, MA, VOR/DME. This route would overlie 
another portion of V-130 being removed.
    VOR Federal airways and Area Navigation Routes are published in 
paragraphs 6010(a) and 6011, respectively, of FAA Order 7400.9V, dated 
August 9, 2011 and effective September 15, 2011, which is incorporated 
by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The routes listed in this document would 
be published subsequently in the Order.
    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.
    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 the route structure to maintain the safe and efficient 
flow of traffic in the northeast United States.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies 
and Procedures,'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

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.

[[Page 3417]]

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 
7400.9V, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 9, 
2011 and effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010 VOR Federal Airways

* * * * *

V-130 (Amended)

    From Norwich, CT; INT Norwich 114[deg] and Martha's Vineyard, 
MA, 267[deg] radials; to Martha's Vineyard.

V-203 (Amended)

    From INT Chester, MA 266[deg]T/279[deg]M and Albany, NY 
134[deg](T) 147[deg](M) radials; Albany; Saranac Lake, NY; Massena, 
NY; INT Massena 047[deg] and Montreal, Canada 188[deg] radials; 
Montreal. The airspace within Canada is excluded.

V-205 [Removed]

V-405 (Amended)

    From INT Pottstown, PA, 222[deg] and Baltimore, MD, 034[deg] 
radials; Pottstown; INT Pottstown 050[deg] and Solberg, NJ, 264[deg] 
radials; Solberg; INT Solberg 044[deg] and Carmel, NY, 243[deg] 
radials; Carmel; INT Carmel 344[deg] and Pawling, NY, 204[deg] 
radials; Pawling; Barnes, MA; Putnam, CT; Providence, RI; INT 
Providence 151[deg] and Martha's Vineyard, MA, 267[deg] radials; to 
Martha's Vineyard.

V-419 [Amended]

    From Westminster, MD to Modena, PA; Solberg, NJ; INT Solberg 
044[deg] and Carmel, NY 243[deg] radials; Carmel; to INT Carmel 
045[deg](T)/057[deg](M) and Madison, CT 328[deg](T)/341[deg](M) 
radials.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes

* * * * *

 
 
 
T-212 WEARD, NY to Putnam, CT (PUT) [New]
WEARD, NY...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]45'44'' N., long. 74[deg]31'30'' W.)
WEETS, NY...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]51'27'' N., long. 74[deg]11'52'' W.)
TRESA, NY...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]52'50'' N., long. 73[deg]49'07'' W.)
STUBY, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]54'08'' N., long. 73[deg]26'14'' W.)
VEERS, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]54'38'' N., long. 73[deg]17'06'' W.)
RONGE, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]54'53'' N., long. 73[deg]12'21'' W.)
NELIE, CT...................  WP..................  (Lat. 41[deg]56'28'' N., long. 72[deg]41'19'' W.)
DARTH, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]57'56'' N., long. 72[deg]16'21'' W.)
Putnam, CT (PUT)............  VOR/DME.............  (Lat. 41[deg]57'20'' N., long. 71[deg]50'39'' W.)
 
T-255 NELIE, CT to Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY) [New]
NELIE, CT...................  WP..................  (Lat. 41[deg]56'28'' N., long. 72[deg]41'19'' W.)
BLATT, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]49'37'' N., long. 72[deg]00'55'' W.)
NOXSE, RI...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]46'46'' N., long. 71[deg]44'28'' W.)
Providence, RI (PVD)........  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 41[deg]43'28'' N., long. 71[deg]25'47'' W.)
FALMA, RI...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]22'22'' N., long. 71[deg]10'16'' W.)
Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY).  VOR/DME.............  (Lat. 41[deg]23'46'' N., long. 70[deg]36'46'' W.)
 
T-300 Albany, NY (ALB) to Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY) [New]
Albany, NY (ALB)............  VORTAC..............  (Lat. 42[deg]44'50'' N., long. 73[deg]48'11'' W.)
CANAN, NY...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]29'34'' N., long. 73[deg]26'48'' W.)
SHIGY, MA...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]23'58'' N., long. 73[deg]19'01'' W.)
STELA, MA...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]16'53'' N., long. 73[deg]09'14'' W.)
MOLDS, MA...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]12'31'' N., long. 73[deg]03'13'' W.)
TOMES, MA...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]08'43'' N., long. 72[deg]58'01'' W.)
COBOL, MA...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 42[deg]05'13'' N., long. 72[deg]53'14'' W.)
NELIE, CT...................  WP..................  (Lat. 41[deg]56'28'' N., long. 72[deg]41'19'' W.)
WIPOR, CT...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]39'23'' N., long. 72[deg]10'38'' W.)
Norwich, CT (ORW)...........  VOR/DME.............  (Lat. 41[deg]33'23'' N., long. 72[deg]59'58'' W.)
LAFAY, RI...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]27'45'' N., long. 71[deg]43'16'' W.)
MINNK, RI...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]21'41'' N., long. 71[deg]25'27'' W.)
FALMA, RI...................  Fix.................  (Lat. 41[deg]22'22'' N., long. 71[deg]10'16'' W.)
Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY).  VOR/DME.............  (Lat. 41[deg]23'46'' N., long. 70[deg]36'46'' W.)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2012.
Gary A. Norek,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2012-1395 Filed 1-23-12; 8:45 am]
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