[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 180 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57675-57677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19467]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0610; Airspace Docket No. 19-ANE-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Subdivision of Restricted Area R-4101; Camp Edwards, MA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies restricted area R-4101 at Camp Edwards, 
MA, by vertically subdividing the area into R-4101A, R-4101B, and R-
4101C. Currently, R-4101 extends from the surface to 9,000 feet MSL. 
The FAA is taking this action to allow for more efficient use of the 
airspace during periods when military activities do not require the 
full vertical extent of restricted area R-4101. The modifications are 
fully contained within the existing lateral and vertical limits of R-
4101. The activities conducted in the airspace are unchanged.

DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, November 5, 2020.

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 since it vertically subdivides the restricted airspace at 
Camp Edwards, MA, into three sections to enable more efficient use of 
airspace.

Background

    Restricted area R-4101 at Camp Edwards, MA, currently extends from 
the surface to 9,000 feet MSL. The time of designation for the area is 
``From 0600 to 1800 local time, daily, or other times as specified by 
NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.''
    An FAA review of the utilization reports for R-4101 revealed that 
most activities being conducted only require restricted airspace up to 
2,500 feet MSL. Less frequent activities are conducted that require 
restricted airspace up to 5,000 feet MSL, and 9,000 feet MSL, 
respectively.
    To provide for more efficient use of airspace, the FAA and the 
using agency agreed to subdivide R-4101 vertically into three areas: R-
4101A extending from the surface to but not including 2,500 feet MSL; 
R-4101B extending from 2,500 feet MSL to but not including 5,000 feet 
MSL; and R-4101C extending from 5,000 feet MSL to 9,000 feet MSL. The 
new configuration

[[Page 57676]]

enables activation of restricted airspace to the lower altitude 
required for the majority of the using agency's training needs while 
maintaining the ability to activate additional restricted airspace for 
missions that require higher altitudes.
    These changes will accommodate the using agency's requirements 
while releasing unneeded restricted airspace for access by other users. 
The lateral boundaries of the restricted airspace, the overall vertical 
limits, and the activities conducted within the airspace are unchanged.

The Rule

    This rule amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 
73 by subdividing the R-4101 at Camp Edwards, MA, into three areas: R-
4101A extending from the surface to but not including 2,500 feet MSL; 
R-4101B extending from 2,500 feet MSL to but not including 5,000 feet 
MSL; and R-4101C extending from 5,000 feet MSL to 9,000 feet MSL. The 
time of designation for R-4101A and B remains the same as currently 
designated for R-4101: ``From 0600 to 1800 local time, daily, or other 
times as specified by NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.'' The time of 
designation for R-4101C, due to its less frequent utilization, is ``By 
NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.'' The changes are fully contained 
within the existing lateral and vertical dimensions of R-4101, and the 
activities conducted within the restricted areas are unchanged.
    These changes enhance the efficient use of the National Airspace 
System by providing for: Activation of the minimum amount of restricted 
airspace needed for the specific mission being conducted; releasing 
unneeded restricted airspace for access by other users; and, more 
clearly informing the public of when to expect activation of the 
restricted airspace.
    In addition, the modifications do not change the current lateral 
boundaries, overall designated altitudes, or activities conducted 
within the restricted areas; therefore, I find that notice and public 
procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this action 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 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 restricted 
area R-4101 at Camp Edwards, MA, by vertically subdividing the area 
into R-4101A, R-4101B, and R-4101C, qualifies for categorical exclusion 
under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 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). This action also qualifies for 
FAA categorical exclusion under paragraph 5-6.5d, which categorically 
excludes from further environmental impact review ``Modification of the 
technical description of special use airspace (SUA) that does not alter 
the dimensions, altitudes, or times of designation of the airspace 
(such as changes in designation of the controlling or using agency, or 
correction of typographical errors).'' As such, this action is not 
expected to result in any potentially significant environmental 
impacts. A separate categorical exclusion declaration document citing 
the applicability of FAA categorical exclusion 5-6.5d was signed on May 
21, 2020. 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 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
1. The authority citation for part 73 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.  73. 41   [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.41 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-4101 Camp Edwards, MA [Removed]

R-4101A Camp Edwards, MA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 41[deg]40'52'' N, long. 
70[deg]33'07'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'01'' N, long. 70[deg]33'58'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'58'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]42'52'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 41[deg]43'52'' N, 
long. 70[deg]34'30'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'30'' N, long. 
70[deg]34'14'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'17'' N, long. 70[deg]34'11'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]45'12'' N, long. 70[deg]33'59'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]46'07'' N, long. 70[deg]33'02'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'37'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'40'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'11'' N, long. 70[deg]29'38'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]43'06'' N, long. 70[deg]30'06'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]43'07'' N, long. 70[deg]30'34'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'45'' N, 
long. 70[deg]30'48'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'38'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'31'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'51'' N, long. 70[deg]30'50'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'38'' N, long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]41'20'' N, long. 70[deg]31'27'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'24'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'06'' N, long. 
70[deg]31'52'' W; to the point of beginning.
    Designated Altitudes. Surface to but not including 2,500 feet 
MSL.
    Times of designation. From 0600 to 1800 local time, daily, or 
other times as specified by NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Boston Approach Control.
    Using agency. Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Edwards, MA.

R-4101B Camp Edwards, MA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 41[deg]40'52'' N, long. 
70[deg]33'07'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'01'' N, long. 70[deg]33'58'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'58'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]42'52'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 41[deg]43'52'' N, 
long. 70[deg]34'30'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'30'' N, long. 
70[deg]34'14'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'17'' N, long. 70[deg]34'11'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]45'12'' N, long. 70[deg]33'59'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]46'07'' N, long. 70[deg]33'02'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'37'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'40'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'11'' N, long. 70[deg]29'38'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]43'06'' N, long. 70[deg]30'06'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]43'07'' N, long. 70[deg]30'34'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'45'' N, 
long. 70[deg]30'48'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'38'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'31'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'51'' N, long. 70[deg]30'50'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'38'' N, long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]41'20'' N, long. 70[deg]31'27'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'24'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'06'' N, long. 
70[deg]31'52'' W; to the point of beginning.

[[Page 57677]]

    Designated Altitudes. 2,500 feet MSL to but not including 5,000 
feet MSL.
    Times of designation. From 0600 to 1800 local time, daily, or 
other times as specified by NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Boston Approach Control.
    Using agency. Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Edwards, MA.

R-4101C Camp Edwards, MA [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 41[deg]40'52'' N, long. 
70[deg]33'07'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'01'' N, long. 70[deg]33'58'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'58'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]42'52'' N, long. 70[deg]34'56'' W; to lat. 41[deg]43'52'' N, 
long. 70[deg]34'30'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'30'' N, long. 
70[deg]34'14'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'17'' N, long. 70[deg]34'11'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]45'12'' N, long. 70[deg]33'59'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]46'07'' N, long. 70[deg]33'02'' W; to lat. 41[deg]45'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'37'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'40'' W; to lat. 41[deg]44'11'' N, long. 70[deg]29'38'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]43'06'' N, long. 70[deg]30'06'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]43'07'' N, long. 70[deg]30'34'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'45'' N, 
long. 70[deg]30'48'' W; to lat. 41[deg]42'38'' N, long. 
70[deg]30'31'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'51'' N, long. 70[deg]30'50'' W; 
to lat. 41[deg]41'38'' N, long. 70[deg]31'16'' W; to lat. 
41[deg]41'20'' N, long. 70[deg]31'27'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'18'' N, 
long. 70[deg]31'24'' W; to lat. 41[deg]41'06'' N, long. 
70[deg]31'52'' W; to the point of beginning.
    Designated Altitudes. 5,000 feet MSL to 9,000 feet MSL.
    Times of designation. By NOTAM issued 48 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Boston Approach Control.
    Using agency. Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Camp Edwards, MA.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-19467 Filed 9-15-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P