[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 10, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27956-27959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09922]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0475; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-16]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; 
Northeast United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish six low altitude United 
States Area Navigation (RNAV) routes (T-routes) in support of the VHF 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. 
The purpose is to enhance the efficiency of the National Airspace 
System (NAS) by transitioning from a ground-based to a satellite-based 
navigation system.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 24, 2022.

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: 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0475; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-16 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. 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.

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

[[Page 27957]]

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 in the northeast 
United States and improve the efficient flow of air traffic within the 
NAS by lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation.

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-2022-0475; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-16) 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-2022-0475; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-16.'' 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 NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be 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 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 Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish 
six low altitude RNAV T-routes, designated T-416, T-428, T-430, T-434, 
T-436, and T-438, in the northeast United States to support the VOR MON 
Program.
    T-416: T-416 would extend between the Smyrna, DE, (ENO) VHF 
Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC), and 
the PREPI, OA, Fix (OA means ``Offshore Atlantic''). The route would 
overlie VOR Federal airway V-312 between the ALBEK, NJ, Fix, and the 
PREPI Fix. At PREPI, T-416 would connect with the oceanic route 
structure.
    T-428: T-428 would extend between the Selinsgrove, PA, (SEG) VOR/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME), and the NECCK, NJ, Waypoint 
(WP). The route would overlie VOR Federal airway V-6 from Selinsgrove 
to the Solberg, NJ, (SBJ) VOR/DME. T-428 would also overlie VOR Federal 
airway V-232 from Solberg to the TYKES, NJ, Fix, then to the NECCK, NJ, 
WP, that will replace the Colts Neck, NJ, (COL) VOR/DME.
    T-430: T-430 would extend between the Philipsburg, PA, VORTAC 
(PSB), and the Solberg, NJ, (SBJ) VOR/DME. The route would overlie VOR 
Federal airway V-30 between Philipsburg and Solberg.
    T-434: T-434 would extend between the SCAAM, PA, WP, and the NECCK, 
NJ, WP. The SCAAM WP would replace the Keating, PA, (ETG) VORTAC. The 
HYATT, PA, WP would replace the Milton, PA, (MIP) VORTAC. The NECCK, 
NJ, WP, would replace the Colts Neck, NJ, (COL) VOR/DME. T-434 would 
overlie VOR Federal airway V-232 from the SCAAM WP to the NECCK WP.
    T-436: T-436 would extend between the Robbinsville, NJ, (RBV) 
VORTAC, and the Martha's Vineyard, MA, (MVY) VOR/DME. It would overlie 
VOR Federal airway V-249 from Robbinsville to the Sparta, NJ, (SAX) 
VORTAC. T-436 would overlie VOR Federal airway V-623 from Sparta to the 
BIZEX, NY, WP. The BIZEX WP will replace the Carmel, NY, (CMK) VOR/DME. 
Additionally, T-436 would overlie VOR Federal airway V-188 from the 
BIZEX WP to the Groton, CT, (GON) VOR/DME; and, it would overlie VOR 
Federal airway V-374 from Groton to Martha's Vineyard.
    T-438: T-438 would extend between the RASHE, PA, Fix and the PREPI, 
OA, Fix. It would overlie VOR Federal airway V-276 between RASHE and 
PREPI.
    United States 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 RNAV 
routes listed in this document would be subsequently published in FAA 
Order JO 7400.11.
    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 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 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.

[[Page 27958]]

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 14 CFR 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 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-416 Smyrna, DE (ENO) to PREPI, OA [New]
 
Smyrna, DE (ENO)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 39[deg]13'53.93'' N, long. 075[deg]30'57.49'' W)
TEBEE, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 39[deg]30'13.97'' N, long. 075[deg]19'37.19'' W)
LULOO, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 39[deg]36'35.96'' N, long. 075[deg]12'57.43'' W)
RIDNG, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 39[deg]45'30.23'' N, long. 075[deg]05'59.95'' W)
ALBEK, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 39[deg]46'39.92'' N, long. 074[deg]54'25.99'' W)
Coyle, NJ (CYN)                                 VORTAC                         (Lat. 39[deg]49'02.42'' N, long. 074[deg]25'53.85'' W)
PREPI, OA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 39[deg]48'41.06'' N, long. 073[deg]15'40.70'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-428 Selinsgrove, PA (SEG) to NECCK, NJ [New]
 
Selinsgrove, PA (SEG)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]47'27.09'' N, long. 076[deg]53'02.55'' W)
EESTN, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]43'36.50'' N, long. 075[deg]27'16.55'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.96'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
TYKES, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]17'22.38'' N, long. 074[deg]23'06.13'' W)
NECCK, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]18'41.79'' N, long. 074[deg]09'35.79'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-430 Philipsburg, PA (PSB) to Solberg, NJ (SBJ) [New]
 
Philipsburg, PA (PSB)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]54'58.53'' N, long. 077[deg]59'33.78'' W)
Selinsgrove, PA (SEG)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]47'27.09'' N, long. 076[deg]53'02.55'' W)
East Texas, PA (ETX)                            VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'51.74'' N, long. 075[deg]41'02.51'' W)
BOPLY, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]32'47.79'' N, long. 075[deg]11'07.06'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.96'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-434 SCAAM, PA to NECCK, NJ [New]
 
SCAAM, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]11'37.46'' N, long. 077[deg]58'15.20'' W)
WATSO, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 41[deg]02'46.31'' N, long. 076[deg]50'00.10'' W)
HYATT, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]01'24.47'' N, long. 076[deg]39'54.34'' W)
LYTEL, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]55'48.79'' N, long. 075[deg]52'14.42'' W)
BEERS, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]52'47.50'' N, long. 075[deg]27'37.36'' W)
HOPPS, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]51'10.41'' N, long. 075[deg]23'39.31'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.96'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
TYKES, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]17'22.38'' N, long. 074[deg]23'06.13'' W)
NECCK, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]18'41.79'' N, long. 074[deg]09'35.79'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-436 Robbinsville, NJ (RBV) to Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY) [New]
 
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV)                          VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
JERYY, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]19'10.38'' N, long. 074[deg]37'23.66'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.96'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
Sparta, NJ (SAX)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 41[deg]04'03.15'' N, long. 074[deg]32'17.91'' W)
SEAVY, NJ                                       Fix                            (Lat. 41[deg]12'30.76'' N, long. 074[deg]19'35.62'' W)
BIZEX, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]17'02.86'' N, long. 073[deg]34'50.20'' W)
SEALL, CT                                       INT                            (Lat. 41[deg]23'33.74'' N, long. 072[deg]50'50.56'' W)
Groton, CT (GON)                                VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]19'49.45'' N, long. 072[deg]03'07.14'' W)
Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY)                     VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]23'46.37'' N, long. 070[deg]36'45.78'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-438 RASHE, PA to PREPI, OA [New]
 
RASHE, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]40'36.04'' N, long. 077[deg]38'38.94'' W)
Ravine, PA (RAV)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]33'12.21'' N, long. 076[deg]35'57.77'' W)
HIKES, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]22'55.93'' N, long. 075[deg]36'54.90'' W)
MAZIE, PA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 40[deg]19'19.55'' N, long. 075[deg]06'35.28'' W)
Yardley, PA (ARD)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]15'12.03'' N, long. 074[deg]54'27.41'' W)
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV)                          VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
PREPI, OA                                       Fix                            (Lat. 39[deg]48'41.06'' N, long. 073[deg]15'40.70'' W)
 

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[[Page 27959]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 3, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-09922 Filed 5-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P