[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 129 (Monday, July 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40089-40092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14313]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 40089]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0236; Airspace Docket No. 18-AEA-16]
RIN 2120-AA66


Establishment and Amendment of Area Navigation Routes, Northeast 
Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes; Eastern United States.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action establishes seven new high altitude area 
navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and modifies one existing Q-route, 
in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) 
Project. This action improves the efficiency of the National Airspace 
System (NAS) by expanding the availability of RNAV routing and reducing 
the dependency on ground-based navigational systems.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, September 10, 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 
eastern United States to maintain the efficient flow of air traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0236 in the Federal Register (85 FR 16572; March 24, 2020) to 
establish 19 new Q-routes, and amend 13 existing Q-routes, in the 
northeastern United States to support the Northeast Corridor Atlantic 
Coast Route project. The NPRM proposed to designate the following new 
routes: Q-101, Q-107, Q-111, Q-115, Q-117, Q-119, Q-127, Q-129, Q-131, 
Q-133, Q-167, Q-220, Q-419, Q-430, Q-437, Q-439, Q-445, Q-450, and Q-
481. In addition, the NPRM proposed amendments to the following 
existing routes: Q-22, Q-54, Q-60, Q-64, Q-85, Q-87, Q-97, Q-99, Q-109, 
Q-113, Q-135, Q-409, and Q-480. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.

Differences From the NPRM

    As the NPRM was published, the United States was undergoing the 
effects of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed 
to confront the pandemic impacted the ability of air traffic control 
facilities to conduct the required air traffic controller training to 
implement these routes, including required classroom and simulator 
training. The FAA determined that training to implement all 32 routes 
addressed in the NPRM could not be accomplished in the near-term.
    As a result, the FAA is limiting the scope of this rule to 
establishing the following seven Q-routes: Q-119, Q-127, Q-129, Q-220, 
Q-430, Q-439, and Q-450; and amending the existing route: Q-480. The 
descriptions of these routes are the same as proposed in the NPRM. The 
remaining routes contained in the NPRM are removed from this rule and 
will be addressed by separate rulemaking action at a later date.
    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.

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 establishing seven new Q-routes, and amending one existing 
Q-route, in the eastern United States to support the Northeast Corridor 
Atlantic Coast Route project. The new routes are designated: Q-119, Q-
127, Q-129, Q-220, Q-430, Q-439, and Q-450. In addition, amendments are 
made to the description of Q-480.
    The new Q-routes are described as follows:
    Q-119: Q-119 extends between the SCOOB, VA, WP, and the 
Westminster, MD (EMI), VORTAC.
    Q-127: Q-127 extends between the Gordonsville, VA (GVE), VORTAC, 
and the Smyrna, DE (ENO), VORTAC.

[[Page 40090]]

    Q-129: Q-129 extends between the GARIC, NC, WP, and the PYTON, MD, 
WP.
    Q-220: Q-220 extends between the RIFLE, NY, Fix, and the LARIE, MA, 
WP.
    Q-430: Q-430 extends between the ZANDER, OH, Fix, and the 
Nantucket, MA (ACK), VOR/DME.
    Q-439: Q-439 extends between the BRIGS, NJ, Fix, and the Presque 
Isle, ME (PQI), VOR/DME.
    Q-450: Q-450 extends between the HNNAH, NJ, Fix, and the Deer Park, 
NY (DPK), VOR/DME.
    The amended Q route is described as follows:
    Q-480: Q-480 extends between the ZANDR, OH, Fix, and the Kennebunk, 
ME, VORTAC. The route is amended by inserting the KYLOH, NH, WP and the 
BEEKN, ME, WPs between the Barnes, MA (BAF), VORTAC, and the Kennebunk, 
ME (ENE), VOR/DME. Otherwise, Q-480 remains as currently charted.
    Full route descriptions of the proposed new and amended routes are 
listed in ``The Amendment'' section of this rule.
    The new and amended routes 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.
    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 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 establishing seven high 
altitude RNAV routes (Q routes), and amending one Q route 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

 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-119 SCOOB, VA to Westminster, MD (EMI) [New]
SCOOB, VA               WP                     (Lat. 37[deg]35'32.00'' N, long. 076[deg]37'49.00'' W)
GROKK, VA               WP                     (Lat. 37[deg]52'22.88'' N, long. 076[deg]40'49.87'' W)
RYVRR, VA               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]02'17.54'' N, long. 076[deg]42'36.92'' W)
SHTGN, MD               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]14'45.29'' N, long. 076[deg]44'52.23'' W)
DUALY, MD               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]45'53.59'' N, long. 076[deg]50'33.76'' W)
HALEX, MD               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]53'49.13'' N, long. 076[deg]52'01.49'' W)
Westminster, MD (EMI)   VORTAC                 (Lat. 39[deg]29'42.03'' N, long. 076[deg]58'42.86'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-127 Gordonsville, VA (GVE) to Smyrna, DE (ENO) [New]
Gordonsville, VA (GVE)  VORTAC                 (Lat. 38[deg]00'48.96'' N, long. 078[deg]09'10.89'' W)
BUKYY, MD               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]42'20.00'' N, long. 076[deg]44'42.63'' W)
BAILZ, MD               WP                     (Lat. 38[deg]44'54.47'' N, long. 076[deg]38'48.17'' W)
GRACO, MD               FIX                    (Lat. 38[deg]56'29.81'' N, long. 076[deg]11'59.22'' W)
Smyrna, DE (ENO)        VORTAC                 (Lat. 39[deg]13'53.93'' N, long. 075[deg]30'57.49'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-129 GARIC, NC to PYTON, MD [New]
GARIC, NC               WP                     (Lat. 33[deg]52'34.84'' N, long. 077[deg]58'53.66'' W)
YERBA, NC               WP                     (Lat. 35[deg]19'00.83'' N, long. 077[deg]55'44.62'' W)

[[Page 40091]]

 
AARNN, NC               WP                     (Lat. 36[deg]22'43.59'' N, long. 078[deg]01'04.05'' W)
THEOO, VA               WP                     (Lat. 37[deg]35'34.68'' N, long. 078[deg]07'20.23'' W)
PYTON, MD               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]42'38.01'' N, long. 078[deg]18'10.19'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-220 RIFLE, NY to LARIE, MA [New]
RIFLE, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
HOFFI, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]48'03.46'' N, long. 072[deg]27'41.97'' W)
ORCHA, NY               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]54'55.46'' N, long. 072[deg]18'43.64'' W)
ALBOW, NY               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]02'04.04'' N, long. 071[deg]58'30.69'' W)
Sandy Point, RI (SEY)   VOR/DME                (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
SKOWL, RI               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]15'47.18'' N, long. 071[deg]16'44.35'' W)
JAWZZ, MA               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]24'08.08'' N, long. 070[deg]50'33.25'' W)
LARIE, MA               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]49'23.46'' N, long. 069[deg]58'41.96'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-430 ZANDER, OH to Nantucket, MA (ACK) [New]
ZANDER, OH              FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]00'18.75'' N, long. 081[deg]31'58.35'' W)
Bellaire, OH (AIR)      VOR/DME                (Lat. 40[deg]01'01.29'' N, long. 080[deg]49'02.02'' W)
LEJOY, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]00'12.22'' N, long. 079[deg]24'53.61'' W)
VINSE, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]58'16.21'' N, long. 077[deg]57'21.20'' W)
BEETS, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]57'20.57'' N, long. 077[deg]26'59.55'' W)
LARRI, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]57'02.33'' N, long. 077[deg]17'54.14'' W)
SAAME, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]01'51.82'' N, long. 076[deg]29'02.39'' W)
BYRDD, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]05'31.93'' N, long. 075[deg]49'07.29'' W)
COPES, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]07'50.57'' N, long. 075[deg]22'36.37'' W)
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV)  VORTAC                 (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
MYRCA, NJ               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]20'42.97'' N, long. 073[deg]56'58.07'' W)
CREEL, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]26'50.51'' N, long. 073[deg]33'10.68'' W)
RIFLE, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
KYSKY, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]46'52.75'' N, long. 072[deg]12'21.45'' W)
LIBBE, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 41[deg]00'15.86'' N, long. 071[deg]21'20.34'' W)
FLAPE, MA               FIX                    (Lat. 41[deg]03'56.30'' N, long. 071[deg]04'10.55'' W)
DEEPO, MA               FIX                    (Lat. 41[deg]06'53.96'' N, long. 070[deg]50'09.85'' W)
Nantucket, MA (ACK)     VOR/DME                (Lat. 41[deg]16'54.79'' N, long. 070[deg]01'36.16'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-439 BRIGS, NJ to Presque Isle, ME (PQI) [New]
BRIGS, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]31'24.72'' N, long. 074[deg]08'19.67'' W)
DRIFT, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]48'53.56'' N, long. 073[deg]40'49.53'' W)
MANTA, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]54'07.01'' N, long. 073[deg]32'31.63'' W)
PLUME, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]07'06.67'' N, long. 073[deg]17'08.03'' W)
SHERL, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]15'20.55'' N, long. 073[deg]07'18.26'' W)
DUNEE, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]19'24.38'' N, long. 073[deg]02'26.06'' W)
SARDI, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]31'26.61'' N, long. 072[deg]47'55.87'' W)
RIFLE, NY               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
FOXWD, CT               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]48'21.66'' N, long. 071[deg]48'07.03'' W)
BOGRT, MA               WP                     (Lat. 42[deg]13'56.08'' N, long. 071[deg]31'07.37'' W)
BLENO, NH               WP                     (Lat. 42[deg]54'55.00'' N, long. 071[deg]04'43.37'' W)
BEEKN, ME               WP                     (Lat. 43[deg]20'51.95'' N, long. 070[deg]44'50.28'' W)
FRIAR, ME               FIX                    (Lat. 44[deg]26'28.93'' N, long. 069[deg]53'04.38'' W)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI)  VOR/DME                (Lat. 46[deg]46'27.07'' N, long. 068[deg]05'40.37'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-450 HNNAH, NJ to Deer Park, NY (DPK) [New]
HNNAH, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]28'12.73'' N, long. 074[deg]02'36.62'' W)
Kennedy, NY (JFK)       VOR/ME                 (Lat. 40[deg]37'58.40'' N, long. 073[deg]46'17.00'' W)
Deer Park, NY (DPK)     VOR/DME                (Lat. 40[deg]47'30.30'' N, long. 073[deg]18'13.17'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-480 ZANDR, OH to Kennebunk, ME (ENE) [Amended]
ZANDR, OH               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]00'18.75'' N, long. 081[deg]31'58.35'' W)
Bellaire, OH (AIR)      VOR/DME                (Lat. 40[deg]01'01.29'' N, long. 080[deg]49'02.02'' W)
LEJOY, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]00'12.22'' N, long. 079[deg]24'53.61'' W)
VINSE, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]58'16.21'' N, long. 077[deg]57'21.20'' W)
BEETS, PA               FIX                    (Lat. 39[deg]57'20.57'' N, long. 077[deg]26'59.55'' W)

[[Page 40092]]

 
HOTEE, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]20'36.00'' N, long. 076[deg]29'37.00'' W)
MIKYG, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]36'06.00'' N, long. 075[deg]49'11.00'' W)
SPOTZ, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]45'55.00'' N, long. 075[deg]22'59.00'' W)
CANDR, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 40[deg]58'15.55'' N, long. 074[deg]57'35.38'' W)
JEFFF, NJ               FIX                    (Lat. 41[deg]14'46.38'' N, long. 074[deg]27'43.29'' W)
Kingston, NY (IGN)      VOR/DME                (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.62'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.01'' W)
LESWL, CT               WP                     (Lat. 41[deg]53'31.00'' N, long. 073[deg]19'20.00'' W)
Barnes, MA (BAF)        VORTAC                 (Lat. 42[deg]09'43.05'' N, long. 072[deg]42'58.32'' W)
KYLOH, NH               WP                     (Lat. 43[deg]03'53.11'' N, long. 071[deg]13'45.49'' W)
BEEKN, ME               WP                     (Lat. 43[deg]20'51.95'' N, long. 070[deg]44'50.28'' W)
Kennebunk, ME (ENE)     VOR/DME                (Lat. 43[deg]25'32.42'' N, long. 070[deg]36'48.69'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-14313 Filed 7-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P