[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 18, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 23113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9188]



[[Page 23113]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0654; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-8]
RIN 2120-AA66


Modification of VOR Federal Airways V-135 and V-137; Southwest 
United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) Federal 
airways V-135 and V-137 by extending the airways to the Mexicali, 
Mexico VOR/DME. This action enhances navigation and air traffic control 
coordination for aircraft proceeding across the United States--Mexican 
border.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, May 31, 2012. 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, 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: 

History

    On December 21, 2011, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify V-135 and V-137 in the 
southwest United States (76 FR 79140). Interested parties were invited 
to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments 
on this proposal to the FAA. Five comments were received.
    Two commenters expressed support for the proposal. Three commenters 
objected to the decommissioning of VORs in the United States. This rule 
does not involve the decommissioning of any VORs; therefore these 
comments are outside the scope of this action. However, the comments 
concerning VORs have been forwarded to the FAA Navigation Services 
Group for review.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 to extend two existing VOR Federal airways to the Mexicali, 
Mexico VOR/DME. V-135 is amended by adding a segment between the 
Mexicali VOR/DME and the Bard, AZ, VORTAC. V-137 is amended by adding a 
segment between the Mexicali VOR/DME and the Imperial, CA, VORTAC. 
These amendments benefit cross-border navigation. Additionally, fixes 
are established at the border crossing points to simplify the control 
coordination of flights between air traffic control facilities.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 
7400.9V signed August 9, 2011 and effective September 15, 2011, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal Airways 
listed in this document will be published subsequently in 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 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 VOR Federal airways to enhance the efficiency of the 
National Airspace System in the southwest United States. Except for 
editorial changes, this rulemaking is the same as published in the NPRM 
of December 21, 2011.

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. 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

    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 the FAA Order 
7400.9V, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 9, 
2011, and effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR federal airways

* * * * *

V-135 [Amended]

    From Mexicali, Mexico; VIA Bard, AZ; Blythe, CA; Parker, CA; 
Needles, CA; Goffs, CA; Beatty, NV; INT Beatty 326[deg] and Tonopah, 
NV, 223[deg] radials; to Tonopah. The airspace within R-4807 and the 
airspace within Mexico is excluded.

V-137 [Amended]

    From Mexicali, Mexico; via Imperial, CA; INT Imperial 350[deg] 
and Thermal, CA 144[deg] radials; Palm Springs, CA; Palmdale, CA; 
Gorman, CA; Avenal, CA; Priest, CA; Salinas, CA. The airspace within 
Mexico is excluded.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 10, 2012.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2012-9188 Filed 4-17-12; 8:45 am]
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