[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 56 (Monday, March 23, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16289-16292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05857]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0187; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-27]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment and Removal of Air Traffic Service (ATS) 
Routes; Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend 9 jet routes, remove 22 jet 
routes, and remove 1 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the 
eastern United States. This action is in support of the Northeast 
Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project to improve the efficiency of the 
National Airspace System (NAS) and reduce dependency on ground-based 
navigational systems.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 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: 1 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0187; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-27 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order 7400.11D, 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 
Rules and

[[Page 16290]]

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: Sean Hook, 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 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-
2020-0187; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-27) 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-2020-0187; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-27.'' 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 Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation 
Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337.

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.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to amend 9 jet routes, remove 22 jet 
routes, and remove 1 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the 
eastern United States. This action would support the Northeast Corridor 
Atlantic Coast Route Project by amending and removing certain jet route 
segments that are being replaced by RNAV routing. Additionally, the 
proposed jet route changes would reduce aeronautical chart clutter by 
removing unneeded route segments.
    In this NPRM, where new navigation aid radials are proposed in an 
amended jet route description, both ``True'' (T) and ``Magnetic'' (M) 
degrees will be stated. Existing radials in the descriptions are 
expressed only in True degrees. Some jet routes discussed in this 
preamble include points that are identified by the intersection of 
radials from two VOR or VORTAC navigation facilities. In some cases, 
those intersections are assigned a specific fix name that is depicted 
on aeronautical charts (e.g., TYDOE, GA). While these fix names are not 
stated in the regulatory descriptions of jet routes, they are noted in 
the preamble text below to assist readers in locating that point on 
aeronautical charts.
    The proposed route changes are as follows:
    J-2: J-2 currently extends between the Mission Bay, CA, VORTAC, and 
the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. This action proposes to remove the segment of 
the route between the Seminole, FL, VORTAC and the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. 
As amended, J-2 would extend between the Mission Bay VORTAC and 
intersection of the Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Seminole, FL, 290[deg] 
radials (depicted on aeronautical charts as the OJHAP, FL, INT).
    J-14: J-14 currently extends between the Panhandle, TX, VORTAC, and 
the Patuxent, MD, VORTAC. This action proposes to remove the segment 
between the Greensboro VORTAC, and the Patuxent VORTAC. Concurrent 
changes to other portions of the airway are being proposed in separate 
NPRMs. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as 
charted.
    J-24: J-24 currently extends, in two parts: Between the Myton, UT, 
VOR/DME, and the Hayden, CO, VOR/DME; and between the Hugo, CO VOR/DME, 
and the Harcum, VA, VORTAC. This action proposes to remove the segments 
between the Montebello, VA, VOR/DME, and the Harcum VORTAC. As amended, 
J-24 would extend, in two parts: Between Myton, UT, and Hayden, CO; and 
between Hugo, CO, and Montebello, VA.
    J-37: J-37 currently consist of three separate segments: Between 
Hobby, TX, VOR/DME and Montgomery, AL, VORTAC; followed by a gap; and 
then between Lynchburg, VA, VOR/DME and Coyle, NJ, VORTAC; followed by 
a gap; and then between Kennedy, NY, VOR/

[[Page 16291]]

DME, and Massena, NY, VORTAC. As amended, J-37 would just consist of a 
single segment between Hobby, TX and Montgomery, AL.
    J-39: J-39 currently extends between the Crestview, FL, VORTAC, and 
the Rosewood, OH, VORTAC. This action would remove the portion of the 
route between the Crestview, FL and the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC. The 
amended route would extend between Montgomery, AL and Rosewood, OH.
    J-42: J-42 currently extends between the Delicias, Mexico, VOR/DME, 
and the Boston, MA, VOR/DME. This action would remove the segment 
between Nottingham, MD, VORTAC, and Boston, MA. The amended route would 
extend between Delicias, Mexico and Gordonsville, VA, VORTAC. The 
portion within Mexico is excluded.
    J-52: J-52 currently extends in two parts: Between Vancouver, BC, 
Canada, VOR/DME, and the Columbia, SC, VORTAC; followed by a gap in the 
route, and resuming between the intersection of the Columbia, SC, 
042[deg] and the Flat Rock, VA, 212[deg] radials (TUBAS Fix) and 
Richmond, VA, VOR/DME. This action would remove the segment from 
Atlanta, GA, VORTAC, and Richmond, VA. The amended route would extend 
between Vancouver, BC and Vulcan, AL, VORTAC. The portion within Canada 
is excluded.
    J-55: J-55 currently extends in two parts: Between the Charleston, 
SC, VORTAC, and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] 
radials; followed by a gap in the route, and resuming between Sea Isle, 
NJ, VORTAC, and Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove 
the entire route.
    J-61: J-61 currently extends between the WETRO, NC, WP (defined by 
the intersection of the Dixon, NC, NDB 023[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 
VORTAC 174[deg] radials), and the Philipsburg, PA, VORTAC. This action 
would remove the segment between the WETRO WP and the Nottingham 
VORTAC. The amended route would extend from the Westminster, MD, 
VORTAC, and the Philipsburg VORTAC.
    J-62: J-62 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, VORTAC, 
and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials; 
followed by a gap in the route, and resuming between Sea Isle, NJ, 
VORTAC, and Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the 
entire route. Alternative routing is available via J-222 to J-79.
    J-68: J-68 currently extends in two parts: Between Gopher, MN, 
VORTAC, and Flint, MI, VORTAC; followed by a gap in the route, and 
resuming between Hancock, NY, VOR/DME, and Nantucket, MA, VOR/DME. The 
FAA proposes to remove the latter section from Hancock to Nantucket. 
The amended route would extend from Gopher VORTAC to Flint VORTAC.
    J-79: J-79 currently extends between Charleston, SC, VORTAC, and 
Bangor, ME, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to delete the entire route.
    J-109: J-109 currently extends between the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC, 
and the Linden, VA, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-121: J-121 currently extends between the Charleston, SC, VORTAC, 
and the Kennebunk, ME, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-150: J-150 extends between the Gordonsville, VA, VORTAC and STOOL 
INT (defined as the Marconi, MA, 082[deg] and the Boston, MA, 097[deg] 
radials). The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    J-165: J-165 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Charleston, SC, VORTAC 025[deg] and the Florence, SC, VORTAC 085[deg] 
radials (DWYTE Fix) and the Richmond, VA, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to 
remove the entire route.
    J-174: J-174 currently extends between Charleston, SC, VORTAC, and 
the intersection of the Marconi, MA, VOR/DME 090[deg] and the 
Nantucket, MA, VOR/DME 066[deg] radials. The FAA proposes to remove the 
entire route.
    J-191: J-191 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the 
entire route.
    J-193: J-193 currently extends between the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC, 
and the Harcum, VA, VORTAC 006[deg] and Hopewell, VA, VORTAC 030[deg] 
radials (HUBBS INT). The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    J-207: J-207 currently extends between the Florence, SC, VORTAC, 
and the Franklin, VA, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-209: J-209 currently extends between the Raleigh-Durham, NC, 
VORTAC, and the intersection of the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC 036[deg] and the 
Robbinsville, NJ, VORTAC 136[deg] radials. The FAA proposes to remove 
the entire route.
    J-222: J-222 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Cambridge, NY, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the 
entire route.
    J-225: J-225 currently extends between the Cedar Lake, NJ, VOR/DME, 
and the Providence, RI, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-230: J-230 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Bellaire, OH, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the 
entire route.
    J-506: J-506 currently extends between the Millinocket, ME, VOR/DME 
and the intersection of the St John, NB, Canada, VOR/DME 267[deg] 
radial with the United States/Canadian border. The FAA proposes to 
remove the entire route.
    J-561: J-561 currently extends between the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/
DME, and the Mont Joli, PQ, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion 
outside of the United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-563: J-563 currently extends between the Albany, NY, VORTAC, and 
the Sherbrooke, BC, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion outside of 
the United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    J-570: J-570 currently extends between the Albany, NY, VORTAC, and 
the Mirabel, PQ, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion outside of the 
United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    J-573: J-573 currently extends between the Kennebunk, ME, VOR/DME, 
and the St John, NB, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion outside of 
the United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    J-582: J-582 currently extends between the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/
DME, and the Sept Isle, PQ, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion 
outside of the United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire 
route.
    J-585: J-585 currently extends between the Nantucket, MA, VOR/DME, 
and the Yarmouth, NS, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion outside of 
the United States. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    In addition to the above jet route changes, the FAA proposes to 
remove one high altitude RNAV route as follows:
    Q-108: Q-108 currently extends between the GADAY, FL, WP and the 
HKUNA, FL, fix. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004; and United States 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 jet routes and RNAV 
route listed in this document would be subsequently amended in, or 
removed, respectively, from the Order.

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    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 2004 Jet Routes

J-2

    From Mission Bay, CA; Imperial, CA; Bard, AZ; INT Bard 089[deg] 
and Gila Bend, AZ, 261[deg]radials; Gila Bend; Tucson, AZ; El Paso, 
TX; Fort Stockton, TX; Junction, TX; San Antonio, TX; Humble, TX; 
Lake Charles, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; Semmes, AL; Crestview, FL; to 
INT Crestview 091[deg]and Seminole, FL, 290[deg]radials.

J-14

    From Panhandle, TX; via Will Rogers, OK; Little Rock, AR; to 
Vulcan, AL.

J-24

    From Myton, UT, to Hayden, CO. From Hugo, CO, Hays, KS; via 
Salina, KS; Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO; Brickyard, IN; Falmouth, 
KY; Charleston, WV; to Montebello, VA.

J-37

    From Hobby, TX, via INT of the Hobby 090[deg] and Harvey, LA, 
266[deg] radials; Harvey; Semmes, AL; to Montgomery, AL.

J-39

    From Montgomery, AL; Vulcan, AL, Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY, 
to Rosewood, OH.

J-42

    From Delicias, Mexico, via Fort Stockton, TX; Abilene, TX; 
Ranger, TX; Texarkana, AR; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Beckley, WV; 
Montebello, VA; to Gordonsville, VA.

J-52

    From Vancouver, BC, Canada; via Spokane, WA; Salmon, ID; Dubois, 
ID; Rock Springs, WY; Falcon, CO; Hugo, CO; Lamar, CO; Liberal, KS; 
INT Liberal 137[deg] and Ardmor, OK 309[deg] radials; Ardmore; 
Texarkana, AR; Sidon, MS; Bigbee, MS; to Vulcan, AL.

J-55 [Remove]

J-61

    From Westminster, MD; to Philipsburg, PA.

J-62 [Remove]

J-68

    From Gopher, MN, INT Gopher 109[deg] and Dells, WI, 310[deg] 
radials; Dells; Badger, WI; INT Badger 086[deg] and Flint, MI, 
278[deg] radials; to Flint.

J-79 [Remove]

J-109 [Remove]

J-121 [Remove]

J-150 [Remove]

J-165 [Remove]

J-174 [Remove]

J-191 [Remove]

J-193 [Remove]

J-222 [Remove]

J-225 [Remove]

J-230 [Remove]

J-506 [Remove]

J-561 [Remove]

J-563 [Remove]

J-570 [Remove]

J-573 [Remove]

J-582 [Remove]

J-585 [Remove]

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

Q-108 [Remove]

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 11, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-05857 Filed 3-20-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P