[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 45 (Friday, March 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13001-13003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-04420]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0661; Airspace Docket No. 19-AEA-9]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Area Navigation Routes Q-75 and Q-475, Northeast 
Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes; Northeastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies high altitude area navigation (RNAV) 
routes Q-75, and Q-475 in the northeastern United States. This action 
supports the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) Project. 
The modified routes were developed to improve the efficiency of the 
National Airspace System (NAS), expand the availability of area 
navigation (RNAV) routing, and reduce dependency of the NAS on ground-
based navigational systems.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, May 21, 2020. 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 7400.11D, 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: Paul Gallant, 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 supports the air traffic service route structure in the 
southeastern United States to maintain the efficient flow of air 
traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0661 in the Federal Register (84 FR 50341; September 25, 2019) 
modifying RNAV routes Q-75, and Q-475 in the northeastern United 
States. Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No 
comments were received.
    Area navigation routes are published in paragraph 2006, 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 area navigation 
routes listed in this document will be subsequently published in the 
Order.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends 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.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by modifying RNAV routes Q-75 and Q-475, in the northeastern 
United States in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route 
project.
    The Q-route amendments are as follows:
    Q-75: Q-75 currently extends between the ENEME, GA, WP, and the 
Greensboro, NC, (GSO) VORTAC. The amended route is extended from the 
Greensboro, NC, VORTAC northeast to the COPLY, MA, WP (approximately 20 
NM east of the Boston, MA, (BOS) VOR/DME). Between the Greensboro, NC, 
VORTAC and the COPLY, MA, WP, the following points are added to the 
route: BROSK, NC, WP; DRAIK, VA, Fix; Gordonsville, VA, (GVE) VORTAC; 
HAMMZ, VA, WP; TOOBN, MD, WP; MURPH, MD, Fix; SACRI, MD, Fix ; STOEN, 
PA, Fix; Modena, PA, (MXE) VORTAC; COPES, PA, Fix; BIGGY, NJ, Fix; 
Solberg, NJ, (SBJ) VOR/DME; JERSY, NJ, Fix; DUEYS, NY, Fix; BIZEX, NY, 
WP; GREKI, CT, Fix; NELIE, CT, Fix; SWALO, MA, Fix; and the Boston, MA, 
(BOS) VOR/DME. This change

[[Page 13002]]

provides RNAV routing between Greensboro, NC and the Boston, MA, area.
    Q-475: Q-475 currently extends between the TUSKY, OA, Fix and the 
PERLU, Canada, WP. This action extends Q-475 from the TUSKY, OA, Fix 
westward to the COPLY, MA, WP (located approximately 20 NM northeast of 
the Boston, MA, VOR/DME). The CANAL, MA, WP, and the SCUPP, OA, Fix are 
added between the TUSKY Fix and the COPLY WP.

    Note: The Q-475 route description includes the SCUPP and TUSKY 
Fixes located over international waters. In the route description, 
in place of a two-letter state abbreviation for the SCUPP and TUSKY 
Fixes, ``OA,'' meaning ``Offshore Atlantic,'' is used.

    Full route descriptions of the proposed amended routes are listed 
in ``The Amendment'' section of this notice.
    The amended routes in this notice will significantly expand the 
availability of high altitude RNAV routing along the eastern seaboard 
of the U.S. The project is designed to increase airspace capacity and 
reduce complexity in high volume areas through the use of optimized 
routes through congested airspace.

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 determined that this action of modifying high altitude 
RNAV Q-75 and Q-475 qualifies for a 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, which 
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). As such, this action is not expected to cause 
any potentially significant environmental impacts. In accordance with 
FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, 
this action has been reviewed for factors and circumstances in which a 
normally categorically excluded action may have a significant 
environmental impact requiring further analysis, and it is determined 
that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of 
an environmental assessment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

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.


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 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q75 ENEME, GA to COPLY, MA [Amended]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ENEME, GA                         WP                (Lat. 30[deg]42'12.09'' N, long. 082[deg]26'09.31'' W)
TEUFL, GA                         WP                (Lat. 31[deg]52'00.46'' N, long. 082[deg]01'04.56'' W)
TEEEM, GA                         WP                (Lat. 32[deg]08'41.20'' N, long. 081[deg]54'50.57'' W)
SHRIL, GA                         WP                (Lat. 32[deg]54'42.21'' N, long. 081[deg]34'09.78'' W)
FISHO, SC                         WP                (Lat. 33[deg]16'46.25'' N, long. 081[deg]24'43.52'' W)
ILBEE, SC                         WP                (Lat. 34[deg]18'41.66'' N, long. 081[deg]01'07.88'' W)
SLOJO, SC                         WP                (Lat. 34[deg]38'46.31'' N, long. 080[deg]39'25.63'' W)
GREENSBORO, NC (GSO)              VORTAC            (Lat. 36[deg]02'44.49'' N, long. 079[deg]58'34.95'' W)
BROSK, NC                         WP                (Lat. 36[deg]14'52.55'' N, long. 079[deg]47'39.93'' W)
DRAIK, VA                         FIX               (Lat. 37[deg]08'02.15'' N, long. 078[deg]58'58.56'' W)
Gordonsville, VA (GVE)            VORTAC            (Lat. 38[deg]00'48.96'' N, long. 078[deg]09'10.90'' W)
HAMMZ, VA                         WP                (Lat. 38[deg]43'51.56'' N, long. 077[deg]19'59.85'' W)
TOOBN, MD                         WP                (Lat. 38[deg]59'54.31'' N, long. 076[deg]59'25.83'' W)
MURPH, MD                         FIX               (Lat. 39[deg]27'51.22'' N, long. 076[deg]23'07.24'' W)
SACRI, MD                         FIX               (Lat. 39[deg]36'07.34'' N, long. 076[deg]10'24.70'' W)
STOEN, PA                         FIX               (Lat. 39[deg]50'17.54'' N, long. 075[deg]47'54.92'' W)
Modena, PA (MXE)                  VORTAC            (Lat. 39[deg]55'05.00'' N, long. 075[deg]40'14.96'' W)
COPES, PA                         FIX               (Lat. 40[deg]07'50.57'' N, long. 075[deg]22'36.37'' W)
BIGGY, NJ                         FIX               (Lat. 40[deg]25'10.62'' N, long. 074[deg]58'21.73'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                 VOR/DME           (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.95'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
JERSY, NJ                         FIX               (Lat. 40[deg]47'28.99'' N, long. 074[deg]23'58.00'' W)
DUEYS, NY                         FIX               (Lat. 41[deg]09'09.46'' N, long. 073[deg]47'48.52'' W)
BIZEX, NY                         WP                (Lat. 41[deg]17'02.86'' N, long. 073[deg]34'50.20'' W)
GREKI, CT                         FIX               (Lat. 41[deg]28'48.03'' N, long. 073[deg]18'50.98'' W)
NELIE, CT                         FIX               (Lat. 41[deg]56'27.64'' N, long. 072[deg]41'18.88'' W)
SWALO, MA                         FIX               (Lat. 42[deg]03'55.75'' N, long. 072[deg]11'37.10'' W)
Boston, MA (BOS)                  VOR/DME           (Lat. 42[deg]21'26.82'' N, long. 070[deg]59'22.37'' W)
COPLY, MA                         WP                (Lat. 42[deg]29'52.21'' N, long. 070[deg]33'28.57'' W)
 
Q475 COPLY, MA to PERLU, Canada [Amended]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
COPLY, MA                         WP                (Lat. 42[deg]29'52.21'' N, long. 070[deg]33'28.57'' W)
SCUPP, OA                         FIX               (Lat. 42[deg]36'11.01'' N, long. 070[deg]13'49.35'' W)

[[Page 13003]]

 
CANAL, MA                         FIX               (Lat. 42[deg]40'08.51'' N, long. 070[deg]01'21.76'' W)
TUSKY, OA                         FIX               (Lat. 43[deg]33'54.00'' N, long. 067[deg]00'00.00'' W)
SCOTS, Canada                     WP                (Lat. 44[deg]30'00.00'' N, long. 064[deg]00'00.00'' W)
BITRA, Canada                     WP                (Lat. 45[deg]06'26.00'' N, long. 061[deg]52'44.00'' W)
PERLU, Canada                     WP                (Lat. 47[deg]17'25.00'' N, long. 054[deg]02'46.00'' W)
Excluding the portion within
 Canada.
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-04420 Filed 3-5-20; 8:45 am]
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