[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 9 (Friday, January 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1582-1584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00376]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1144; Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-30]


Proposed Modification of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes in the 
Vicinity of Richmond, IN

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify five VHF Omnidirectional Range 
(VOR) Federal airways (V-12, V-214, V-340, V-467, and V-517) and one 
low altitude area navigation (RNAV) route (T-213) in the vicinity of 
Richmond, IN. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned 
decommissioning of the Richmond, IN (RID), VHF Omnidirectional Range/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID) which provides 
navigation guidance for portions of the affected ATS routes. Overall, 
this action would enhance the safety and management of aircraft within 
the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 26, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 
1(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2017-1144 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-30 at the beginning of 
your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order 7400.11B, 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 7400.11B at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/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 would support the route structure in the Richmond, IN, 
area as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air 
traffic within the NAS.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2017-1144 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-30) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for 
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2017-1144 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-30.'' 
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified comment 
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed 
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of 
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for 
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment 
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with 
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.

[[Page 1583]]

    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal 
business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Central 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Blvd., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017, and effective 
September 15, 2017. FAA Order 7400.11B is publicly available as listed 
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11B lists 
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

Background

    The FAA was originally considering decommissioning activities for 
the Richmond, IN (RID), VORTAC in 2023 as one of the candidate VORs 
identified for discontinuance by the VOR Minimum Operating Network (VOR 
MON) program as listed in the final policy statement notice, 
``Provision of Navigation Services for the Next Generation Air 
Transportation System (NextGen) Transition to Performance-Based 
Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum Operational 
Network),'' published in the Federal Register of July 26, 2016 (81 FR 
48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082. However, recent damage to the roof of 
the structure that houses the VORTAC has been determined to be 
significant enough that repair to the roof would not be cost effective 
for the period of time the VORTAC was originally planned to be 
retained. As a result, the FAA is now planning to decommission the 
Richmond, IN, VORTAC in 2018 and to amend the ATS routes that use the 
VORTAC prior to its decommissioning. The ATS routes affected by the 
Richmond VORTAC are VOR Federal airways V-12, V-214, V-340, V-467, V-
517, and low altitude RNAV route T-213.
    With the planned decommissioning of the Richmond, IN, VORTAC, the 
remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to 
enable the continuity of the affected airways. As such, proposed 
modifications to VOR Federal airways V-12, V-214, V-340, V-467, and V-
517 would result in gaps in the route structures. To overcome the gaps 
in the route structures, instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could 
use adjacent VOR Federal airways (V-5, V-47, V-50, V-55, V-97, V-214 
(retained portions), V-221, and V-275) to circumnavigate the affected 
area, file point to point through the affected area using fixes that 
will remain in place, or receive air traffic control (ATC) radar 
vectors through the area. Visual flight rules (VFR) pilots who elect to 
navigate via the airways through the affected area could also take 
advantage of the adjacent VOR Federal airways or ATC services 
previously listed.
    Additionally, due to the planned decommissioning of the Richmond, 
IN, VORTAC, the end point in the T-213 route description (the Richmond 
VORTAC) would be redefined to retain the T-route as charted.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to modify VOR Federal airways V-12, V-214, 
V-340, V-467, and V-517, and low altitude RNAV route T-213. The planned 
decommissioning of the Richmond, IN, VORTAC has made these actions 
necessary.
    The proposed VOR Federal airways and RNAV T-route changes are 
outlined below.
    V-12: V-12 currently extends between the Gaviota, CA, VORTAC and 
the Pottstown, PA, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Shelbyville, IN, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment 
(VOR/DME) and the Allegheny, PA, VOR/DME. The unaffected portions of 
the existing airway would remain as charted in the two remaining 
segments.
    V-214: V-214 currently extends between the Kokomo, IN, VORTAC and 
the Richmond, IN, VORTAC; and between the intersection of the Appleton, 
OH, VORTAC 236[deg] and Zanesville, OH, VOR/DME 274[deg] radials (GLOOM 
fix) and the Teterboro, NJ, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the 
airway segment between the Muncie, IN, VOR/DME and the Richmond, IN, 
VORTAC. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as 
charted in the two remaining segments.
    V-340: V-340 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Peotone, IL, VORTAC 053[deg] and Knox, IN, VOR/DME 297[deg] radials 
(BEARZ fix) and the Richmond, IN, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove 
the airway segment between the Fort Wayne, IN, VORTAC and the Richmond, 
IN, VORTAC. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain 
as charted.
    V-467: V-467 currently extends between the Richmond, IN, VORTAC and 
the Detroit, MI, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Richmond, IN, VORTAC and the Waterville, OH, VOR/DME. The 
unaffected portion of the existing airway would remain as charted.
    V-517: V-517 currently extends between the Snowbird, TN, VORTAC and 
Dayton, OH, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Cincinnati, OH, VORTAC and the Dayton, OH, VOR/DME. The 
unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as charted.
    T-213: T-213 currently extends between the Louisville, KY, VORTAC 
and Richmond, IN, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the VOR portion of 
the Richmond, IN, VORTAC from service and retain the DME equipment, 
with the same three-letter identifier, in service at the same location. 
The existing RNAV route would remain as charted.
    All radials in the route descriptions below are unchanged and 
stated in True degrees.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a), and United 
States Area Navigation Routes (low altitude T-routes) are published in 
paragraph 6011, of FAA Order 7400.11B dated August 3, 2017, and 
effective September 15, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in 14 
CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways and RNAV T-route listed in this 
document would be subsequently published in the Order.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this proposed 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

[[Page 1584]]

number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies 
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 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.


Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11B, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2017 and 
effective September 15, 2017, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-12 [Amended]

    From Gaviota, CA; San Marcus, CA; Palmdale, CA; 38 miles, 6 
miles wide, Hector, CA; 12 miles, 38 miles, 85 MSL, 14 miles, 75 
MSL, Needles, CA; 45 miles, 34 miles, 95 MSL, Drake, AZ; Winslow, 
AZ; 30 miles, 85 MSL, Zuni, NM; Albuquerque, NM; Otto, NM; Anton 
Chico, NM; Tucumcari, NM; Amarillo, TX; Mitbee, OK; Anthony, KS; 
Wichita, KS; Emporia, KS; INT Emporia 063[deg] and Napoleon, MO, 
243[deg] radials; Napoleon; INT Napoleon 095[deg] and Columbia, MO, 
292[deg] radials; Columbia; Foristell, MO; Troy, IL; Bible Grove, 
IL; to Shelbyville, IN. From Allegheny, PA; Johnstown, PA; 
Harrisburg, PA; INT Harrisburg 092[deg] and Pottstown, PA, 278[deg] 
radials; to Pottstown.
* * * * *

V-214 [Amended]

    From Kokomo IN, Marion, IN; to Muncie, IN. From INT Appleton, 
OH, 236[deg] and Zanesville, OH, 274[deg] radials; Zanesville; 
Bellaire, OH; INT Bellaire 107[deg] and Grantsville, MD, 285[deg] 
radials; Grantsville; Martinsburg, WV; INT Martinsburg 094[deg] and 
Baltimore, MD, 300[deg] radials; Baltimore; INT Baltimore 093[deg] 
and Dupont, DE, 223[deg] radials; Dupont; Yardley, PA; to Teterboro, 
NJ.
* * * * *

V-340 [Amended]

    From INT Peotone, IL, 053[deg] and Knox, IN, 297[deg] radials; 
Knox; to Fort Wayne, IN.
* * * * *

V-467 [Amended]

    From Waterville, OH; to Detroit, MI.
* * * * *

V-517 [Amended]

    From Snowbird, TN; INT Snowbird 329[deg] and London, KY, 
141[deg] radials; London; INT London 004[deg] and Falmouth, KY, 
164[deg] radials; Falmouth; to Cincinnati, OH.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-213 Louisville, KY to Richmond, IN
 
Louisville, KY (IIU)              VORTAC            (Lat. 38[deg]06'13'' N, long. 85[deg]34'39'' W)
GAMKE, IN                         WP                (Lat. 38[deg]46'13'' N, long. 85[deg]14'35'' W)
MILAN, IN                         FIX               (Lat. 39[deg]21'22'' N, long. 85[deg]19'01'' W)
Richmond, IN (RID)                DME               (Lat. 39[deg]45'18'' N, long. 84[deg]50'20'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 3, 2018.
Rodger A. Dean Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2018-00376 Filed 1-11-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P