[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 16 (Friday, January 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4245-4248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-00997]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0004; Airspace Docket No. 19-AGL-16]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment, Establishment, and Revocation of Multiple Air 
Traffic Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Waukon, IA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend six VHF Omnidirectional Range 
(VOR) Federal airways, V-2, V-77, V-138, V-218, V-246 and V-398; 
establish two low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) routes, T-348 and T-
389; and remove one VOR Federal airway, V-411, in the vicinity of 
Waukon, IA. The Air Traffic Service (ATS) route modifications are 
necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the 
Waukon, IA, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid 
(NAVAID). The NAVAIDs provide navigation guidance for portions of the 
affected air traffic service (ATS) routes. The VOR is being 
decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network 
(MON) program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 9, 2020.

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: 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0004; Airspace Docket No. 19-AGL-16 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at 
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, 
you can contact the Rules and Regulations 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 7400.11D at NARA, email: 
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, 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 modify the route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National 
Airspace System.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire.

[[Page 4246]]

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-2020-0004; Airspace Docket No. 19-AGL-16) 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 https://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-2020-0004; Airspace Docket No. 19-AGL-16.'' 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 https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    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 7400.11D, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective 
September 15, 2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed 
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists 
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

Background

    The FAA is planning decommissioning activities for the VOR portion 
of the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME in July, 2020. The VOR portion of the 
Waukon, IA, VOR/DME is a candidate VOR identified for discontinuance by 
the FAA's VOR MON program and 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.
    Although the VOR portion of the Waukon VOR/DME is planned for 
decommissioning, the co-located DME portion of the NAVAID is being 
retained.
    The ATS route dependencies to the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME are VOR 
Federal airways V-2, V-77, V-138, V-218, V-246, V-398, and V-411.
    With the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Waukon, 
IA, VOR/DME, the remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is 
insufficient to enable the continuity of the affected VOR Federal 
airways. As such, proposed modifications to the affected VOR Federal 
airways would result in an increased gap in one of the airways (V-2), 
the removal of affected airway segments at the end of five of the 
airways (V-77, V-138, V-218, V-246, and V-398), and the removal of the 
remaining affected airway (V-411). To overcome the airway gaps, 
instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use adjacent ATS routes, 
including V-13, V-24, V-82, V-100, V-120, V-129, V-158, V-170, V-228, 
V-503, and V-510, to circumnavigate the affected area. IFR traffic 
could also file point to point through the affected area using the 
existing airway fixes that will remain in place, as well as adjacent 
NAVAIDs, or receive air traffic control (ATC) radar vectors through the 
area. Visual flight rules 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 listed previously.
    Further, the FAA proposes to establish two RNAV routes, T-348 and 
T-389, through the affected area and beyond to continue supporting 
airspace users with an enroute ATS route structure, as well as ongoing 
FAA NextGen efforts to transition the national airspace system to 
performance-based navigation.
    Lastly, the V-138 description contains two ``1,200 feet AGL'' 
references that establish controlled airspace (Class E) that extend 
upward from 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) for the airway segments 
between the Grand Island, NE, VOR/DME and the Lincoln, NE, VOR/Tactical 
Air Navigation (VORTAC) NAVAIDs. By regulation, when such areas [Class 
E controlled airspace] are designated in conjunction with airways or 
routes, the extent of such designation has the lateral extent identical 
to that of the airway or route and extends upward from 1,200 feet above 
the surface, unless otherwise specified. As such, the two 1,200 feet 
AGL references listed in the description are unnecessary.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by modifying VOR Federal airways V-2, V-
77, V-138, V-218, V-246, and V-398; establishing low altitude RNAV 
routes T-348 and T-389; and removing VOR Federal airway V-411. The 
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME 
has made this action necessary.
    The proposed VOR Federal airway changes are outlined below.
    V-2: V-2 currently extends between the Seattle, WA, VORTAC and the 
intersection of the Nodine, MN, VORTAC 122[deg] and Waukon, IA, VOR/DME 
053[deg] radials (WEBYE fix); and between the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and 
the Gardner, MA, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Nodine, MN, VORTAC and the intersection of the Nodine, MN, 
VORTAC 122[deg] and Waukon, IA, VOR/DME 053[deg] radials (WEBYE fix). 
The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as charted.
    V-77: V-77 currently extends between the San Angelo, TX, VORTAC and 
the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Waterloo, IA, VOR/DME and the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME. The 
unaffected portions of the

[[Page 4247]]

existing airway would remain as charted.
    V-138: V-138 currently extends between the Riverton, WY, VOR/DME 
and the Sidney, NE, VOR/DME; and between the Grand Island, NE, VOR/DME 
and the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Mason City, IA, VOR/DME and the Waukon, IA, VOR/
DME. Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove the two ``1,200 feet 
AGL'' references listed between the Grand Island, NE, VOR/DME and the 
Lincoln, NE, VORTAC. The unaffected portions of the existing airway 
would remain as charted.
    V-218: V-218 currently extends between the International Falls, MN, 
VOR/DME and the Waukon, IA, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the 
airway segment between the Gopher, MN, VORTAC and the Waukon, IA, VOR/
DME. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as 
charted.
    V-246: V-246 currently extends between the Janesville, WI, VOR/DME 
and the intersection of the Nodine, MN, VORTAC 055[deg] and Eau Claire, 
WI, VORTAC 134[deg] radials (MILTO fix). The FAA proposes to remove the 
airway segment between the Dubuque, IA, VOR/DME and the intersection of 
the Nodine, MN, VORTAC 055[deg] and Eau Claire, WI, VORTAC 134[deg] 
radials (MILTO fix). The unaffected portions of the existing airway 
would remain as charted.
    V-398: V-398 currently extends between the Aberdeen, SD, VOR/DME 
and the Lone Rock, WI, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Rochester, MN, VOR/DME and the Lone Rock, WI, VOR/
DME. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as 
charted.
    V-411: V-411 currently extends between the Lone Rock, WI, VOR/DME 
and the Farmington, MN, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
in its entirety. The airway segment between the Lone Rock, WI, VOR/DME 
and the Rochester, MN, VOR/DME would be removed due to the Waukon VOR/
DME being decommissioned. The airway segment between the Rochester, MN, 
VOR/DME and the Farmington, MN, VORTAC would be removed as there are 
two alternate routes (one, using V-82/V-161, that is 5 nautical miles 
(NM) shorter and direct; and the second, using V-13 and V-24, that is 
slightly longer by 8 NM) that could be used to navigate between the 
Rochester VOR/DME and the Farmington VORTAC. Further, a portion of the 
V-411 airway segment between the Rochester VOR/DME and the Farmington 
VORTAC (DELZY fix to Farmington VORTAC) actually overlaps V-13.
    The proposed new low altitude RNAV routes are outlined below.
    T-348: T-348 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
BRAIN, MN, waypoint (WP) and the Lungs, WI, WP. This T-route would 
mitigate the loss of the V-398 and V-411 airways proposed to be removed 
between the Rochester, MN, VOR/DME and the Lone Rock, WI, VOR/DME and 
provide RNAV routing capability from the Sioux Falls, SD, area eastward 
to just beyond the Madison, WI, area.
    T-389: T-389 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
Farmington, MO, VORTAC and the KOETZ, WI, WP being established. This T-
route would mitigate the loss of the V-77 and V-246 airway segments 
proposed to be removed between the Waterloo, IA, VOR/DME and the 
Nodine, MN, VORTAC and provide RNAV routing capability from the 
Farmington, MO, area, northward to the Arcadia, WI, area.
    All radials in the VOR Federal airway descriptions below are 
unchanged and stated in True degrees.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and low 
altitude RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order 
7400.11D dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The ATS routes listed in 
this document would be subsequently published in the Order.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

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 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 7400.11D, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019 and 
effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-2 [Amended]

    From Seattle, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Moses Lake, WA; Spokane, WA; 
Mullan Pass, ID; Missoula, MT; Helena, MT; INT Helena 119[deg] and 
Livingston, MT, 322[deg] radials; Livingston; Billings, MT; Miles 
City, MT; 24 miles, 90 miles 55 MSL, Dickinson, ND; 10 miles, 60 
miles 38 MSL, Bismarck, ND; 14 miles, 62 miles 34 MSL, Jamestown, 
ND; Fargo, ND; Alexandria, MN; Gopher, MN; to Nodine, MN. From 
Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Utica, NY; Albany, NY; INT 
Albany 084[deg] and Gardner, MA, 284[deg] radials; to Gardner.
* * * * *

V-77 [Amended]

    From San Angelo, TX; Abilene, TX; INT Abilene 047[deg] and 
Wichita Falls, TX, 204[deg] radials; Wichita Falls; INT Wichita 
Falls 028[deg] and Will Rogers, OK, 216[deg] radials; Will Rogers; 
INT Will Rogers 002[deg] and Pioneer, OK, 201[deg] radials; Pioneer; 
Wichita, KS; INT Wichita 042[deg] and Topeka, KS, 236[deg] radials; 
Topeka; St Joseph, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, IA; Newton, IA; to 
Waterloo, IA.
* * * * *

[[Page 4248]]

V-138 [Amended]

    From Riverton, WY; 35 miles, 80 miles 107 MSL, 16 miles 85 MSL, 
Medicine Bow, WY; Cheyenne, WY; to Sidney, NE. From Grand Island, 
NE; INT of Grand Island 099[deg] and Lincoln, NE, 267[deg] radials; 
Lincoln; Omaha, IA; INT Omaha 032[deg] and Fort Dodge, IA, 222[deg] 
radials; Fort Dodge; to Mason City, IA.
* * * * *

V-218 [Amended]

    From International Falls, MN; Grand Rapids, MN; to Gopher, MN.
* * * * *

V-246 [Amended]

    From Janesville, WI; to Dubuque, IA.
* * * * *

V-398 [Amended]

    From Aberdeen, SD, via INT Aberdeen 101[deg] and Watertown, SD, 
312[deg] radials; Watertown; Redwood Falls, MN; to Rochester, MN.
* * * * *

V-411 [Removed]

* * * * *

6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-348 BRAIN, MN to LUNGS, WI [New]
 
BRAIN, MN                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]39'00.24'' N, long. 96[deg]26'12.58'' W)
GRSIS, MN                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]38'45.54'' N, long. 94[deg]25'21.17'' W)
FOOLS, MN                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]46'58.20'' N, long. 92[deg]35'44.93'' W)
GABDE, MN                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]38'50.04'' N, long. 92[deg]18'26.46'' W)
KRRTR, IA                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]16'18.12'' N, long. 91[deg]22'30.62'' W)
Madison, WI (MSN)                                 VORTAC                        (Lat. 43[deg]08'41.41'' N, long. 89[deg]20'22.91'' W)
LUNGS, WI                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]02'43.66'' N, long. 88[deg]56'54.86'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-389 Farmington, MO (FAM) to KOETZ, WI [New]
 
Farmington, MO (FAM)                              VORTAC                        (Lat. 37[deg]40'24.46'' N, long. 90[deg]14'02.61'' W)
Foristell, MO (FTZ)                               VORTAC                        (Lat. 38[deg]41'39.60'' N, long. 90[deg]58'16.57'' W)
RIVRS, IL                                         WP                            (Lat. 39[deg]25'21.41'' N, long. 90[deg]55'56.70'' W)
KAYUU, MO                                         WP                            (Lat. 40[deg]19'05.81'' N, long. 91[deg]41'36.59'' W)
MERKR, IA                                         WP                            (Lat. 40[deg]49'16.02'' N, long. 92[deg]08'26.88'' W)
AGEN, IA                                          FIX                           (Lat. 41[deg]01'43.78'' N, long. 92[deg]20'50.25'' W)
PICRA, IA                                         WP                            (Lat. 41[deg]35'00.72'' N, long. 92[deg]32'34.29'' W)
HAVOS, IA                                         WP                            (Lat. 42[deg]04'16.32'' N, long. 92[deg]28'29.38'' W)
Wterloo, IA (ALO)                                 VOR/DME                       (Lat. 42[deg]33'23.39'' N, long. 92[deg]23'56.13'' W)
ZEZDU, IA                                         WP                            (Lat. 42[deg]49'29.02'' N, long. 92[deg]04'58.05'' W)
FALAR, MN                                         WP                            (Lat. 43[deg]34'26.04'' N, long. 91[deg]30'18.32'' W)
KOETZ, W                                          WP                            (Lat. 44[deg]13'15.00'' N, long. 91[deg]28'14.00'' W)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-00997 Filed 1-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P