[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 140 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39953-39956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15777]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0250; Airspace Docket No. 20-AEA-22]
RIN 2120-AA66


Establishment and Amendment of Area Navigation Routes, Northeast 
Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes; Northeastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies three existing high altitude area 
navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and establishes one new Q-route, 
in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) 
Project. This action improves 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: Effective date 0901 UTC, October 7, 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: 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

[[Page 39954]]

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 VOR Federal airway route structure in 
the northeastern United States to maintain the efficient flow of air 
traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0250 in the Federal Register (86 FR 21669; April 23, 2021), 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. Interested parties were invited to participate in 
this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. 
No comments were received.
    United States area navigation 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 route listed in this document will be subsequently published 
in the Order.

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

    This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by amending three existing Q-
routes, and establishing one new Q-route in the northeastern United 
States to support the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route project. 
The new route is designated Q-419, and amendments made to the 
descriptions of Q-22, Q-54, and Q-64.
    The Q-route amendments are as follows:
    Q-22: Q-22 extends between the GUSTI, LA, Fix, and the BEARI, VA, 
WP. This action further extends Q-22 northeast from the BEARI, VA, WP 
to the FOXWD, CT, WP. The following points are 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 extends 
between GUSTI, LA and FOXWD, CT. This provides 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. This action removes the Greenwood VORTAC and adds the 
HRTWL, SC, WP as a new end point for the route. In addition, the ASHEL, 
NC, WP is 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. This action removes the Greenwood, SC (GRD), VORTAC 
from the route and adds the HRTWL, SC, WP between the FIGEY, GA and the 
DARRL, SC, Fixes. The DADDS, NC, WP and the MARCL, NC, WPs are added 
between the existing IDDAA, NC, WP, and the Tar River VORTAC. 
Additionally, the route is extended northeast from the Tar River 
VORTAC, through the GUILD, NC, WP to the SAWED, VA, Fix.
    The new Q-route is as follows:
    Q-419: Q-419 extends between the BROSS, MD, Fix, and the Deer Park, 
NY (DPK), VOR/DME.
    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 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 airspace action of modifying three 
existing high altitude area navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and 
establishing one new Q-route, in support of the Northeast Corridor 
Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR) Project, qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et 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. Accordingly, 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 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

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[[Page 39955]]



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)
 
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
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)
 
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
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)
 


[[Page 39956]]

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    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-15777 Filed 7-23-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P