[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 82 (Monday, April 29, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24985-24987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10040]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0371; Airspace Docket No. 12-ANM-14]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Restricted Areas R-6703A, B, C, D; and Establishment 
of Restricted Areas R-6703E, F, G, H, I, and J; WA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies the internal boundaries of R-6703 by 
further subdividing the airspace from the current four subareas (A 
through D) to ten subareas (A through J). This change is totally 
contained within the current outer boundaries of R-6703. The designated 
altitudes and time of designation remain as currently published. In 
addition, the name ``Fort Lewis, WA,'' in the titles of the restricted 
areas is changed to ``Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. The name of the 
using agency is changed from

[[Page 24986]]

``Commanding General, Fort Lewis, WA,'' to ``Joint Base Garrison 
Commander, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.'' The name changes are the 
result of Department of Defense organizational consolidations. In 
addition to better accommodating training requirements, this also 
allows more efficient use of airspace through increased ability to 
activate only those subareas actually needed for the mission.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, June 27, 2013.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Restricted Area R-6307 is located at Fort Lewis in Washington 
State. R-6307 is currently divided into 4 subareas, designated A, B, C, 
D. These subareas established in the 1950's, no longer efficiently 
accommodate effective training. The U.S. Army requested the FAA take 
action to reconfigure the internal alignment and boundaries of R-6307 
by adding 6 more subareas to the restricted area, designated E, F, G, 
H, I, J. The changes are confined within the current restricted area 
boundaries and do not alter the existing geographic foot print or 
altitudes of the R-6703 complex. This reconfiguration will simplify the 
restricted area layout and eliminate much of the coordination and 
deconfliction actions currently required during training missions. 
Restructuring the restricted area complex ensures a safer and more 
effective training environment while allowing for more efficient 
airspace usage by military and civilian users.
    Finally, the name of the using agency for all of the restricted 
areas is changed to reflect the new organizational title.

The Rule

    This action realigns the internal boundaries for restricted areas 
R-6703A, B, C, D and establishes R-6703E, F, G, H, I and J. 
Additionally, it changes the title of the restricted areas from ``Fort 
Lewis, WA'' to ``Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.'' The name of the using 
agency for all of the restricted areas is changed from ``Commanding 
General, Fort Lewis, WA'' to ``Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint 
Base Lewis-McChord, WA.'' These name changes are the result of 
Department of Defense organizational consolidations and do not affect 
the use of the restricted areas.
    This rule is an administrative change to realign the internal 
boundaries of existing restricted airspace and update the name of the 
using agency. These changes do not expand restricted airspace beyond 
the current lateral or vertical boundaries, or increase the available 
times of use, or alter the activities conducted within the restricted 
areas. Therefore, I find that notice and public procedure under 5 
U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.
    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 only affects air traffic 
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when 
promulgated, does 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 area airspace to support military 
requirements at Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has reviewed the above referenced action according to 
Department of Transportation Order 5610.1C, ``Procedures for 
Considering Environmental Impacts'' and FAA Order 1050.1E, 
``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.'' The referenced 
action consists of minor adjustments of established special use air 
space as described in FAA Order 1050.1E paragraph 401p (5), and does 
not require an environmental assessment. Additionally, the 
implementation of this action will not result in any extraordinary 
circumstances in accordance with Order 1050.1E paragraph 304 that 
warrant further environmental review.

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.  73.67  [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.67 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

1. R-6703A Fort Lewis, WA [Removed]

2. R-6703B Fort Lewis, WA [Removed]

3. R-6703C Fort Lewis, WA [Removed]

4. R-6703D Fort Lewis, WA [Removed]

5. R-6703A Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 47[deg]03'' 07'' N., long. 
122[deg]41'' 09'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]04'' 34'' N., long. 
122[deg]41'' 09'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]04'' 41'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 19'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 37'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 40'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 15'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 48'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 06'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 51'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 02'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 33'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 06'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 33'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 14'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 53'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 19'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 14'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 19'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 37'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 21'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 17'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 38'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 39.'' W.; Thence via the Nisqually River to the point 
of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 14,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

6. R-6703B Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 28'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 51'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 42'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 12'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 02'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 33.'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 06'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 51'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 15'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 48'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designate altitudes. Surface to 14,000 feet MSL.

[[Page 24987]]

    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

7. R-6703C Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]59'' 19'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 19'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]59'' 15'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 56'' W.; Thence via the Nisqually River to lat. 
47[deg]00'' 32'' N., long. 122[deg]38'' 59'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'' 
47'' N., long. 122[deg]39'' 04'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'' 57'' N., 
long. 122[deg]39'' 20'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 10'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 26'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 22'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 45'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 42'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 49'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 00'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 59'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 21'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 17'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 19'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 37'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 19'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 14'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 14'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 53'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 06'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 33'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 02'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 33'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 42'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'' 12'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 51'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 28'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 14,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

8. R-6703D Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]57'' 11'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 51'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]57'' 12'' N., long. 
122[deg]43'' 42'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 07'' N., long. 
122[deg]41'' 09'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 56'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 49'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 41'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 48'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 38'' N., long. 
122[deg]40'' 39'' W., to lat. 47[deg]02'' 21'' N,. long. 
122[deg]40'' 17'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 00'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 59'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 42'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 49'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 22'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 45'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 10'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 26'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'' 57'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 20'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'' 47'' N., long. 
122[deg]39'' 04'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 59'' W.; Thence via the Nisqually River to lat. 
46[deg]59'' 15'' N., long. 122[deg]37'' 56'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]59'' 
19'' N., long. 122[deg]37'' 19'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]58'' 16'' N., 
long. 122[deg]37'' 44'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designation altitudes. Surface to 14,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using Agency Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

9. R-6703E Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]57'' 11'' N., long. 
122[deg]38'' 51'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]54'' 34'' N., long. 
122[deg]41'' 29'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]54'' 17'' N., long. 
122[deg]43'' 36'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]55'' 11'' N., long. 
122[deg]44'' 34'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]57'' 12'' N., long. 
122[deg]43'' 42'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 14,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

10. R-6703F Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 28'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]03'' 37'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 40'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 47'' N., long. 
122[deg]33'' 40'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 43'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'' 06'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 26'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'' 22'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 08'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'' 38'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'' 02'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'' 52'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 57'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 05'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 37'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'' 37'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'' 32'' N., long. 
122[deg]36'' 05'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 5,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

11. R-6703G Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 47[deg]01'29'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'02'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'26'' N., long. 122[deg]34'22'' 
W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'43'' N., long. 122[deg]34'06'' W.; to lat. 
47[deg]02'47'' N., long. 122[deg]33'40'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'13'' 
N., long. 122[deg]32'19'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'47'' N., long. 
122[deg]31'42'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'28'' N., long. 122[deg]31'42'' 
W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 5,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

12. R-6703H Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]59'19'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'19'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'32'' N., long. 122[deg]36'28'' 
W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'32'' N., long. 122[deg]36'05'' W.; to lat. 
47[deg]01'37'' N., long. 122[deg]35'37'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'57'' 
N., long. 122[deg]35'05'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'02'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'52'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'45'' N., long. 122[deg]34'52'' 
W.; to lat. 46[deg]59'59'' N., long. 122[deg]35'39'' W.; to lat. 
46[deg]59'20'' N., long. 122[deg]36'27'' W.; to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 5,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

13. R-6703I Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]59'59'' N., long. 
122[deg]35'39'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'45'' N., long. 122[deg]34'52'' 
W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'02'' N., long. 122[deg]34'52'' W.; to lat. 
47[deg]02'08'' N., long. 122[deg]34'38'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]02'26'' 
N., long. 122[deg]34'22'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'29'' N., long. 
122[deg]34'02'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]01'28'' N., long. 122[deg]31'42'' 
W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'59'' N., long. 122[deg]31'41'' W.; to lat. 
47[deg]00'41'' N., long. 122[deg]33'16'' W.; to lat. 47[deg]00'29'' 
N., long. 122[deg]33'20'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 5,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.

14. R-6703J Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 46[deg]58'16'' N., long. 
122[deg]37'44'' W.; to lat. 46[deg]59'19'' N., long. 122[deg]37'19'' 
W.; to lat. 46[deg]59'20'' N., long. 122[deg]36'27'' W.; to the 
point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes Surface to 5,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. 0700-2300 Monday-Friday; other times by 
NOTAM two hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Seattle TRACON.
    Using agency. Joint Base Garrison Commander, Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, WA.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC on April 22, 2013.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2013-10040 Filed 4-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P