[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 2, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12129-12132]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03931]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0054; Airspace Docket No. 20-AGL-34]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes T-322, T-
392, T-403, and T-405; Central United States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish area navigation (RNAV)
routes T-322, T-392, T-403, and T-405 in the central United States. The
proposed new RNAV routes would expand the availability of RNAV routing
in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) from
ground-based to satellite-based navigation. Additionally, a portion of
the new RNAV routes would provide enroute structure where VHF
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway segments were removed due to
the Sioux City, IA; Park Rapids, MN; and Huron, SD, VORs
decommissioning in support of the
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FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 16, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone:
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA-2021-0054; Airspace Docket No. 20-AGL-34 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11E, 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 7400.11E at NARA, email:
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jesse Acevedo, 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 expand the availability of RNAV in the central
United States and improve the efficient flow of air traffic within the
NAS by lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No.
FAA-2021-0054; Airspace Docket No. 20-AGL-34) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2021-0054; Airspace Docket No. 20-AGL-34.'' The
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified comment
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal
business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Central
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020 and effective
September 15, 2020. FAA Order 7400.11E is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points.
Background
In 2003, Congress enacted the Vision 100--Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 108-176), which established a joint
planning and development office in the FAA to manage the work related
to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Today,
NextGen is an ongoing FAA-led modernization of the nation's air
transportation system to make flying safer, more efficient, and more
predictable.
In support of NextGen efforts to improve the safety and efficiency
of the NAS, as well as transition the NAS from a ground-based to a
satellite-based Performance Based Navigation (PBN) system, the FAA is
proposing to establish RNAV routes T-322, T-392, T-403, and T-405 to
provide additional PBN enroute structure. This action would reduce air
traffic control (ATC) sector workload and complexity, reduce pilot-to-
controller communication, assist ATC when non-radar procedures are
required, and increase NAS capacity in the areas of the new RNAV T-
routes.
Additionally, the proposed T-routes would compensate for the
previously removed airway segments of VOR Federal airways due to the
Sioux City, IA; Park Rapids, MN; and Huron, SD, VORs being
decommissioned effective February 25, 2021. The new T-routes would also
provide Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) pilots that are equipped for RNAV
PBN additional ATS route options for navigating around areas of heavy
aviation activity and in areas of limited or no radar coverage. Visual
Flight Rules (VFR) pilots, equipped with RNAV PBN, who elect to
navigate via ATS routes, could also take advantage of the proposed RNAV
T-routes.
The new routes will also assist in reducing workload and sector
complexity for air traffic controllers, facilitate reduction of air to
ground communications, and assist in
[[Page 12131]]
increasing the efficiency and capacity of the NAS.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish RNAV routes T-322, T-392, T-
403, and T-405. The proposed new T-routes are described below.
T-322: T-322 is a new RNAV route that extends between the Rapid
City, SD, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Redwood Falls,
MN, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). This T-route provides
enroute routing over VOR Federal airway V-26.
T-392: T-392 is a new RNAV route that would extend between the
MZEEE, IA, waypoint (WP) located near the Sioux City, IA, VORTAC and
the GRSIS, MN, WP located near the Fairmont, MN, DME.
T-403: T-403 is a new RNAV route that would extend between the
GENEO, MN, WP located near the Darwin, MN, VORTAC and the BLUOX, MN,
fix located 40 NM North of the Park Rapids, MN, DME. This T-route would
provide enroute routing adjacent to VOR Federal airway V-171 between
the Darwin, MN, VORTAC and the Alexandria, MN, VOR/DME; and overlapping
VOR Federal airway V-175 between the Alexandria, MN, VOR/DME and the
BLUOX, MN, fix.
T-405: T-405 is a new RNAV route that would extend between the
FIITS, SD, WP located near the Yankton, SD, VOR/DME and the GICHI, ND,
WP located near the Devils Lake, ND, VOR/DME. This T-route would
provide enroute routing adjacent to VOR Federal airway V-159 between
the Yankton, SD, VOR/DME and the Huron, SD, DME; enroute routing
adjacent to VOR Federal airway V-15 between the Huron, SD, DME and the
Aberdeen, SD, VOR/DME; and enroute routing adjacent to VOR Federal
airway V-170 between the Aberdeen, SD, VOR/DME and the Devils Lake, ND,
VOR/DME.
United States RNAV T-routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA
Order 7400.11E, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 2020,
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV routes
listed in this document would be subsequently published in the Order.
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 proposed 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 will only affect air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule,
when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 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 7400.11E,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and
effective September 15, 2020, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-322 Rapid City, SD (RAP) to Redwood Falls, MN (RWD)
Rapid City, SD (RAP) VORTAC (Lat. 43[deg]58'33.74'' N, long. 103[deg]00'44.38'' W)
Philip, SD (PHP) VOR/DME (Lat. 44[deg]03'29.66'' N, long. 101[deg]39'51.10'' W)
Pierre, SD (PIR) VORTAC (Lat. 44[deg]23'40.40'' N, long. 100[deg]09'46.11'' W)
DAKPE, SD WP (Lat. 44[deg]25'58.37'' N, long. 098[deg]42'23.05'' W)
Redwood Falls, MN (RWD) VOR/DME (Lat. 44[deg]28'02.19'' N, long. 095[deg]07'41.63'' W)
* * * * * * *
T392 MZEEE, IA to GRSIS, MN
MZEEE, IA WP (Lat. 42[deg]20'40.66'' N, long. 096[deg]19'24.54'' W)
KAATO, IA WP (Lat. 42[deg]35'06.89'' N, long. 095[deg]58'53.08'' W)
BERRG, IA WP (Lat. 43[deg]08'17.21'' N, long. 095[deg]10'46.46'' W)
GRSIS, MN WP (Lat. 43[deg]38'45.54'' N, long. 094[deg]25'21.17'' W)
T-403 GENEO, MN to BLUOX, MN
GENEO, MN WP (Lat. 45[deg]05'15.37'' N, long. 094[deg]27'14.30'' W)
Alexandria, MN (AXN) VOR/DME (Lat. 45[deg]57'30.20'' N, long. 095[deg]13'57.48'' W)
Park Rapids, MN (PKD) DME (Lat. 46[deg]53'53.34'' N, long. 095[deg]04'15.21'' W)
BLUOX, MN WP (Lat. 47[deg]34'33.13'' N, long. 095[deg]01'29.11'' W)
T-405 FIITS, SD TO GICHI, ND
FIITS, SD WP (Lat. 42[deg]55'06.67'' N, long. 097[deg]23'06.31'' W)
Mitchell, SD (MHE) VOR/DME (Lat. 43[deg]46'37.28'' N, long. 098[deg]02'15.28'' W)
DIDDL, SD WP (Lat. 44[deg]26'24.32'' N, long. 098[deg]18'39.06'' W)
Aberdeen, SD (ABR) VOR/DME (Lat. 45[deg]25'02.48'' N, long. 098[deg]22'07.39'' W)
Jamestown, ND (JMS) VOR/DME (Lat. 46[deg]55'58.34'' N, long. 098[deg]40'43.57'' W)
FARRM, ND FIX (Lat. 47[deg]29'14.17'' N, long. 099[deg]01'34.50'' W)
GICHI, ND WP (Lat. 48[deg]06'54.20'' N, long. 098[deg]54'45.14'' W)
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Issued in Washington, DC, on February 22, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-03931 Filed 3-1-21; 8:45 am]
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