[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13642-13644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04851]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0923; Airspace Docket No. 20-AEA-18]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment, Establishment, and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic
Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Henderson, WV
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action amends Jet Route J-134, Area Navigation (RNAV)
route Q-67, and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-45
and V-119; establishes RNAV route Q-176; and removes Jet Route J-91 and
VOR Federal airway V-174 in the vicinity of Henderson, WV. The Air
Traffic Service (ATS) route modifications are necessary due to the
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Henderson, WV, VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID). The Henderson
VORTAC provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected air
traffic service (ATS) routes and the VOR portion is being
decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network
(MON) program.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, June 17, 2021. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and
publication of conforming amendments.
ADDRESSES: 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: 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-2020-0923 in the Federal Register (85 FR 70093; November 4,
2020), to amend Jet Route J-134, RNAV route Q-67, and VOR Federal
airways V-45 and V-119; establish RNAV route Q-176; and remove Jet
Route J-91 and VOR Federal airway V-174 in the vicinity of Henderson,
WV. The proposed amendment, establishment, and revocation actions were
due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Henderson,
WV, VORTAC NAVAID. 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 Office of the Federal Register
published a NPRM correction for Docket No. FAA-2020-0923 in the Federal
Register (85 FR 71293; November 9, 2020), correcting the RNAV route
formatting for the Q-67 and Q-176 descriptions in the regulatory text
and also adding the missing ``Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal
Airways'' heading between the RNAV route Q-176 and VOR Federal airway
V-45 descriptions in the regulatory text. The correct RNAV route
formatting and Domestic VOR Federal Airways heading are included in the
regulatory text in this rule.
Additionally, subsequent to the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for
Docket No. FAA-2020-0709 in the Federal Register (85 FR 79117; December
9, 2020), amending VOR Federal airway V-119 by removing the airway
segment overlying the Clarion, PA, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment
(VOR/DME) between the Indian Head, PA, VORTAC and the Clarion, PA, VOR/
DME. That airway amendment, effective February 25, 2021, is included in
this rule.
Lastly, the state reference for the Henderson, WV, VORTAC was
incorrectly listed as Kentucky (KY) in the Proposal section of the NPRM
for Jet Routes J-91 and J-134. The correct state is WV and this action
corrects those errors.
Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, United States RNAV Q-
routes are published in paragraph 2006, and VOR Federal airways are
published in paragraph 6010(a) 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 ATS routes listed in this document will
be published subsequently in the Order.
[[Page 13643]]
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document amends 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.
The Rule
The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 71 by modifying Jet Route J-134,
RNAV route Q-67, and VOR Federal airways V-45 and V-119; establishing
RNAV route Q-176; and removing Jet Route J-91 and VOR Federal airway V-
174. The planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Henderson,
WV, VORTAC has made this action necessary.
The Jet Route changes are outlined below.
J-91: J-91 extends between the Volunteer, TN, VORTAC and the
Henderson, WV, VORTAC. The route is removed in its entirety.
J-134: J-134 extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC and the
Linden, VA, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Henderson, WV,
VORTAC between the Falmouth, KY, VOR/DME and the Linden, VA, VORTAC is
removed. The unaffected portions of the existing route remain as
charted.
The RNAV route changes are outlined below.
Q-67: Q-67 extends between the SMTTH, TN, waypoint (WP) and the
DARYN, WV, WP. The route end point is changed from the DARYN, WV, WP to
the Henderson, WV, DME (located approximately 1 nautical mile southwest
of the DARYN WP), and the number of route points listed in the
description are reduced while retaining the route as charted.
Additionally, the TONIO, KY, fix, which is being retained in the route
description, is changed to reflect the fix as a WP. The route will
continue to provide RNAV routing capability from the Knoxville, TN,
area northeastward to the Henderson, WV, area.
Q-176: Q-176 is a new route that extends between the Cimarron, NM,
VORTAC and the OTTTO, VA, WP. This RNAV route mitigates the loss of the
J-134 route segment between the Falmouth, KY, VOR/DME and the Linden,
VA, VORTAC and is a direct overlay of the existing J-134. Additionally,
it provides RNAV routing capability from the Cimarron, NM, area
eastward to the Front Royal, VA, area.
The VOR Federal airway changes are outlined below.
V-45: V-45 extends between the New Bern, NC, VOR/DME and the
Appleton, OH, VORTAC; and between the Saginaw, MI, VOR/DME and the
Sault Ste. Marie, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment overlying the
Henderson, WV, VORTAC between the Charleston, WV, VOR/DME and the
Appleton, OH, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the
existing airway remain as charted.
V-119: V-119 extends between the Henderson, WV, VORTAC and the
Indian Head, PA, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Henderson,
WV, VORTAC between the Henderson, WV, VORTAC and the Parkersburg, WV,
VOR/DME is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway
remain as charted.
V-174: V-174 extends between the York, KY, VORTAC and the Elkins,
WV, VORTAC. The airway is removed in its entirety.
All NAVAID radials in the VOR Federal airway descriptions 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 will only affect air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this 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
The FAA has determined that this action of modifying Jet Route J-
134, RNAV route Q-67, and VOR Federal airways V-45 and V-119;
establishing RNAV route Q-176; and removing Jet Route J-91 and VOR
Federal airway V-174, due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR
portion of the Henderson, WV, VORTAC NAVAID, qualifies for categorical
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321et
seq) 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).
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 7400.11E,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and
effective September 15, 2020, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.
* * * * *
J-91 [Removed]
* * * * *
J-134 [Amended]
From Los Angeles, CA; Seal Beach, CA; Thermal, CA; Parker, CA;
Drake, AZ; Gallup, NM; Cimarron, NM; Liberal, KS; Wichita, KS;
Butler, MO; St Louis, MO; to Falmouth, KY.
* * * * *
[[Page 13644]]
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-67 SMTTH, TN to Henderson, WV (HNN) [Amended]
SMTTH, TN WP (Lat. 35[deg]54'41.57'' N, long. 084[deg]00'19.74'' W)
TONIO, KY WP (Lat. 37[deg]15'15.20'' N, long. 083[deg]01'47.53'' W)
Henderson, WV (HNN) DME (Lat. 38[deg]45'14.85'' N, long. 082[deg]01'34.20'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-176 Cimarron, NM (CIM) to OTTTO, VA [New]
Cimarron, NM (CIM) VORTAC (Lat. 36[deg]29'29.03'' N, long. 104[deg]52'19.20'' W)
KENTO, NM WP (Lat. 36[deg]44'19.10'' N, long. 103[deg]05'57.13'' W)
Liberal, KS (LBL) VORTAC (Lat. 37[deg]02'39.82'' N, long. 100[deg]58'16.31'' W)
Wichita, KS (ICT) VORTAC (Lat. 37[deg]44'42.92'' N, long. 097[deg]35'01.79'' W)
Butler, MO (BUM) VORTAC (Lat. 38[deg]16'19.49'' N, long. 094[deg]29'17.74'' W)
St Louis, MO (STL) VORTAC (Lat. 38[deg]51'38.48'' N, long. 090[deg]28'56.52'' W)
GBEES, IN FIX (Lat. 38[deg]41'54.72'' N, long. 085[deg]10'13.03'' W)
BICKS, KY WP (Lat. 38[deg]38'29.92'' N, long. 084[deg]25'20.82'' W)
Henderson, WV (HNN) DME (Lat. 38[deg]45'14.85'' N, long. 082[deg]01'34.20'' W)
OTTTO, VA WP (Lat. 38[deg]51'15.81'' N, long. 078[deg]12'20.01'' W)
* * * * *
Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-45 [Amended]
From New Bern, NC; Kinston, NC; Raleigh-Durham, NC; INT Raleigh-
Durham 275[deg] and Greensboro, NC, 105[deg] radials; Greensboro;
INT Greensboro 334[deg] and Pulaski, VA, 147[deg] radials; Pulaski;
Bluefield, WV; to Charleston, WV. From Saginaw, MI; Alpena, MI; to
Sault Ste Marie, MI.
* * * * *
V-119 [Amended]
From Parkersburg, WV; INT Parkersburg 067[deg] and Indian Head,
PA, 254[deg] radials; to Indian Head.
* * * * *
V-174 [Removed]
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-04851 Filed 3-9-21; 8:45 am]
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