[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 189 (Monday, October 4, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54600-54602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21475]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0152; Airspace Docket No. 21-AGL-2]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of J-107, J-515, and V-181; Establishment of T-407; and 
Revocation of the Humboldt, MN, Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point; 
Northcentral United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Jet Routes J-107 and J-515, and VHF 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-181; establishes low 
altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) route, T-407; and revokes the Humboldt, 
MN, Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point, in the northcentral United 
States. This action is necessary due to the planned decommissioning of 
the VOR portion of the Humboldt, MN, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation 
(VORTAC). The Humboldt VOR, which provides navigation guidance to 
portions of the affected Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes, is being 
decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network 
(VOR MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, December 2, 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 JO 7400.11 
and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 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 JO 7400.11F 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.

[[Page 54601]]


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 air traffic service 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 for Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0152, in the Federal Register (86 FR 13668; March 10, 2021), 
amending J-107, J-515, and V-181; establishing T-407; and revoking the 
Humboldt reporting point. The proposed amendment, establishment, and 
revocation actions were due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR 
portion of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC navigational aid. Interested 
parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by 
submitting written comments on the proposal. Two comments were 
received, but were determined to be not substantive to this proposal.
    United States Jet Routes, VOR Federal airways, RNAV T-routes, and 
Domestic Low Altitude Reporting points are published in paragraphs 
2004, 6010(a), 6011, and 7001, respectively, of FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 
dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 15, 2021, which are 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The ATS routes listed in this 
document will be published subsequently in the Order.

Differences From NPRM

    In the NPRM published for Docket No. FAA-2020-0152, the FAA Order 
JO 7400.11F paragraph number identified for VOR Federal Airways in the 
regulatory text section listed ``2010(a)'' in error. The correct 
paragraph number for VOR Federal Airways in the Order is ``6010(a)'' 
and is corrected in this rule.
    Additionally, the published NPRM mistakenly identified the ZOMTA 
fix in the RNAV route T-407 in the regulatory text section with the 
incorrect state of North Dakota (ND). The correct state is Minnesota 
(MN). This rule corrects this editorial error. Further, the existing 
ZOMTA fix, which is associated with the V-181 segment being removed in 
this rule, is being redefined in the FAA's aeronautical database as the 
ZOMTA waypoint (WP) at the same location. This ``fix'' to ``WP'' change 
is also reflected in the T-407 route description in this rule.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021 and effective September 15, 
2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F 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 modifying J-107, J-515, and V-
181; establishing T-407; and revoking the Humboldt reporting point. The 
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC 
has made this action necessary.
    The amendment actions are described below.
    J-107: J-107 extends between Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC and Sioux 
Narrows, ON, Canada, VOR/DME. The portion within Canada is excluded. 
This action removes the route segments between Dupree, SD, VOR/DME, and 
Sioux Narrows, ON, Canada, VOR/DME, and removes the exclusionary 
language. The resulting Jet Route now extends between Los Angeles, CA, 
VORTAC and Dupree, SD, VOR/DME.
    J-515: J-515 extends between Fargo, ND, VOR/DME and the 
intersection of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC 356[deg] radial and United 
States/Canadian border; and between Whitehorse, YT, Canada and the 
Barrow, AK, VOR/DME. The airspace within Canada is excluded. This 
action removes the route segment between the Fargo, ND, VOR/DME and the 
intersection of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC 356[deg] radial and United 
States/Canadian border. As a result, the Jet Route now extends between 
Whitehorse, YT, Canada, VOR/DME and Barrow, AK, VOR/DME.
    V-181: V-181 extends between Kirksville, MO, VORTAC, and the 
intersection of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC, 356[deg] radial and United 
States/Canadian border. This action removes the route segment between 
the Grand Forks, ND, VOR/DME and the intersection of the Humboldt, MN, 
VORTAC, 356[deg] radial and United States/Canada border. As a result, 
the airway now extends between the Kirksville, MO, VORTAC, and the 
Grand Forks, ND, VOR/DME.
    T-407: T-407 is a new RNAV route that extends between the Sioux 
Falls, SD, VORTAC and the ZOMTA, MN, WP, located at the United States/
Canadian border. This T-route overlies the current Federal airway V-181 
from Sioux Falls, SD, VORTAC to the United States/Canadian border. The 
existing ZOMTA fix, which is associated with the V-181 segment being 
removed in this rule, is being redefined in the FAA's aeronautical 
database as the ZOMTA waypoint (WP) at the same location. This ``fix'' 
to ``WP'' change is also reflected in the T-407 route description in 
this rule.
    Humboldt: The Humboldt, MN, Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point 
is revoked.
    All of the navigational aid radials in the ATS route descriptions 
below are stated in True degrees.
    FAA Order JO 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, 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 Jet Routes J-
107 and J-515, VOR modifying Federal airway V-181, and establishing 
RNAV route T-407, due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion 
of the Humboldt, MN, VORTAC navigational aid, qualifies for two 
categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its

[[Page 54602]]

implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 1500, and in accordance with 
FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures. The 
first is categorical exclusion 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). The second is categorical exclusion 5-6.5k, Publication of 
existing air traffic control procedures that do not essentially change 
existing tracks, create new tracks, change altitude, or change 
concentration of aircraft on these tracks. 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 is amended 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 JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-107 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA; INT Los Angeles 083[deg] and Hector, CA, 
226[deg] radials; Hector; Boulder City, NV; Milford, UT; Rock 
Springs, WY; Muddy Mountain, WY; to Dupree, SD.
* * * * *

J-515 [Amended]

    From Whitehorse, YT, Canada; Northway, AK; Fairbanks, AK; 
Bettles, AK; to Barrow, AK. The airspace within Canada is excluded.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-181 [Amended]

    From Kirksville, MO; Lamoni, IA; Omaha, IA; Norfolk, NE; 
Yankton, SD; Sioux Falls, SD; Watertown, SD; 34 miles, 24 miles, 34 
MSL, Fargo, ND; to Grand Forks, ND.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-407 Sioux Falls, SD (FSD) to ZOMTA, MN [New]
 
Sioux Falls, SD (FSD)             VORTAC            (Lat. 43[deg]38'58.14'' N, long. 096[deg]46'52.02'' W)
FFORT, SD                         WP                (Lat. 44[deg]58'47.45'' N, long. 097[deg]08'30.36'' W)
Fargo, ND (FAR)                   VOR/DME           (Lat. 46[deg]45'12.01'' N, long. 096[deg]51'04.75'' W)
Grand Forks, ND (GFK)             VOR/DME           (Lat. 47[deg]57'17.40'' N, long. 097[deg]11'07.33'' W)
WUBED, MN                         FIX               (Lat. 48[deg]43'30.50'' N, long. 097[deg]07'40.81'' W)
ZOMTA, MN                         WP                (Lat. 49[deg]00'00.00'' N, long. 097[deg]07'54.80'' W)
 

Paragraph 7001 Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Points.

* * * * *

Humboldt, MN [Removed]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 27, 2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-21475 Filed 10-1-21; 8:45 am]
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