[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 30884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12541]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0461; Airspace Docket No. 12-AWP-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Restricted Area R-2502E; Fort Irwin, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action changes the designated controlling agency for 
restricted area R-2502E, Fort Irwin, CA, from the Federal Aviation 
Administration, High-Desert Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), 
Edwards, CA, to FAA, Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center 
(ARTCC). This change will improve the efficiency of air traffic 
operations in the vicinity of Fort Irwin, CA.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 26, 2012.

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

    For operational considerations and improved efficiency of the 
National Airspace System, the FAA is changing the assigned controlling 
agency for restricted area R-2502E, Fort Irwin, CA, to ``FAA, Los 
Angeles ARTCC.''

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 to update the controlling agency for restricted area R-2502E, 
Fort Irwin, CA. The FAA is changing controlling agency responsibility 
for R-2502E from ``FAA, High-Desert TRACON, Edwards, CA,'' to ``FAA, 
Los Angeles ARTCC.''
    This is an administrative change and does not affect the 
boundaries, designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the 
restricted area; therefore, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b) are unnecessary.
    Section 73.25 of 14 CFR part 73 was republished in FAA Order 
7400.8U, effective February 16, 2012.
    The FAA has determined that this action 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 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 amends the description of restricted area R-2502E at Fort Irwin, CA.

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 311d. This airspace action is an administrative change to 
update the assigned controlling agency for R-2502E. It does not alter 
the altitudes, time of designation or use of the restricted airspace at 
Fort Irwin, CA, therefore, it is not expected to cause any potentially 
significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary circumstances 
exists that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment.

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.  73.25  [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.25 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2502E Fort Irwin, CA [Amended]

    By removing the current Controlling agency and substituting the 
following:
    Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles ARTCC.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 16, 2012.
Ellen Crum,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2012-12541 Filed 5-23-12; 8:45 a.m.]
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