[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 28, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23456-23458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08948]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0039; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-18]
RIN 2120-AA66


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends 10 jet routes, and removes 8 jet routes, in 
the eastern United States. This action is in support of the Northeast 
Corridor Atlantic Route Project to improve the efficiency of the 
National Airspace System (NAS) and reduce the dependency on ground-
based navigational systems.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 16, 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, Policy Directorate, 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 route structure in the National Airspace 
System as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air 
traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0039 in the Federal Register (85 FR 6118; February 4, 2020) 
amending and removing certain Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes in the 
eastern United States. Interested parties were invited to participate 
in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the 
proposal. No comments were received.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004 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 listed in this 
document will be subsequently amended in, or removed from, 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 amending 10 jet routes, and removing 8 jet routes in the 
eastern United States. This action supports the Northeast Corridor 
Atlantic Coast Route Project by removing or amending certain jet routes 
as a result of the continuing development of new high altitude RNAV 
routes (Q-routes) in the NAS. Additionally, the jet route changes will 
reduce aeronautical chart clutter by removing unneeded route segments.
    The jet route changes are as follows:
    J-14: J-14 currently extends between the Panhandle, TX, VORTAC; and 
the Patuxent, MD, VORTAC. This action removes the route segments 
between the Vulcan, AL, VORTAC and the Greensboro, NC, VORTAC. This 
splits the route into two separate parts. As amended, J-14 extends 
between Panhandle, TX, and Vulcan, AL; followed by a gap in the route, 
with a second part extending between Greensboro, NC, and Patuxent, MD.
    J-20: J-20 currently extends between the Seattle, WA, VORTAC, and 
the Seminole, FL, VORTAC. This action removes the segments between the 
Montgomery, AL, VORTAC and Seminole, FL. The amended route extends 
between Seattle, WA, and Montgomery, AL.
    J-40: J-40 currently extends between the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC, 
and the Richmond, VA, VOR/DME. This action removes the entire route.
    J-41: J-41 currently extends between the Seminole, FL, VORTAC, and 
the Omaha, IA, VORTAC. This action removes the portion of the route 
between the Seminole, FL, VORTAC, and Montgomery, AL. The amended

[[Page 23457]]

route extends between the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC, and Omaha, IA.
    J-43: J-43 currently extends between the intersection of the Cross 
City, FL VORTAC 322[deg] and the Seminole, FL, VORTAC, 359[deg] 
radials, and the Carleton, MI, VOR/DME. This action removes the 
segments between the intersection of the Cross City and the Seminole 
radials and the Volunteer, TN, VORTAC. The amended route extends 
between Volunteer, TN, and Carleton, MI.
    J-45: J-45 currently extends between the Alma, GA, VORTAC and the 
Aberdeen, SD, VOR/DME. The action removes the segments between the 
Alma, GA, VORTAC and the Atlanta, GA, VORTAC. The amended route extends 
between Atlanta, GA and Aberdeen, SD.
    J-51: J-51 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Columbia, SC, VORTAC, 042[deg] and the Flat Rock, VA, VORTAC, 212[deg] 
radials, and the Yardley, NJ, VOR/DME. This action removes the entire 
route.
    J-52: J-52 currently extends, in two segments: between the 
Vancouver, BC, Canada, VOR/DME and the Columbia, SC, VORTAC; and 
between the intersection of the Columbia 042[deg] and the Flat Rock, 
VA, VORTAC, 212[deg] radials, and the Richmond, VA, VOR/DME. This 
removes the segments between the Vulcan, AL, VORTAC and the 
intersection of the Columbia, SC, VORTAC, 042[deg] and the Flat Rock, 
VA, VORTAC, 212[deg] radials. As amended J-52 extends, in two parts: 
Between Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Vulcan, AL; 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, and Richmond, VA. The 
portion within Canada is excluded.
    J-53: J-53 currently extends between the intersection of the Craig, 
FL 347[deg] and the Colliers, SC 174[deg] radials, and the Pulaski, VA, 
VORTAC. This action removes the entire route.
    J-73: J-73 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Seminole, FL, VORTAC, 344[deg] and the Cross City, FL, VORTAC, 322[deg] 
radials, and Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME. This action removes the segment 
between the intersection of the Seminole, FL, 344[deg] and the Cross 
City, FL, 322[deg] radials, and the La Grange, GA, VORTAC. As amended, 
the route extends between La Grange, GA, and Northbrook, IL.
    J-75: J-75 currently extends between the Greensboro, NC, VORTAC and 
the Boston, MA, VOR/DME. This action removes the entire route.
    J-81: J-81 currently extends between the intersection of the Craig, 
AL, VORTAC, 347[deg] and the Colliers, SC, VORTAC, 174[deg] radials, 
and Colliers, SC. This action removes the entire route.
    J-85: J-85 currently extends between the Alma, GA, VORTAC, and the 
Dryer, OH, VOR/DME. This action removes the segments between Alma, GA, 
and the Spartanburg, SC, VORTAC. As amended, J-85 extends between 
Spartanburg, SC, and Dryer, OH.
    J-89: J-89 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Atlanta, GA, VORTAC, 161[deg] and the Alma, GA, VORTAC, 252[deg] 
radials, and the Winnipeg, MB, Canada, VORTAC. This action removes the 
segments between the intersection of the Atlanta and the Alma radials, 
and the Atlanta VORTAC. The amended route extends between the Atlanta, 
GA, VORTAC and Winnipeg, MB, Canada. The portion within Canada is 
excluded.
    J-91: J-91 currently extends between the intersection of the Cross 
City, FL, VORTAC, 338[deg] and the Atlanta, GA, VORTAC, 169[deg] 
radials, and the Henderson, WV, VORTAC. This action remove the segments 
between the intersection of the Cross City VORTAC and the Atlanta, GA, 
VORTAC radials, and the Volunteer, TN, VORTAC. The amended route 
extends between the Volunteer, TN, VORTAC and the Henderson VORTAC.
    J-97: J-97 currently extends between lat. 39[deg]07'00'' N., long. 
67[deg]00'00'' W. (the SLATN Fix) and the Boston, MA, VOR/DME. This 
action removes the entire route.
    J-210: J-210 currently extends between the Vance, SC, VORTAC and 
the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC. This action removes the entire route.
    J-575: J-575 currently extends between the Boston, MA, VOR/DME and 
the Yarmouth, NS, Canada, VOR/DME. This action removes the entire 
route.

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 10 jet routes, 
removing 8 jet routes in the eastern United States 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, 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, 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 has determined 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).

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 2004 Jet Routes

* * * * *

[[Page 23458]]

J-14 [Amended]

    From Panhandle, TX; via Will Rogers, OK; Little Rock, AR; to 
Vulcan, AL. From Greensboro, NC; Richmond, VA; INT Richmond 039[deg] 
and Patuxent, MD, 228[deg] radials; to Patuxent.

J-20 [Amended]

    From Seattle, WA, via Yakima, WA; Pendleton, OR; Donnelly, ID; 
Pocatello, ID; Rock Springs, WY; Falcon, CO; Hugo, CO; Lamar, CO; 
Liberal, KS; INT Liberal 137[deg] and Will Rogers, OK, 284[deg] 
radials; Will Rogers; Belcher, LA; Magnolia, MS; Meridian, MS; to 
Montgomery, AL.

J-40 [Removed]

J-41 [Amended]

    From Montgomery, AL; Vulcan, AL; Memphis, TN; Springfield, MO, 
Kansas City, MO, to Omaha, IA.

J-43 [Amended]

    From Volunteer, TN; Falmouth, KY; Rosewood, OH; to Carleton, MI.

J-45 [Amended]

    From Atlanta, GA; Nashville, TN; St Louis, MO; Kirksville, MO; 
Des Moines, IA; Sioux Falls, SD; to Aberdeen, SD.

J-51 [Removed]

J-52 [Amended]

    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 Ardmore, OK, 309[deg] radials; Ardmore; 
Texarkana, AR; Sidon, MS; Bigbee, MS; to Vulcan, AL. From INT 
Columbia 042[deg] and Flat Rock, VA 212[deg] radials; Raleigh-
Durham, NC; to Richmond, VA. The portion within Canada is excluded.

J-53 [Removed]

J-73 [Amended]

    From La Grange, GA; Nashville, TN; Pocket City, IN; to 
Northbrook, IL.

J-75 [Removed]

J-81 [Removed]

J-85 [Amended]

    From Spartanburg, SC; Charleston, WV; INT Charleston 357[deg] 
and Dryer, OH, 172[deg] radials; Dryer.

J-89 [Amended]

    From Atlanta, GA; Louisville, KY; Boiler, IN; Northbrook, IL; 
Badger, WI; Duluth, MN; to Winnipeg, MB, Canada. The portion within 
Canada is excluded.

J-91 [Amended]

    From Volunteer, TN; to Henderson, WV.

J-97 [Removed]

J-210 [Removed]

J-575 [Removed]

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-08948 Filed 4-27-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P