[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 1, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54233-54235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19082]
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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
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 6 jet routes, removes 4 jet routes, and
removes 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: 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: 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.
History
The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No.
FAA-2020-0187 in the Federal Register (85 FR 16289; March 23, 2020),
amending 9 jet routes, removing 22 jet routes and removing 1 high
altitude RNAV route in the eastern United States in support of the
Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project. The NPRM proposed to
amend the following existing routes: J-2, J-14, J-24, J-37, J-39, J-42,
J-52, J-61, and J-68. In addition, the NPRM proposed to remove the
following existing routes: J-55, J-62, J-79, J-109, J-121, J-150, J-
165, J-174, J-191, J-193, J-207, J-209, J-222, J-225, J-230, J-506, J-
561, J-563, J-570, J-573, J-582, J-585 and Q-108. Interested parties
were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting
written comments on the proposal. One comment was received expressing
overall agreement with the proposal.
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.
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and
[[Page 54234]]
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.
Differences From the Proposal
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
amend or remove these routes and the necessary administrative actions
to decommission the NAVAIDs.
As a result, the FAA is limiting the scope of this rule to amending
the following 6 jet routes: J-2, J-37, J-39, J-55, J-61, and J-121; and
removing the 4 existing jet routes and 1 high altitude area navigation
(RNAV) route: J-62, J-109, J-230, J-570, and Q-108. The descriptions of
these routes are the same as proposed in the NPRM; however, in the
original proposal the FAA was to remove J-55 and J-121; due to the
impacts of COVID-19 the FAA will amend them as noted in this rule, thus
retaining the air navigation services they provide. The remaining
routes contained in the NPRM are removed from this rule and will be
addressed by separate rulemaking action at a later date.
The J-37 route description information contained in ``The
Proposal'' section and in the regulatory text of the NPRM contained an
editorial error. Prior to publication of the NPRM, the FAA published a
rule for Docket No. FAA-2018-0817 in the Federal Register (85 FR 3814,
January 23, 2020) amending J-37 by removing the route segment between
the Hobby, TX, VOR/DME and the Harvey, LA, VORTAC. The J-37 amendment,
effective March 26, 2020, is included in this rule.
Additionally, in the NPRM for this rule, the eastern end point for
the J-2 route was defined by the intersection of the Crestview, FL,
091[deg] and the Seminole, FL, 290[deg] radials. Subsequent to the
NPRM, the Seminole, FL radial was replaced by the Montgomery, AL,
173[deg] radial to define the intersection. This rule amends that point
to read ``the intersection of Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery,
AL, 173[deg] radials'' (depicted on aeronautical charts as the DEFUN,
FL, INT). Also, in the preamble of the NPRM, in describing J-61, the
EDDYS, NC fix was incorrectly identified as the WETRO, NC waypoint. The
correct reference is included in this rule.
The Rule
This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 by amending 6 jet routes, removing 4 jet routes, and removing 1
high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the eastern United
States. This action will 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 will reduce aeronautical chart clutter by removing
unneeded route segments.
The jet route changes are as follows:
J-2: J-2 currently extends between the Mission Bay, CA, VORTAC, and
the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. This action removes the segment of the route
between the Seminole, FL, VORTAC and the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. As
amended, J-2 extends between the Mission Bay VORTAC and intersection of
the Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery, AL, 173[deg] radials
(depicted on aeronautical charts as the DEFUN, FL, INT).
J-37: J-37 currently consist of two separate segments: between the
Harvey, LA, VORTAC and the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC; followed by a gap; and
then between the Kennedy, NY, VOR/DME, and the Massena, NY, VORTAC. As
amended, J-37 will extend in three separate segments: The Harvey, LA,
VORTAC and the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC; the Lynchburg, VA, VOR/DME and
the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC; and the Kennedy, NY, VOR/DME and the Albany, NY,
VORTAC.
J-39: J-39 currently extends between the Crestview, FL, VORTAC, and
the Rosewood, OH, VORTAC. This action will remove the portion of the
route between the Crestview, FL and the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC. The
amended route will extend between Montgomery, AL and Rosewood, OH.
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 the Sea
Isle, NJ, VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The amended route
will extend in two parts: From INT Flat Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh
Durham, NC, 224[deg] radials and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and
Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials, and resuming from the Sea Isle, NJ,
VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME.
J-61: J-61 currently extends between the intersection of the Dixon,
NC, NDB 023[deg] and Nottingham, MD, VORTAC 174[deg] radials (the
EDDYS, NC fix), and the Philipsburg, PA, VORTAC. This action will
remove the segment between the EDDYS fix, and the Nottingham VORTAC.
The amended route will extend between 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 the Sea Isle, NJ,
VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The FAA will remove the
entire route. Alternative routing is available via J-222 to J-79.
J-109: J-109 currently extends between the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC,
and the Linden, VA, VORTAC. The FAA will delete the entire route.
J-121: J-121 currently extends between the Charleston, SC, VORTAC,
and the Kennebunk, ME, VOR/DME. The amended route will extend between
the Charleston, SC, VORTAC and INT Sea Isle, NJ, 050[deg] and Cedar
Lake, NJ, 091[deg] radials.
J-230: J-230 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ,
VORTAC, and the Bellaire, OH, VOR/DME. The FAA will delete 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 will delete 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 will delete the entire route.
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
[[Page 54235]]
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed 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 amending 6 jet routes,
removing 4 jet routes, and removing 1 high altitude area navigation
(RNAV) route 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
* * * * *
J-2 [Amended]
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, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery, AL, 173[deg] radials.
* * * * *
J-37 [Amended]
From Harvey, LA; Semmes, AL; to Montgomery, AL. From Lynchburg,
VA; Gordonsville, VA; Brooke, VA; INT Brooke 067[deg] and Coyle, NJ,
226[deg] radials; to Coyle. From Kennedy, NY; Kingston, NY; to
Albany, NY.
* * * * *
J-39 [Amended]
From Montgomery, AL; Vulcan, AL, Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY,
to Rosewood, OH.
* * * * *
J-55 [Amended]
From INT Flat Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh-Durham, NC,
224[deg] radials; Raleigh-Durham; INT Raleigh-Durham 035[deg] and
Hopewell, VA, 234[deg] radials; Hopewell; INT Hopewell 030[deg] and
Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials. From Sea Isle, NJ; INT Sea Isle
050[deg]and Hampton, NY, 223[deg] radials; Hampton; Providence, RI;
Boston, MA; Kennebunk, ME; to Presque Isle, ME.
* * * * *
J-61 [Amended]
From Westminster, MD; to Philipsburg, PA.
* * * * *
J-62 [Remove]
* * * * *
J-109 [Remove]
* * * * *
J-121 [Amended]
From Charleston, SC; Kinston, NC; Norfolk, VA; INT Norfolk
023[deg] and Snow Hill, MD, 211[deg] radials; Snow Hill; Sea Isle,
NJ; INT Sea Isle, NJ 050[deg] and Cedar Lake, NJ 091[deg] radials.
* * * * *
J-230 [Remove]
* * * * *
J-570 [Remove]
* * * * *
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes
* * * * *
Q-108 [Remove]
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 26, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-19082 Filed 8-31-20; 8:45 am]
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