[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 117 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27986-27988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12713]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8944; Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-21]


Amendment of and Establishment of Air Traffic Service (ATS) 
Routes; Northcentral United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies one jet route (J-25) and five VHF 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways (V-55, V-82, V-161, V-218, 
and V-413), and establishes three Area Navigation (RNAV) T-routes (T-
330, T-354, and T-383) in the northcentral United States. The FAA is 
taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Brainerd, 
MN (BRD), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) 
navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for 
portions of the ATS routes amended by this action. The RNAV T-routes 
established by this action mitigate potential issues to the National 
Airspace System (NAS) route structure caused by the Jet route and VOR 
Federal airway amendments. This action enhances the safe and efficient 
management of aircraft operating within the NAS.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, August 17, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by 
reference action under Title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, 
subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of 
conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can 
contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, 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 modifies the NAS route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the NAS.

History

    On January 19, 2017, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (82 FR 6353), Docket No. FAA-2016-
8944, to amend Jet route J-25; amend VOR Federal airways V-55, V-82, V-
161, V-218, and V-413; and establish RNAV T-routes T-330, T-354, and T-
383 due to the planned decommissioning of the Brainerd VORTAC. 
Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. One comment was 
received.

Discussion of Comments

    The commenter stated that the NPRM listed only the regulatory body 
[aeronautical] changes in the proposal and that an additional study to 
be conducted was an environmental impact study. The commenter stated 
the only environmental concerns would be any potential for aircraft 
noise changes in the affected areas, due to the changing routes, and 
the associated impact to the local populace and/or wildlife, depending 
on the degree of the changes. The FAA completed an environmental review 
of the ATS route amendments and RNAV route establishments in this 
action and determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion from further environmental impact review actions under the 
National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, 
Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 5-6.5a. 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 or environmental 
impact study.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004, VOR Federal airways are 
published in paragraph 6010(a), and

[[Page 27987]]

United States Area Navigation Routes (low altitude T-routes) are 
published in paragraph 6011, of FAA Order 7400.11A dated August 3, 
2016, and effective September 15, 2016, which is incorporated by 
reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Jet routes, VOR Federal airways, and RNAV 
T-routes listed in this document will be subsequently published in the 
Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15, 
2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 to modify Jet route J-25 and VOR Federal airways V-55, V-82, V-
161, V-218, and V-413, and to establish RNAV T-Routes T-330, T-354, and 
T-383. These actions are necessary due to the planned decommissioning 
of the Brainerd VORTAC.
    The Jet route and VOR Federal airway changes are outlined below.
    J-25: J-25 extends between the intersection of the United States/
Mexico border and Brownsville, TX, VORTAC 221[deg] radial and the 
Winnipeg, MB, Canada, VORTAC. The route segment between the Gopher, MN, 
VORTAC and the Winnipeg, MB, Canada, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected 
portions of the route remain as charted.
    V-55: V-55 extends between the Dayton, OH, VOR and the Bismarck, 
ND, VOR. The airway segment between the Siren, WI, VOR and the Park 
Rapids, MN, VOR is removed. The unaffected portions of the airway 
remain as charted.
    V-82: V-82 extends between the Baudette, MN, VOR and the Dells, WI, 
VORTAC. The airway segment between the intersection of the Baudette, 
MN, VOR 194[deg] and Brainerd, MN, VORTAC 331[deg] radials (the BLUOX 
fix) and the Gopher, MN, VORTAC is removed. Additionally, the BLUOX fix 
is redefined in its existing location using radials from the Baudette, 
MN, VOR and the Park Rapids, MN, VOR. The unaffected portions of the 
airway remain as charted.
    V-161: V-161 extends between the Three Rivers, TX, VOR and the 
Winnipeg, MB, Canada, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Gopher, 
MN, VORTAC and the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR is removed. Additionally, the 
airway segment between the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR and the International 
Falls, MN, VORTAC is re-designated as part of V-218. The unaffected 
portions of the airway remain as charted.
    V-218: V-218 extends between the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR and the 
Lansing, MI, VORTAC. The V-161 airway segment noted previously between 
the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR and the International Falls, MN, VORTAC is 
added to V-218.
    V-413: V-413 extends between the Ironwood, MI, VORTAC and Brainerd, 
MN, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Gopher, MN, VORTAC and the 
Brainerd, MN, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portion of the airway 
remains as charted. Additionally, the airway description for the 
amended airway is reversed to reflect the airway segments in a south to 
north order consistent with odd numbered ATS route criteria.
    The RNAV T-routes being established are outlined below.
    T-330: T-330 is established between the Grand Forks, MN, VOR and 
the Gopher, MN, VORTAC. This T-route mitigates the loss of the V-55 and 
V-413 airway segments addressed previously, and provides RNAV T-route 
capability and connectivity with a more direct routing between the 
Grand Forks, ND, and Minneapolis, MN, terminal areas.
    T-354: T-354 is established between the Park Rapids, MN, VOR and 
the Siren, WI, VOR. This T-route mitigates the loss of the V-55 airway 
segment addressed previously.
    T-383: T-383 is established between the Gopher, MN, VORTAC and the 
BLUOX fix that is being redefined in its existing location using 
radials from the Baudette, MN, VOR and the Park Rapids, MN, VOR. This 
T-route mitigates the loss of the V-82 and V-413 airway segments 
addressed previously.
    All radials listed in the route descriptions below are stated 
relative to True north.

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 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.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action of modifying one Jet route 
and five VOR Federal airways, and establishing three RNAV T-routes 
qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental 
Policy Act and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 1500, and in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures, Paragraph 5-6.5a categorically excludes from further 
environmental impact review rulemaking actions that designate or modify 
classes of airspace areas, airways, routes, and reporting points (see 
14 CFR part 71, Designation of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; 
Air Traffic Service Routes; and Reporting Points). Therefore, this 
action is not expected to cause any significant environmental impacts. 
In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding 
Extraordinary Circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this action for 
factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded 
action may have a significant environmental impact requiring further 
analysis. The FAA determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist 
that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact study.

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(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

[[Page 27988]]

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016 and 
effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-25 [Amended]

    From INT United States/Mexico border and Brownsville, TX, 
221[deg] radial; Brownsville; INT Brownsville 358[deg] and Corpus 
Christi, TX, 178[deg] radials; Corpus Christi; INT Corpus Christi 
311[deg] and San Antonio, TX, 174[deg] radials; San Antonio; Centex, 
TX; Waco, TX; Ranger, TX; Tulsa, OK; Kansas City, MO; Des Moines, 
IA; Mason City, IA; to Gopher, MN.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010 Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-55 [Amended]

    From Dayton, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; Goshen, IN; Gipper, MI; Keeler, 
MI; Pullman, MI; Muskegon, MI; INT Muskegon 327[deg] and Green Bay, 
WI, 116[deg] radials; Green Bay; Stevens Point, WI; INT Stevens 
Point 281[deg] and Eau Claire, WI, 107[deg] radials; Eau Claire; to 
Siren, WI. From Park Rapids, MN; Grand Forks, ND; INT Grand Forks 
239[deg] and Bismarck, ND, 067[deg] radials; to Bismarck.
* * * * *

V-82 [Amended]

    From Baudette, MN; to INT Baudette 194[deg] and Park Rapids, MN, 
003[deg] radials. From Gopher, MN; Farmington, MN; Rochester, MN; 
Nodine, MN; to Dells, WI.
* * * * *

V-161 [Amended]

    From Three Rivers, TX; Center Point, TX; Llano, TX; INT Llano 
026[deg] and Millsap, TX, 193[deg] radials; Millsap; Bowie, TX; 
Ardmore, OK; Okmulgee, OK; Tulsa, OK; Oswego, KS; Butler, MO; 
Napoleon, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, IA; Mason City, IA; Rochester, 
MN; Farmington, MN; to Gopher, MN. From International Falls, MN; to 
Winnipeg, MB, Canada, excluding the airspace within Canada.
* * * * *

V-218 [Amended]

    From International Falls, MN; Grand Rapids, MN; Gopher, MN; 
Waukon, IA; to Rockford, IL. From Keeler, MI; to Lansing, MI.
* * * * *

V-413 [Amended]

    From Gopher, MN; INT Gopher 109[deg] and Eau Claire, WI, 
269[deg] radials; Eau Claire; to Ironwood, MI.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-330 Grand Forks, ND (GFK) to Gopher, MN (GEP) [New]
 
Grand Forks, ND (GFK)  VOR/DME               (Lat. 47[deg]57'17.39'' N., long. 097[deg]11'07.33'' W.)
BYZIN, ND              WP                    (Lat. 47[deg]29'03.97'' N., long. 096[deg]13'28.09'' W.)
TAMMR, MN              WP                    (Lat. 46[deg]53'33.48'' N., long. 095[deg]42'56.42'' W.)
WATAM, MN              FIX                   (Lat. 46[deg]25'52.91'' N., long. 095[deg]09'06.92'' W.)
MAFLN, MN              WP                    (Lat. 46[deg]02'22.73'' N., long. 094[deg]37'21.86'' W.)
DAYLE, MN              FIX                   (Lat. 45[deg]37'24.75'' N., long. 093[deg]55'34.20'' W.)
Gopher, MN (GEP)       VORTAC                (Lat. 45[deg]08'44.47'' N., long. 093[deg]22'23.45'' W.)
 
                                                   * * * * * *
T-354 Park Rapids, MN (PKD) to Siren, WI (RZN) [New]
 
Park Rapids, MN (PKD)  VOR/DME               (Lat. 46[deg]53'53.34'' N., long. 095[deg]04'15.21'' W.)
BRNRD, MN              WP                    (Lat. 46[deg]20'53.81'' N., long. 094[deg]01'33.54'' W.)
Siren, WI (RZN)        VOR/DME               (Lat. 45[deg]49'13.60'' N., long. 092[deg]22'28.26'' W.)
 
                                                   * * * * * *
T-383 Gopher, MN (GEP) to BLUOX, MN [New]
 
Gopher, MN (GEP)       VORTAC                (Lat. 45[deg]08'44.47'' N., long. 093[deg]22'23.45'' W.)
BRNRD, MN              WP                    (Lat. 46[deg]20'53.81'' N., long. 094[deg]01'33.54'' W.)
BLUOX, MN              FIX                   (Lat. 47[deg]34'33.13'' N., long. 095[deg]01'29.11'' W.)
 
                                                   * * * * * *
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 13, 2017.
Rodger A. Dean Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-12713 Filed 6-19-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P