[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 18, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50777-50779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17981]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0189; Airspace Docket No. 19-AGL-2]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of V-55, V-271, T-217, and T-265, and Revocation of V-
215 and V-450 in the Vicinity of Muskegon, MI

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal 
airways V-55 and V-271; amends Area Navigation (RNAV) routes T-217 and 
T-265; and removes VOR Federal airways V-215 and V-450 in the vicinity 
of Muskegon, MI. The air traffic service (ATS) route amendments are 
necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the 
Muskegon, MI, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid 
(NAVAID) which provides navigation guidance for portions of the 
affected ATS routes. This VOR is being decommissioned as part of the 
FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, November 5, 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: 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 modifies the route structure as necessary to preserve 
the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace 
System.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for Docket 
No. FAA-2020-0189 in the Federal Register (85 FR 16287; March 23, 
2020), amending VOR Federal airways V-55 and V-271; amending RNAV 
routes T-217 and T-265; and removing VOR Federal airways V-215 and V-
450 in the vicinity of Muskegon, MI. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    Subsequent to the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. 
FAA-2019-1105 in the Federal Register (85 FR 38785; June 29, 2020), 
amending VOR Federal airway V-55 by removing the airway segment 
overlying the Siren, WI, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) 
between the Eau Claire, WI, VORTAC and the Siren, WI, VOR/DME. That 
airway amendment, effective September 10, 2020, is included in this 
rule.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and RNAV T-
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 
will be subsequently published in the Order.

Differences From the Proposal

    The RNAV route T-215 identifier listed in the Title and in the 
``Summary'' section of the NPRM was an editorial error. The correct 
route identification for the proposed RNAV route amendment addressed in 
the NPRM is T-217 and was correct as presented in the ``Background,'' 
``The Proposal,'' and the regulatory text sections. As such, the RNAV 
route identifier listed in the Title and ``Summary'' section should 
reflect ``T-217'' instead of ``T-215''. This editorial correction is 
included in this action.

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 to modify VOR Federal airways V-55 and V-271, modify RNAV 
routes T-217 and T-265, and remove VOR Federal airways V-215 and V-450. 
The planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Muskegon, MI, 
VORTAC has made this action necessary. The VOR Federal airway changes 
are outlined below.
    V-55: V-55 extends between the Dayton, OH, VOR/DME and the 
intersection of the Green Bay, WI, VORTAC 270[deg] and Oshkosh, WI, 
VORTAC 339[deg] radials (BIPID fix); and between the Park Rapids, MN, 
VOR/DME and the Bismarck, ND, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the 
Pullman, MI, VOR/DME and the intersection of the Green Bay, WI, VORTAC 
270[deg] and Oshkosh, WI, VORTAC 339[deg] radials (BIPID fix) is 
removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as 
charted.
    V-215: V-215 extends between the intersection of the Muskegon, MI, 
VORTAC 208[deg] and Pullman, MI, VOR/DME 261[deg] radials (JYBEE fix) 
and the Gaylord, MI, VOR/DME. The airway is removed in its entirety.
    V-271: V-271 extends between the Muskegon, MI, VORTAC and the 
Escanaba, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Muskegon, MI, 
VORTAC and the Manistee, MI, VOR/DME is removed. The unaffected 
portions of the existing airway remain as charted.

[[Page 50778]]

    V-450: V-450 extends between the Escanaba, MI, VOR/DME and the 
Flint, MI, VORTAC. The airway is removed in its entirety.
    The RNAV route changes are outlined below.
    T-217: T-217 extends between the Lexington, KY, VOR/DME and the 
BONEE, OH, fix. The route is extended northwestward from the BONEE, OH, 
fix to the GAYLE, MI, waypoint. The extension of T-217 replaces the 
loss of a portion of V-450 west of the Muskegon VORTAC. Additionally, 
the type of NAVAID facility listed for the Lexington, KY, route point 
is corrected from ``VORTAC'' to ``VOR/DME'' and the geographic 
coordinates of each route point are expressed in degrees, minutes, 
seconds, and hundredths of a second.
    T-265: T-265 extends between the AHMED, IL, fix and the VEENA, WI, 
fix. The existing route is extended eastward and northward so the route 
begins at the JAYBE, WI, fix and ends at the PINES, MI, waypoint. The 
extension of T-265 establishes enroute structure to overcome the loss 
of the V-55 airway segment south of the Muskegon VORTAC and the loss of 
the V-215 airway segments north of the Muskegon VORTAC. Additionally, 
the geographic coordinates of each route point are expressed in 
degrees, minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second.
    The radials listed in the VOR Federal airway V-55 description below 
are unchanged and stated in True degrees.
    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 modifying VOR Federal 
airways V-55 and V-271, modifying RNAV routes T-217 and T-265, and 
removing VOR Federal airways V-215 and V-450 due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Muskegon, MI, VORTAC NAVAID 
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 result in 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 that 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).

Adoption of 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 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-55 [Amended]

    From Dayton, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; Goshen, IN; Gipper, MI; Keeler, 
MI; to Pullman, MI. From Park Rapids, MN; Grand Forks, ND; INT Grand 
Forks 239[deg] and Bismarck, ND, 067[deg] radials; to Bismarck.
* * * * *

V-215 [Removed]

* * * * *

V-271 [Amended]

    From Manistee, MI; to Escanaba, MI.
* * * * *

V-450 [Removed]

* * * * *

6011. United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-217 Lexington, KY (HYK) to Gayle, MI [Amended]
 
Lexington, KY (HYK)              VOR/DME            (Lat. 37[deg]57'58.86'' N, long. 084[deg]28'21.06'' W)
BOSTR, OH                        FIX                (Lat. 38[deg]53'08.13'' N, long. 084[deg]04'58.02'' W)
HEDEN, OH                        FIX                (Lat. 39[deg]16'44.88'' N, long. 084[deg]02'02.37'' W)
PRUDE, OH                        FIX                (Lat. 39[deg]25'44.92'' N, long. 083[deg]56'58.60'' W)
Springfield, OH (SGH)            DME                (Lat. 39[deg]50'11.55'' N, long. 083[deg]50'41.84'' W)
BONEE, OH                        FIX                (Lat. 40[deg]03'08.85'' N, long. 083[deg]56'56.15'' W)
SJAAY, IN                        WP                 (Lat. 40[deg]58'44.05'' N, long. 085[deg]11'17.17'' W)
DERRF, IN                        WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]39'56.73'' N, long. 085[deg]23'58.59'' W)
GETCH, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]10'07.15'' N, long. 086[deg]03'03.06'' W)
GAYLE, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]29'37.62'' N, long. 087[deg]00'13.08'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
T-265 Jaybe, WI to Pines, MI [Amended]
 
JAYBE, WI                        FIX                (Lat. 42[deg]38'39.36'' N, long. 088[deg]38'19.60'' W)
GRIFT, IL                        WP                 (Lat. 42[deg]17'28.14'' N, long. 088[deg]53'41.42'' W)
START, IL                        WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]45'24.83'' N, long. 089[deg]00'21.81'' W)
MEITZ, IL                        FIX                (Lat. 41[deg]23'30.87'' N, long. 088[deg]38'53.19'' W)

[[Page 50779]]

 
COYAP, IL                        WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]13'26.93'' N, long. 087[deg]41'20.30'' W)
MAPPS, IN                        WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]10'53.94'' N, long. 086[deg]56'32.63'' W)
KLROY, IN                        WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]19'19.37'' N, long. 086[deg]38'57.44'' W)
SMUUV, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 42[deg]27'58.77'' N, long. 086[deg]07'38.37'' W)
GETCH, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]10'07.15'' N, long. 086[deg]03'03.06'' W)
LADIN, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 44[deg]22'25.44'' N, long. 085[deg]09'38.61'' W)
CARGA, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 44[deg]38'28.29'' N, long. 084[deg]58'15.15'' W)
BUDHA, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 44[deg]58'24.33'' N, long. 084[deg]45'23.22'' W)
RONDO, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 45[deg]16'43.24'' N, long. 084[deg]31'06.32'' W)
PINES, MI                        WP                 (Lat. 46[deg]01'49.61'' N, long. 084[deg]29'12.25'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 12, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-17981 Filed 8-17-20; 8:45 am]
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