[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 60 (Tuesday, March 29, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17379-17384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07055]



[[Page 17379]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0370; Airspace Docket No. 14-ASO-2]
RIN 2120-AA66


Redesignation and Expansion of Restricted Area R-4403; 
Gainesville, MS

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action removes restricted area R-4403 Gainesville, MS, 
and replaces it with an expanded area redesignated as R-4403A, B, C, E 
and F, Stennis Space Center (SSC), MS (the designation R-4403D is not 
used). The expanded restricted airspace is necessary to support 
essential National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) testing 
and Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) training requirements.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, May 26, 2016.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 restructures the restricted airspace at the Stennis 
Space Center, MS, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential 
testing and training by NASA and the NSWC.

History

    On July 10, 2014, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice proposing to re-designate and expand restricted area R-4403, 
Gainesville, MS, to support missions of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration (NASA) and the Naval Special Warfare Command 
(NSWC) (79 FR 39344). Interested parties were invited to participate in 
this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. 
Eight comments were received.
    On August 17, 2015, the FAA published a Supplemental Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) (80 FR 49181) to solicit comments on 
changes to the originally proposed boundaries, time of designation and 
proposed restricted area activities. Three comments were received in 
response to the SNPRM.

Discussion of Comments

    In response to the NPRM and SNPRM, a combined total of 11 comments 
were received (including one duplicate submission). Comments were 
submitted by four individuals and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots 
Association (AOPA), Partners for Stennis, Hancock County Board of 
Supervisors, Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, and the 
Mississippi Airports Association. Two individuals expressed support for 
the proposal. The remaining commenters expressed objections or concerns 
that are discussed in this section.
    Several commenters objected to size of the expanded area stating 
that all other options, including the use of other existing special use 
airspace (SUA) elsewhere, should be explored first. One commenter wrote 
that the entire area should not be designated as restricted airspace. 
Instead, the bulk of the area should be a military operations area 
(MOA).
    The R-4403 complex is being expanded because the current airspace 
cannot fully contain the lateral and vertical hazards associated with 
rocket engine testing. Plus, it cannot accommodate NASA's testing of 
untethered autonomous space vehicles. Further, the Navy's existing 
Western Maneuver Area (WMA) has no restricted airspace to permit air-
to-ground live-fire training for Special Operations Force (SOF) units. 
The dimensions of the expanded restricted airspace were calculated to 
contain the hazard zones for all NASA tests and NSWC training events. 
The dimensions of R-4403A cannot be reduced due to the rocket engine 
testing hazard area. R-4403B provides airspace to contain untethered 
autonomous vehicle testing and is designed to ensure containment of 
untethered vehicle flight profiles. R-4403C is required to contain air-
to-ground firing of various weapons and lasers at ground targets within 
R-4403C. R-4403E is required to contain air-to-ground laser firing at 
ground targets within R-4403E. R-4403F is sized to contain the AC-130 
gunship orbit while firing lasers at the target in R-4403E. The 
expansion represents the minimum restricted airspace needed to 
segregate these hazards from nonparticipating aircraft.
    Regarding the comment that other existing SUA should be used 
instead of expanding R-4403, there is no other special use airspace 
available to relocate the testing and training missions. It would be 
economically unfeasible to move the large infrastructure and engine 
testing facilities in place at SSC (test stands, etc.). Further, the 
SSC Acoustical Buffer Zone makes SSC the last place in the country 
where NASA can test large engines and whole rocket stages. For the 
Navy, R-4403C through F overlie a combination of riverine, jungle and 
coastal features that support SOF training requirements. These subareas 
contain double and triple canopy jungles similar to environments in 
other parts of the world where SOF units could be deployed. Plus, the 
area contains seven miles of river to support coastal and riverine 
operations training. These features form a unique area that cannot be 
duplicated anywhere else in the United States where the Navy owns land.
    The FAA determined that a MOA is not the appropriate type of SUA to 
use in this case. MOAs are established to contain nonhazardous military 
flight training activities. Examples include, but are not limited to, 
aerobatics, air combat maneuvers, low altitude tactics, air intercepts, 
etc. No firing of weapons or ordnance is permitted in a MOA.
    One commenter wrote that the different times of designation for R-
4403A and B versus those for R-4403C through F are confusing. Also, the 
provision allowing activation of R-4403C through F at ``other times by 
NOTAM with ATC approval'' would permit operations to be conducted at 
any time (with minimal notice) thus hindering the ability of pilots to 
effectively plan flights and leading transient pilots to select other 
airfields.
    The time periods for R-4403A and B are based on NASA testing 
requirements which are primarily accomplished during daylight hours. 
The times for R-4403C through F reflect NSWC training requirements 
which are primarily accomplished during nighttime hours. In response to 
the comment, the proposed provision to activate R-4403C through F at 
``other times by NOTAM with ATC approval'' is removed. Therefore, any 
activations of the R-4403 complex (R-4403A through F) will

[[Page 17380]]

require that a NOTAM be issued at least 24 hours in advance. There is 
no allowance for activating the areas outside the specific times listed 
in the restricted area descriptions (see the ``Adoption of the 
Amendment'' section, below). The 24-hour NOTAM requirement will provide 
pilots with advance information needed for flight planning purposes. In 
addition, the restricted area using agencies have agreed to publish a 
VHF frequency on the New Orleans Sectional Aeronautical Chart so that 
pilots can call to determine the real-time status of the airspace.
    One commenter responding to the NPRM wrote that the VPRAM VFR 
waypoint, located at the intersection of Interstate I-10 and U.S. 
Highway 90, is too close to the restricted areas for pilots to safely 
use I-10 as a visual reference. The commenter believes that it could 
actually increase the chance of pilots mistakenly intruding into 
restricted airspace or force them to fly farther south and potentially 
out of visual range of the interstate. In response to this comment, the 
FAA proposed in the SNPRM to move the southern boundary slightly 
northward in an effort to remain clear of I-10. However, a commenter 
responding to the SNPRM said that the revised line was still too close 
for pilots to safely navigate using VPRAM and I-10 as a reference. The 
commenter recommended that the southern boundary be moved still further 
north to be at least one nautical mile (NM) from I-10 in all places.
    NASA and NSWC considered moving the boundary further north but 
determined it could not be done without infringing on the required 
safety buffers in R-4403A, B and C. The FAA agrees that VPRAM is too 
close to the new restricted areas and therefore is cancelling that 
waypoint. In its place, the FAA is establishing two new Visual Flight 
Rules (VFR) waypoints south of I-10 to assist pilots transitioning east 
and west in that area. The new VFR waypoints are VPASD located at 
30[deg]15'45'' N., 89[deg]41'18'' W.; and VPHSA located at 
30[deg]18'54'' N., 89[deg]28'51'' W. It should be noted that when 
inflight visibility permits, pilots remaining south of I-10 while 
flying east or westbound can be assured that they will be clear of the 
southern boundaries of R-4403A, B and C.
    One commenter objected to R-4403A because it increases the land-
based testing area. The commenter also objected to untethered space 
vehicle testing to the extent that it would exceed 6,000 feet MSL.
    R-4403A is a 2.5 NM radius circle from the surface up to 12,000 
feet MSL. It will be used approximately 40 times per year to test 
rocket engines on fixed-in-place test stands. Due to its small 
footprint, only a minor lateral flight deviation would be required to 
circumnavigate the area. Untethered space vehicle testing will only 
occur in R-4403B, which has a ceiling of 6,000 feet MSL.
    A commenter said that the proposed live-fire operations in R-4403E 
and F pose a risk for planes travelling to Stennis International 
Airport. Further, the area of proposed firing encompasses an area 
through which Mississippi Highway 43 extends and is only a short 
distance from a Hancock County elementary school.
    Highway 43 and the school are located in the vicinity of R-4403E 
and F. The original proposal included a plan to expend ordnance and 
fire lasers into R-4403E. During the range design process, the Navy 
determined that the required weapons danger zones could not be fully 
contained within Federally-owned property. Therefore, the target area 
was reduced to an air-to-ground laser-only target, and there will be no 
air-to-ground ordnance delivery into R-4403E. Instead, only laser 
firing by AC-130s at the ground target on Navy-owned land will be 
conducted. Highway 43 and the school are clear of any risk. Restricted 
areas are established to segregate hazardous activities from 
nonparticipating aircraft. By avoiding the restricted areas, aircraft 
operating to or from Stennis International Airport would not be exposed 
to hazards.
    Concern was expressed about the proposal for ground forces to use 
eye-safe lasers for signaling military aircraft operating overhead.
    The Navy re-evaluated this requirement and determined it is not 
necessary. There will be no ground-to-air laser use at SSC.
    Several commenters raised concerns about the safety of residents 
and visitors, the firing of weapons over land that remains in legal 
title with individual landowners and restrictions on public access to, 
and the use of, the property.
    Both NASA and the Navy have stringent policies and procedures to 
ensure that hazardous activities are contained within restricted 
airspace. A number of measures are in place to ensure public safety. 
All Stennis facilities are contained within a 13,800-acre area owned by 
the Federal government known as the ``Stennis Fee Area.'' This area is 
gated and patrolled 24-hours by a security force to deny unauthorized 
access. The Fee Area is surrounded by a 125,000-acre acoustical buffer 
zone that was established in 1962 to reduce the harmful effects of very 
loud sound waves and sonic vibration produced by rocket engine tests. 
The buffer zone grants to the United States government a perpetual 
restrictive easement for restricting certain uses in, on, across and 
over the land in the buffer zone. The easement encumbers every buffer 
zone property owner by prohibiting human habitation or human occupancy 
of dwellings or other buildings. The easement gives the government the 
right to prohibit the construction of dwellings and other buildings for 
human habitation or occupancy, together with the right to post signs 
indicating the nature and extent of the Government's control and the 
right of ingress and egress over and across the affected lands.
    The restricted area expansion was specifically designed and sized 
to contain hazards from NASA and NSWC activities within the ground 
features of Stennis Space Center and the associated acoustical buffer 
zone. While individual land owners make up much of the Stennis Buffer 
Zone, all impact areas and weapons danger zones will be on property 
that is owned by the Navy. The restricted areas that go to the surface 
are totally contained within the SSC Buffer Zone.
    The easement does permit other uses when those activities do not 
interfere with, or reduce the rights of, the government. Access to 
private property in the buffer zone is allowed with prior coordination 
with SSC. In cases where property owners require aerial access to 
parcels encumbered by this restricted airspace, aerial access may be 
arranged through coordination with the NASA/SSC Range Safety Manager 
via the Stennis Flight Request System at (https://airrange.ssc.nasa.gov/FlightRequest.asp).
    Regarding concerns about the safety of persons with respect to the 
firing of weapons in the restricted areas, real-time operational 
control over the underlying land is most critical where live-fire 
operations are conducted. The impact areas in the Navy-owned WMA are 
fenced for denial of public access with signs posted along the fence 
line warning of the hazardous range activities. The Navy cannot fire 
onto lands they do not own.
    Conversely, public access to Pearl River, Mike's River and McCarty 
Bayou is not restricted but, prior to any live-fire operations, range 
guards in boats will clear all waterways encumbered by surface danger 
zones. Picket boats are then posted at the north and south ends of the 
Pearl River to guard against unauthorized public access to live-fire 
areas. These safety measures are in use today during ground-based 
training

[[Page 17381]]

operations in the WMA, and they will also be used for future activities 
within the restricted airspace. For an added layer of safety when AC-
130 gunships are operating, their crews, as a matter of procedure, 
inspect target and impact areas both visually and with on-board sensors 
to ensure no unauthorized personnel are in the area.
    A commenter asked why the ``airport operating area'' around 
Picayune Municipal Airport was reduced from 5 NM to 3 NM.
    There is no designated ``airport operating area'' airspace at 
Picayune Municipal. The airspace in the immediate vicinity (6.5 NM 
radius) of Picayune is uncontrolled airspace (Class G) below 700 feet 
AGL. FAA policy requires that restricted areas must exclude the 
airspace at and below 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) within a 3 NM 
radius of airports that are available for public use. That is the 
reason for the 3-NM exclusion applied at Picayune Municipal. Because 
Picayune does not have an airport traffic control tower (ATCT), there 
is no Class D airspace (that would extend upward from the surface) 
designated at that airport. Thus, the 3-NM exclusion was applied. By 
comparison, at Stennis International Airport, which has an operating 
ATCT, Class D airspace has been designated within a 4.2-NM radius of 
the airport from the surface up to 2,500 feet MSL. The boundaries of R-
4403B, C, and E are aligned along the boundary of the Stennis Class D 
airspace area so as to avoid infringing upon the airport's Class D 
airspace.
    A commenter requested that any airspace changes should take place 
only in concert with the publication of VFR and IFR aeronautical charts 
so that all pilots are aware of the changes. Further, the instrument 
approach procedure plates for Picayune Municipal Airport should be 
revised to show the restricted areas to warn pilots of their location.
    The restricted area expansion becomes effective on May 26, 2016, 
which coincides with both the next edition of the New Orleans Sectional 
Aeronautical Chart and the IFR chart cycle. The applicable instrument 
approach procedure plates will also be revised to depict the new 
restricted areas.
    Most commenters are concerned about the potential impact of the 
restricted areas on IFR and VFR aircraft transiting the area and on the 
published instrument approach procedures serving Picayune Municipal 
(KMJD) and Stennis International (KHSA) airports. There is also concern 
that pilots would simply avoid using those airports.
    The FAA acknowledges that, depending on actual utilization of the 
restricted areas, there may be times when instrument procedures and/or 
transiting flights would be impacted requiring additional vectoring by 
air traffic control (ATC) or causing pilots to deviate in order to 
avoid the restricted airspace. A number of mitigations such as the 
planned intermittent use of the complex, the ability of ATC to recall 
airspace, adjustment to instrument procedures, etc., are intended to 
lessen the overall impact of the restricted areas.
    Regarding the instrument procedures for Picayune Municipal Airport 
(KMJD), the RNAV (GPS) RWY 36 approach would be impacted since its 
protected airspace penetrates areas A, B, C and E. When only R-4403A is 
in use, and radar is available, ATC may be able to vector aircraft so 
as to clear the R-4403A boundary. Because R-4403A does not contain any 
aviation activity, ATC can vector aircraft to miss the boundary rather 
than apply 3-NM lateral separation that would be required if the area 
contained flight activity. In a non-radar environment, however, the 
approach would be unavailable. The use of R-4403A is expected to be 
infrequent (approximately 40 days per year) minimizing potential 
impacts. When R-4403B, C or E are in use, Picayune's runway 36 approach 
would be unavailable unless ATC can recall the airspace or temporarily 
assign military aircraft to maintain an altitude that would provide 
separation from the IFR arrivals or departures. The current runway 36 
missed approach procedure is being revised so that aircraft will climb 
straight ahead to the CIQYI waypoint and hold, instead of proceeding 
eastward to the CAESA fix, which would further penetrate restricted 
airspace.
    The missed approach procedure for the RNAV (GPS) RWY 18 approach at 
Picayune penetrates R-4403B, C and E. The missed approach procedure is 
being redesigned so that instead of taking aircraft east of the airport 
and into restricted airspace, aircraft will execute a climbing right 
turn, away from the restricted areas, direct to the CIQYI initial 
approach fix and hold.
    Minor modifications are being made to the VOR-A approach. The 
inbound course is being changed by three degrees from 132[deg] to 
129[deg], and the missed approach point changed to 5.23 NM from the 
final approach fix instead of 5.7 NM from the fix.
    Regarding Stennis International Airport's (KHSA) instrument 
procedures, a commenter asked FAA to ensure that R-4403F does not 
interfere with the instrument approaches to runway 18 at Stennis 
International Airport.
    The floor of R-4403F was set at 4,000 feet MSL to provide room for 
runway 18 approaches underneath R-4403F.
    A concern was raised about medevac helicopter flights to the 
Ochsner Medical Center Heliport (LS51) in Slidell, LA.
    The proximity of the heliport to the boundary of R-4403B and C 
could affect IFR flight to and from the facility when those areas are 
active. Provisions for ATC to recall a portion of the airspace to 
accommodate emergency medevac flights are included in the Letter of 
Procedure (LOP). When R-4403A is active, as discussed above, it is only 
necessary for flights to miss the boundary. The small size (2.5-NM 
radius) would require a minor lateral flight deviation to 
circumnavigate the area.
    There would be some impact on the use of a feeder route from the 
Picayune (PCU) VOR/DME to the DUFOS initial approach fix (IAF) for the 
RNAV (GPS) RWY 36 approach at Slidell Airport (KASD), LA. The flight 
path will come very close to the boundary of R-4403B and C and the 
protected airspace for that route penetrates the restricted areas.
    A note will be added to the approach plate to indicate the feeder 
route is ``Not Authorized'' when R-4403B or C is active.

Need for Restricted Airspace

    As noted above, R-4403 is too small to fully contain hazards from 
rocket engine tests and other NASA test requirements. Expanded 
restricted airspace is needed to test current and future space 
transportation systems so that NASA can meet its obligations under the 
National Space Policy. Additionally, the current restricted area cannot 
accommodate essential NSWC training scenarios. Today, the Navy uses the 
existing WMA to train land and riverine SOF elements. However, this 
training is limited by the lack of restricted airspace needed to train 
under air-to-ground live-fire conditions. This severely restricts the 
Navy's ability to conduct realistic, full- mission profile training to 
prepare SOF units for deployments world-wide. The lack of an air-to-
ground, live-fire capability means that air and ground units are forced 
to simulate the coordination and integration of air-to-ground live-fire 
operations limiting this phase of training to basically a 
communications-only exercise. Because operations with live air-to-
ground weapons employment cannot be practiced in advance, the SOF units 
are unable to identify and correct

[[Page 17382]]

any potential conflicts or coordination problems that could otherwise 
arise for the first time during actual missions while deployed. This 
training limitation places the mission, personnel and equipment at 
risk. The designation of R-4403C, E and F alleviates that training 
shortfall.

Projected Use of Restricted Areas

    Use of R-4403A through F will be governed by the terms in a LOP 
between NASA/SSC, NSWC, Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center 
(ARTCC) and the ATC facilities at New Orleans, LA, and Gulfport, MS. 
The LOP will include procedures for activating and deactivating the 
restricted areas, and it includes several provisions aimed at lessening 
potential aeronautical impacts of the restricted areas.
    The LOP provides that R-4403B through F cannot be scheduled during 
certain special events that would attract a high volume of air traffic 
to or through the local area. Examples include, but are not limited to, 
the Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras, Super Bowl, Final Four, large conventions, 
etc.
    The LOP further provides that ATC can recall the airspace (except 
R-4403A) for severe weather, severe traffic congestion, inflight 
emergencies or equipment outages (radar and communications). 
Additionally, when bad weather is forecast and ATC sees a requirement 
for all of R-4403, then ATC has the ability to disapprove the next 
day's schedule for a complete weather recall of the airspace, if 
needed. One exception is that R-4403A cannot be recalled once the 
rocket engine fueling process has begun.
    The LOP also enables ATC, under certain conditions, to accommodate 
access to affected airports (such as Picayune Municipal) by temporarily 
restricting the military aircraft operating in the restricted area at a 
higher altitude so that IFR traffic can arrive or depart the airport 
underneath. Once the traffic is clear, the restricted airspace is 
returned to the users.
    The expected overall use of the R-4403 restricted area complex will 
be approximately 160 days per year, on an intermittent basis, depending 
on NASA test requirements and Navy mission taskings. Planned use of 
each subarea is described below.
    R-4403A is for the exclusive use by NASA for testing rocket engine 
technology on fixed-in-place engine test stands. Anticipated need for 
this testing is approximately 20 to 40 times per year. NASA will 
activate R-4403A an average of 7 hours for each engine test event. If 
technical difficulties or other conditions require, R-4403A may need to 
be activated for up to 12 hours. Once loading of the propellant and 
oxidizer tanks begins, a potential hazard exists due to the volatility 
of those products; hence, the operation cannot be halted. For this 
reason, R-4403A cannot be recalled by ATC once the fueling begins. 
Note: No other subarea can be activated while R-4403A is in use.
    R-4403B is for the exclusive use by NASA for Untethered Autonomous 
Flight Vehicle testing (such as the Morpheus Lander). Testing of these 
vehicles involves hazards because failure of the vehicle, its 
propulsion system, or propellant tanks can result in explosion of the 
vehicle. The propensity for this to occur is greater with these 
vehicles than with a standard aircraft because of the extremely 
volatile nature of the propellants and the poor aerodynamic 
characteristics of the vehicle during earth-based operation. The 
anticipated need for this type of testing is approximately 3 times per 
year. Actual flight during these test events would be less than 8 
minutes; however, due to the complexity of the event, each test will 
require activation of R-4403B for 7 to 12 hours. NASA will only 
activate R-4403B to the altitude necessary for the specific activity 
being conducted. Note: No other subarea can be activated while R-4403B 
is in use.
    R-4403C is used for Navy SOF Integration Training. It has the same 
lateral boundaries as R-4403B. The purpose of R-4403C is to support 
pre-deployment training of SOF units with air-to-ground, live-fire of 
munitions and lasers. Total usage of R-4403C is anticipated to be 100 
to 120 days per year in approximately 3-hour blocks. R-4403C extends 
from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL. However, when AC-130s are not 
participating in a training event, R-4403C will only be scheduled up to 
6,000 feet MSL. This will lessen potential impacts of the restricted 
area on nonparticipating aircraft. Depending on the mission, R-4403C 
can and will be used by itself, but approximately 20 days per year, it 
will be used in conjunction with R-4403E and F.
    R-4403E and F are also used for SOF training. Their purpose is to 
contain AC-130 gunships firing non-eye-safe lasers aimed at a ground 
target in R-4403E. They will always be activated together for that 
purpose. The AC-130 will fly in a circular orbit at a 2 to 2.5-NM 
radius from the target, at an altitude ranging from 8,000 feet to 
10,000 feet MSL. R-4403E and F can be activated independently of R-
4403C, but typically they would be used in conjunction with R-4403C. 
Total usage of R-4403E and F is anticipated to be 20 days per year in 
approximately 3-hour blocks concurrent with R-4403C.
    R-4403C, E and F will also be used during the annual Emerald 
Warrior SOF training exercise. This exercise lasts no more than 10 
days.
    Note: The term ``intermittent'' as used in the times of designation 
for the R-4403 complex indicates occasional, irregular, or changeable 
use periods within the stated times.

Summary of Mitigations

    This section presents a summary of mitigations intended to lessen 
the potential impact of the restricted area expansion.

--The restricted areas will be used intermittently. Overall use of the 
complex is limited to approximately 160 days per year per the Letter of 
Procedure.
--The original proposal allowing activation of R-4403C, E and F at 
``other times by NOTAM with ATC approval'' was eliminated.
--No other subarea can be activated while R-4403A is in use.
--No other subarea can be activated when R-4403B is in use.
--NASA will activate R-4403B only to the altitude required for the 
specific mission.
--R-4403C will only be activated to 6,000 feet MSL when AC-130 gunships 
are not participating in a mission.
--Two new VFR waypoints are being established south of I-10 to aid VFR 
navigation.
--A VHF frequency will be added to the New Orleans Sectional 
Aeronautical chart for pilots to obtain real-time status of the 
restricted areas.
--R-4403B through F cannot be activated during certain special events 
that would attract a high volume of air traffic to or through the area.
--ATC can recall the airspace in cases of inflight emergencies, severe 
weather, severe air traffic congestion or equipment outages (radar and 
communications).
--ATC can recall the airspace, if necessary, for medevac helicopters.
--ATC can recall or restrict users to higher altitudes to allow IFR 
operations at Picayune Municipal Airport.
--Revisions to instrument approach procedures serving Picayune 
Municipal Airport and Stennis International Airport.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 73 by removing restricted area R-
4403, Gainesville, MS, and replacing it with expanded restricted 
airspace consisting

[[Page 17383]]

of five subareas, designated R-4403A, R-4403B, R-4403C, R-4403E and R-
4403F. (Note: the designation R-4403D is not used).
    The FAA is taking this action because the existing airspace is too 
small to fully contain NASA test activities and NSWC pre-deployment 
training for Special Operations Forces.
    R-4403A and B will be used solely by NASA for rocket engine testing 
and untethered space vehicle propulsion system testing. The NSWC will 
use R-4403C, E and F for pre-deployment integration training for 
Special Operations Forces. The restricted area subareas are described 
below.
    R-4403A contains testing of rocket engine technologies on Stennis 
Space Center's engine test stands. It consists of the airspace within a 
2.5-NM radius of lat. 30[deg]21'51'' N., long. 89[deg]35'39'' W., 
(centered on the rocket engine test complex) and extends from the 
ground up to 12,000 feet MSL. This testing does not entail any flight 
activity as the operation takes place on fixed-in-place stands. No 
other subareas may be activated while R-4403A is in use.
    R-4403B is used by NASA for testing of untethered autonomous space 
vehicles that are used to explore planets and asteroids. R-4403B 
extends from the ground up to 6,000 feet MSL. No other subareas may be 
activated while R-4403B is in use.
    R-4403C contains the Navy's existing Western Maneuver Area (WMA) 
which is used for pre-deployment training for Special Operations 
Forces. R-4403C extends from the ground up to 10,000 feet MSL. 
Hazardous activities in R-4403C will consist of air-to-ground live-fire 
training for AC-130 gunships, armed helicopters and tilt-rotor (CV-22) 
aircraft and surface-to-surface weapons firing by ground forces. R-
4403C contains two impact areas (targets) for air-to-ground munitions 
employment (up to 105mm), and air-to-ground non-eye-safe laser firing. 
R-4403C will be activated to 10,000 feet MSL when AC-130 gunships are 
operating. If AC-130s are not operating, R-4403C will only be activated 
up to 6,000 feet MSL (the remaining airspace is available to other 
users). Originally, the Navy intended to also employ eye-safe lasers 
for signaling military aircraft operating overhead, but this activity 
has been eliminated.
    R-4403D. This designation is not used.
    R-4403E contains a ground target for the firing of non-eye safe 
lasers by AC-130 gunships. R-4403E extends from the ground up to 10,000 
feet MSL. The original proposals to also use this area for air-to-
ground munitions delivery and for the use of eye-safe ground-to-air 
lasers to signal military aircraft operating overhead are eliminated.
    R-4403F wraps around the northeast corner of R-4403E and extends 
upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL. Its purpose is to ensure 
containment of the AC-130 orbit, which is a 2.5 NM radius around the 
laser ground target in R-4403E. R-4403E could be activated by itself, 
but R-4403E and F will always be activated together for AC-130 laser 
firing. The two areas can be activated separately from R-4403C, but 
typically they will be used in conjunction with R-4403C.
    The time of designation for NASA's R-4403A and R-4403B is 
``Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 
24 hours in advance.'' The time of designation for NSWC's R-4403C, R-
4403E and R-4403F is ``Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local 
time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in 
advance (not to exceed 20 days per year).'' To clarify, the 1800 to 
2000 time frame can only be used between November 1 and March 1 and 
only for a maximum 20 days per year during that period. In the original 
proposal, R-4403C, E and F included an additional provision allowing 
the airspace also to be activated at any other times by NOTAM with ATC 
approval. That provision has been eliminated.
    During times when the above restricted areas are not needed by the 
using agencies, the airspace will be returned to the FAA controlling 
agency, Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), and will be 
available for access by other airspace users.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    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. 
It, therefore: (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.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has conducted an environmental review for this rulemaking 
in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies 
and Procedures, and the regulations of the Council on Environmental 
Quality implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR 
parts 1500-1508. This review has included independent evaluation and 
adoption of the NSWC's and NASA's Final Environmental Assessment for 
the Redesignation and Expansion of Restricted Airspace R-4403 to 
Support Military Air-to-Ground Munitions Training and National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration Rocket Engine Testing at Stennis 
Space Center dated October 2015 (hereinafter ``the FEA''), on which the 
FAA was a cooperating agency, as well as environmental analysis of the 
changes to approach procedures at Picayune Municipal Airport and 
Stennis International Airport described in the Summary of Mitigations 
above. Based on its environmental review, the FAA has determined that 
this rule will not significantly affect the human environment. The 
FAA's ROD and environmental review are included in the docket for this 
rulemaking. The FEA is available at http://www.ssc.nasa.gov/environmental/docforms/eas/eas.html.

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(f), 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:

R-4403 Gainesville, MS [Removed]

R-4403A Stennis Space Center, MS [New]

    Boundaries. That airspace within a 2.5-NM radius centered at 
lat. 30[deg]21'51'' N., long. 89[deg]35'39'' W.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 12,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. NASA, Director, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. 
Louis, MS.

[[Page 17384]]

R-4403B Stennis Space Center, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'16'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' 
W.; thence clockwise along a 0.85-NM arc centered at lat. 
30[deg]28'46'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]28'46'' 
N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]26'25'' N., long. 
89[deg]31'34'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]24'02'' N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' 
W.; thence counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered at lat. 
30[deg]22'04'' N., long. 89[deg]27'17'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'28'' 
N., long. 89[deg]31'46'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]19'19'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'32'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]18'23'' N., long. 89[deg]40'17'' 
W.; to lat. 30[deg]21'08'' N., long. 89[deg]42'25'' W.; to lat. 
30[deg]22'22'' N., long. 89[deg]42'58'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]23'44'' 
N., long. 89[deg]42'43'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]26'40'' N., long. 
89[deg]40'51'' W.; thence counterclockwise along a 3-NM arc centered 
at lat. 30[deg]29'15'' N., long. 89[deg]39'04'' W.; to lat. 
30[deg]27'08'' N., long. 89[deg]36'37'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]27'58'' 
N., long. 89[deg]35'27'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]28'47'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'27'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 6,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. NASA, Director, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. 
Louis, MS.

R-4403C Stennis Space Center, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]27'58'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'27'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]22'35'' N., long. 89[deg]35'27'' 
W.; to lat. 30[deg]22'35'' N., long. 89[deg]32'06'' W.; thence 
counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered at lat. 30[deg]22'04'' 
N., long. 89[deg]27'17'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'28'' N., long. 
89[deg]31'46'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]19'19'' N., long. 89[deg]35'32'' 
W.; to lat. 30[deg]18'23'' N., long. 89[deg]40'17'' W.; to lat. 
30[deg]21'08'' N., long. 89[deg]42'25'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]22'22'' 
N., long. 89[deg]42'58'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]23'44'' N., long. 
89[deg]42'43'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]26'40'' N., long. 89[deg]40'51'' 
W.; thence counterclockwise along a 3-NM arc centered at lat. 
30[deg]29'15'' N., long. 89[deg]39'04'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]27'08'' 
N., long. 89[deg]36'37'' W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 
local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 
hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare 
Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay 
St. Louis, MS.

R-4403E Stennis Space Center, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'16'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' 
W.; thence clockwise along a 0.85M arc centered at lat. 
30[deg]28'46'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]28'46'' 
N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]26'25'' N., long. 
89[deg]31'34'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]24'02'' N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' 
W.; thence counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered at lat. 
30[deg]22'04'' N., long. 89[deg]27'17'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]22'35'' 
N., long. 89[deg]32'06'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]22'35'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'27'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]27'58'' N., long. 89[deg]35'27'' 
W,; to lat. 30[deg]28'47'' N., long. 89[deg]35'27'' W.; to the point 
of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 
local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 
hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare 
Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay 
St. Louis, MS.

R-4403F Stennis Space Center, MS [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 
89[deg]35'16'' W.; thence clockwise along a 2.5-NM arc centered at 
lat. 30[deg]28'46'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' W.; to lat. 
30[deg]26'25'' N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]28'46'' 
N., long. 89[deg]31'34'' W.; thence counterclockwise along a 0.85-NM 
arc centered at lat. 30[deg]28'46'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' W.; to 
lat. 30[deg]29'37'' N., long. 89[deg]32'33'' W.; to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as 
activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 
local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 
hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare 
Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay 
St. Louis, MS.


    Issued in Washington, DC on March 23, 2016.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2016-07055 Filed 3-28-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P