[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 10 (Friday, January 14, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2320-2322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00458]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0276; Airspace Docket No. 21-ACE-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment, Establishment, and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic 
Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Neosho, MO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Jet Route J-181 and VHF Omnidirectional 
Range (VOR) Federal airways V-13, V-14, V-15, and V-307; establishes 
Area Navigation (RNAV) routes T-411 and T-413; and removes VOR Federal 
airway V-506. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Neosho, MO, VOR/Distance 
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Neosho VOR 
is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational 
Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, January 27, 2022. 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 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: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Policy Directorate, 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-2021-0276 in the Federal Register (86 FR 21243; April 22, 
2021), amending Jet Route J-181 and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) 
Federal airways V-13, V-14, V-15, and V-307; establishing Area 
Navigation (RNAV) routes T-411 and T-413; and removing VOR Federal 
airway V-506. The proposed amendment, establishment, and revocation 
actions were due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of 
the Neosho, MO, VOR/DME NAVAID. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    Prior to the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. FAA-
2020-1146 in the Federal Register (86 FR 19129; April 13, 2021), 
amending V-14 by removing the airway segment between the Buffalo, NY, 
VOR/DME and the Norwich, CT, VOR/DME. That airway amendment was 
effective June 17, 2021, and is included in this rule.
    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, VOR Federal airways are 
published in paragraph 6010(a), and RNAV T-routes are published in 
paragraph 6011 of FAA Order JO 7400.11F, dated August 10, 2021, and 
effective September 15, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in 14 
CFR 71.1. The ATS routes listed in this document would be published 
subsequently in the Order.

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.

Differences From the Proposal

    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to establish RNAV route T-413 with 
the ISTIQ, NE, waypoint (WP) included as a route point listed between 
the Grand Island, NE, VOR/DME and LLUKY, NE, WP route points. After 
further review of the proposed T-413 route, the FAA determined that the 
ISTIQ WP falls on a straight segment of the route between the Grand 
Island VOR/DME and LLUKY WP, and it is not necessary in the route 
description. Removing the ISTIQ, NE, WP from the proposed T-413 route 
does not affect the alignment of the route; therefore, the ISTIQ, NE, 
WP is removed from the T-413 route description in this rule.
    The ISTIQ, NE, WP will still be established, but not as a route 
point included in the T-413 route description.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending 14 CFR part 71 to modify Jet Route J-181 and 
VOR Federal airways V-13, V-14, V-15, and V-307; establish RNAV routes 
T-411

[[Page 2321]]

and T-413; and remove VOR Federal airway V-506 due to the planned 
decommissioning of the Neosho, MO, VOR. The ATS route actions are 
described below.
    J-181: J-181 extends between the Ranger, TX, VOR/Tactical Air 
Navigation (VORTAC) and the Bradford, IL, VORTAC. The route segment 
between the Okmulgee, OK, VOR/DME and the Hallsville, IL, VORTAC is 
removed. The unaffected portions of the existing route remain as 
charted.
    V-13: V-13 extends between the McAllen, TX, VOR/DME and the 
Farmington, MN, VORTAC; and between the Duluth, MN, VORTAC and the 
Thunder Bay, ON, Canada VOR/DME. The airspace within Canada is 
excluded. The airway segment between the Razorback, AR, VORTAC and the 
Butler, MO, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing 
airway remain as charted.
    V-14: V-14 extends between the Chisum, NM, VORTAC and the Flag 
City, OH, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Tulsa, OK, VORTAC and 
the Springfield, MO, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the 
existing airway remain as charted.
    V-15: V-15 extends between the Navasota, TX, VOR/DME and the 
Bonham, TX, VORTAC; between the Okmulgee, OK, VOR/DME and the Neosho, 
MO, VOR/DME; and between the Aberdeen, SD, VOR/DME and the Minot, ND, 
VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Okmulgee, OK, VOR/DME and the 
Neosho, MO, VOR/DME is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing 
airway remain as charted.
    V-307: V-307 extends between the Harrison, AR, VOR/DME and the 
Omaha, IA, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Harrison, AR, VOR/DME 
and the Oswego, KS, VOR/DME is removed. The unaffected portions of the 
existing airway remain as charted.
    V-506: V-506 extends between the Tulsa, OK, VORTAC and the 
Springfield, MO, VORTAC. The airway is removed in its entirety.
    T-411: T-411 is a new route that extends between the Razorback, AR, 
VORTAC and the Lincoln, NE, VORTAC. This T-route mitigates the loss of 
the V-13 airway segment removed and provides RNAV routing from the 
Fayetteville, AR, area northward to the Lincoln, NE, area.
    T-413: T-413 is a new route that extends between the Razorback, AR, 
VORTAC and the Pierre, SD, VORTAC. This T-route mitigates the absence 
of Federal airways between the Neosho, MO, VOR/DME and the Salina, KS, 
VORTAC, and provides RNAV routing from the Fayetteville, AR, area, 
northwestward to the Pierre, SD, area.
    All NAVAID radials listed in the ATS route 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-
181 and VOR Federal airways V-13, V-14, V-15 and V-307; establishing 
RNAV routes T-411 and T-413; and removing VOR Federal airway V-506, due 
to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Neosho, MO, 
VOR/DME NAVAID, 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. 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 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-181 [Amended]

From Ranger, TX; to Okmulgee, OK. From Hallsville, MO; INT 
Hallsville 053[deg] and Bradford, IL, 219[deg] radials; to Bradford.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-13 [Amended]

From McAllen, TX; INT McAllen 060[deg] radial and Corpus Christi, 
TX, 178[deg] radials; Corpus Christi; INT Corpus Christi 039[deg] 
and Palacios, TX, 241[deg] radials; Palacios; Humble, TX; Lufkin, 
TX; Belcher, LA; Texarkana, AR; Rich Mountain, OK; Fort Smith, AR; 
INT Fort Smith 006[deg] and Razorback, AR, 190[deg] radials; to 
Razorback. From Butler, MO; Napoleon, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, 
IA; Mason City, IA; to Farmington, MN. From Duluth, MN; to Thunder 
Bay, ON, Canada. The airspace outside the United States is excluded.
* * * * *

V-14 [Amended]

From Chisum, NM; Lubbock, TX; Childress, TX; Hobart, OK; Will 
Rogers, OK; INT Will Rogers 052[deg] and Tulsa, OK, 246[deg] 
radials; to Tulsa. From Springfield, MO; Vichy, MO; INT Vichy 
067[deg] and St. Louis, MO, 225[deg] radials; St. Louis;

[[Page 2322]]

Vandalia, IL; Terre Haute, IN; Brickyard, IN; Muncie, IN; to Flag 
City, OH.
* * * * *

V-15 [Amended]

From Navasota, TX; College Station, TX; Waco, TX; Cedar Creek, TX; 
to Bonham, TX. From Aberdeen, SD; Bismarck, ND; to Minot, ND.
* * * * *

V-307 [Amended]

From Oswego, KS; Chanute, KS; Emporia, KS; INT Emporia 336[deg] and 
Pawnee City, NE, 194[deg] radials; Pawnee City; to Omaha, IA.
* * * * *

V-506 [Removed]

* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-411 Razorback, AR (RZC) to Lincoln, NE (LNK) [New]
Razorback, AR (RZC)           VORTAC              (Lat. 36[deg]14'47.14'' N, long. 094[deg]07'17.01'' W)
DROOP, MO                     FIX                 (Lat. 37[deg]06'09.12'' N, long. 094[deg]26'42.39'' W)
Butler, MO (BUM)              VORTAC              (Lat. 38[deg]16'19.49'' N, long. 094[deg]29'17.74'' W)
Topeka, KS (TOP)              VORTAC              (Lat. 39[deg]08'13.48'' N, long. 095[deg]32'57.01'' W)
Lincoln, NE (LNK)             VORTAC              (Lat. 40[deg]55'25.66'' N, long. 096[deg]44'31.23'' W)
 
T-413 Razorback, AR (RZC) to Pierre, SD (PIR) [New]
Razorback, AR (RZC)           VORTAC              (Lat. 36[deg]14'47.14'' N, long. 094[deg]07'17.01'' W)
DROOP, MO                     FIX                 (Lat. 37[deg]06'09.12'' N, long. 094[deg]26'42.39'' W)
Emporia, KS (EMP)             VORTAC              (Lat. 38[deg]17'28.11'' N, long. 096[deg]08'17.22'' W)
Salina, KS (SLN)              VORTAC              (Lat. 38[deg]55'30.50'' N, long. 097[deg]37'16.80'' W)
Grand Island, NE (GRI)        VOR/DME             (Lat. 40[deg]59'02.50'' N, long. 098[deg]18'53.20'' W)
LLUKY, NE                     WP                  (Lat. 42[deg]29'20.26'' N, long. 098[deg]38'11.44'' W)
MMINI, NE                     WP                  (Lat. 42[deg]53'07.44'' N, long. 099[deg]37'35.54'' W)
JMBAG, SD                     WP                  (Lat. 43[deg]30'45.88'' N, long. 100[deg]08'45.77'' W)
Pierre, SD (PIR)              VORTAC              (Lat. 44[deg]23'40.40'' N, long. 100[deg]09'46.11'' W)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2022.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2022-00458 Filed 1-13-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P