[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 77 (Friday, April 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21669-21672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08373]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0250; Airspace Docket No. 20-AEA-22]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment and Amendment of Area Navigation Routes,
Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes; Northeastern United States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify three existing high altitude
area navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and establish one new Q-
route, in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC
ACR) Project. This proposal would improve the efficiency of the
National Airspace System (NAS) by expanding the availability of RNAV
routing and reducing the dependency on ground-based navigational
systems.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 7, 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: 1
(800) 647-5527 or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-
2021-0250; Airspace Docket No. 20-AEA-22 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 httsp://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: 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 as it would expand the availability of RNAV routes in the
NAS, increase airspace capacity, and reduce complexity in high air
traffic volume areas.
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-2021-0250; Airspace Docket No. 20-
[[Page 21670]]
AEA-22) 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-2021-0250; Airspace Docket No. 20-AEA-22.'' 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 NPRM's
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also 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 Eastern Service Center, Federal
Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA
30337.
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 proposed rule. FAA Order 7400.11E
lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service
routes, and reporting points.
Background
The Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) project
developed Performance Based Navigation (PBN) routes involving the
Washington, Boston, New York, and Jacksonville Air Route Traffic
Control Centers (ARTCC). The proposed routes would enable aircraft to
travel from most locations along the east coast of the United States
mainland between Maine and Charleston, SC. The proposed NEC ACR routes
would also tie-in to the existing high altitude RNAV route structure
enabling more efficient direct routings between the U.S. east coast and
Caribbean area locations.
The routes in this notice of proposed rulemaking were originally
part of a larger proposal that was published in the Federal Register
for Docket No. FAA-2020-0236 (85 FR 16572; March 24, 2020).
Subsequently, the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
precluded the completion of the air traffic controller training needed
to implement all 30 route actions in the original proposal. As a
result, only eight of the proposed routes could be implemented from
Docket No. FAA-2020-0236 (85 FR 40089; July 6, 2020). An additional
four of those route actions are being proposed again in this NPRM.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend three
existing Q-routes, and establish 1 new Q-route, in the northeastern
United States to support the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route
project. The proposed new route would be designated Q-419. In addition,
amendments are proposed to the descriptions of the following existing
routes: Q-22, Q-54, and Q-64.
The proposed new Q-route is as follows:
Q-419: Q-419 would extend between the BROSS, MD, Fix, and the Deer
Park, NY (DPK), VOR/DME.
The proposed Q-route amendments are as follows:
Q-22: Q-22 extends between the GUSTI, LA, Fix, and the BEARI, VA,
WP. This action would extend Q-22 northeast from the BEARI, VA, WP to
the FOXWD, CT, WP. The following points would be inserted between the
BEARI, VA, and the FOXWD, CT, WPs: UMBRE, VA, WP; BBOBO, VA, WP; SHTGN,
MD, WP; SYFER, MD, WP; DANGR, MD, WP; PYTHN, DE, WP; BESSI, NJ, Fix;
JOEPO, NJ, WP; BRAND, NJ, Fix; Robbinsville, NJ (RBV), VORTAC; LAURN,
NY, Fix; LLUND, NY, Fix; and BAYYS, CT, Fix. As amended, Q-22 would
extend between GUSTI, LA and FOXWD, CT. This would provide RNAV routing
between Louisiana and the New England area.
Q-54: Q-54 extends between the Greenwood, SC (GRD), VORTAC, and the
NUTZE, NC, WP. The proposal would remove the Greenwood VORTAC and add
the HRTWL, SC, WP as a new end point for the route. In addition, the
ASHEL, NC, WP would be added between the existing RAANE, NC, and the
NUTZE, NC, WPs.
Q-64: Q-64 extends between the CATLN, AL, Fix, and the Tar River,
NC (TYI), VORTAC. The proposal would remove the Greenwood, SC (GRD),
VORTAC from the route and add the HRTWL, SC, WP between the FIGEY, GA
and the DARRL, SC, Fixes. The DADDS, NC, WP and the MARCL, NC, WPs
would be added between the existing IDDAA, NC, WP, and the Tar River
VORTAC. Additionally, the route would be extended northeast from the
Tar River VORTAC, through the GUILD, NC, WP to the SAWED, VA, Fix.
Full route descriptions of the proposed new and amended routes are
listed in ``The Proposed Amendment'' section of this notice.
The proposed new and amended routes in this notice would expand the
availability of high altitude RNAV routing along the eastern seaboard
of the U.S. The project is designed to increase airspace capacity and
reduce complexity in high volume areas through the use of optimized
routes through congested airspace.
RNAV routes are published in paragraph 2006 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
[[Page 21671]]
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 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-419 BROSS, MD to Deer Park, NY (DPK) [New]
BROSS, MD FIX (Lat. 39[deg]11'28.40'' N, long. 075[deg]52'49.88'' W)
MYFOO, DE WP (Lat. 39[deg]26'10.15'' N, long. 075[deg]36'44.70'' W)
NACYN, NJ WP (Lat. 39[deg]36'49.19'' N, long. 075[deg]24'59.30'' W)
BSERK, NJ WP (Lat. 39[deg]47'27.01'' N, long. 075[deg]13'10.29'' W)
HULKK, NJ WP (Lat. 39[deg]59'53.04'' N, long. 074[deg]58'52.52'' W)
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV) VORTAC (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
LAURN, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]33'05.80'' N, long. 074[deg]07'13.67'' W)
Kennedy, NY (JFK) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]37'58.40'' N, long. 073[deg]46'17.00'' W)
Deer Park, NY (DPK) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]47'30.30'' N, long. 073[deg]18'13.17'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-22 GUSTI, LA to FOXWD, CT [Amended]
GUSTI, LA FIX (Lat. 29[deg]58'15.34'' N, long. 092[deg]54'35.29'' W)
OYSTY, LA FIX (Lat. 30[deg]28'15.21'' N, long. 090[deg]11'49.14'' W)
ACMES, AL WP (Lat. 30[deg]55'27.13'' N, long. 088[deg]22'10.82'' W)
CATLN, AL FIX (Lat. 31[deg]18'26.03'' N, long. 087[deg]34'47.75'' W)
TWOUP, GA WP (Lat. 33[deg]53'45.39'' N, long. 083[deg]49'08.39'' W)
Spartanburg, SC (SPA) VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]02'01.05'' N, long. 081[deg]55'37.24'' W)
NYBLK, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]34'34.99'' N, long. 081[deg]02'33.96'' W)
MASHI, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]58'17.90'' N, long. 080[deg]23'04.71'' W)
KIDDO, NC WP (Lat. 36[deg]10'34.90'' N, long. 080[deg]02'23.69'' W)
OMENS, VA WP (Lat. 36[deg]49'29.00'' N, long. 078[deg]55'29.78'' W)
BEARI, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]12'01.97'' N, long. 078[deg]15'23.85'' W)
UMBRE, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]23'38.72'' N, long. 077[deg]49'09.50'' W)
BBOBO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]41'33.79'' N, long. 077[deg]07'57.59'' W)
SHTGN, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]14'45.29'' N, long. 076[deg]44'52.23'' W)
SYFER, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]25'19.31'' N, long. 076[deg]33'26.82'' W)
DANGR, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]57'36.25'' N, long. 075[deg]58'30.85'' W)
PYTHN, DE WP (Lat. 39[deg]18'06.97'' N, long. 075[deg]33'59.66'' W)
BESSI, NJ FIX (Lat. 39[deg]40'34.84'' N, long. 075[deg]06'44.53'' W)
JOEPO, NJ WP (Lat. 39[deg]54'22.11'' N, long. 074[deg]52'17.73'' W)
BRAND, NJ FIX (Lat. 40[deg]02'06.28'' N, long. 074[deg]44'09.50'' W)
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV) VORTAC (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
LAURN, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]33'05.80'' N, long. 074[deg]07'13.67'' W)
LLUND, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]51'45.04'' N, long. 073[deg]46'57.30'' W)
BAYYS, CT FIX (Lat. 41[deg]17'21.27'' N, long. 072[deg]58'16.73'' W)
FOXWD, CT WP (Lat. 41[deg]48'21.66'' N, long. 071[deg]48'07.03'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-54 HRTWL SC to NUTZE, NC [Amended]
HRTWL, SC WP (Lat. 34[deg]15'05.33'' N, long. 082[deg]09'15.55: W)
NYLLA, SC WP (Lat. 34[deg]34'38.94'' N, long. 081[deg]17'00.48'' W)
CHYPS, NC WP (Lat. 34[deg]53'17.92'' N, long. 080[deg]25'57.04'' W)
AHOEY, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]00'36.28'' N, long. 080[deg]05'55.93'' W)
RAANE, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]09'21.97'' N, long. 079[deg]41'33.90'' W)
ASHEL, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]25'43.32'' N, long. 078[deg]54'48.07'' W)
NUTZE, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]50'40.43'' N, long. 077[deg]40'56.72'' W)
[[Page 21672]]
* * * * * * *
Q-64 CATLN, AL to SAWED, VA [Amended]
CATLN, AL FIX (Lat. 31[deg]18'26.03'' N, long. 087[deg]34'47.75'' W)
FIGEY, GA WP (Lat. 33[deg]52'26.94'' N, long. 082[deg]52'22.76'' W)
HRTWL, SC WP (Lat. 34[deg]15'05.33'' N, long. 082[deg]09'15.55'' W)
DARRL, SC FIX (Lat. 34[deg]47'49.47'' N, long. 081[deg]03'21.62'' W)
IDDAA, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]11'05.10'' N, long. 079[deg]59'30.69'' W)
DADDS, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]36'30.35'' N, long. 078[deg]47'20.70'' W)
MARCL, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]43'54.41'' N, long. 078[deg]25'46.57'' W)
Tar River, NC (TYI) VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]58'36.20'' N, long. 077[deg]42'13.43'' W)
GUILD, NC WP (Lat. 36[deg]18'49.56'' N, long. 077[deg]14'59.96'' W)
SAWED, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]32'00.73'' N, long. 075[deg]51'29.10'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 19, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-08373 Filed 4-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P