[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 166 (Monday, August 29, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52707-52709]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-18485]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1028; Airspace Docket No. 22-ASO-9]


Proposed Amendment and Revocation of Air Traffic Service (ATS) 
Routes; Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) 
Federal airways V-5, V-20, V-155, V-241, and V-321; and to remove jet 
routes J-37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-174, J-191, and J-209. These changes 
support the VOR Minimum Operation Network (MON) project in the eastern 
United States.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 13, 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-
2022-1028; Airspace Docket No. 22-ASO-9 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at 
www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the 
Airspace Policy 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 agency's 
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority

[[Page 52708]]

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

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-2022-1028; Airspace Docket No. 22-ASO-9) 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 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-2022-1028; Airspace Docket No. 20-ASO-9.'' 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. 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 www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at 
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 proposed rule. FAA Order 
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 modify five 
VOR Federal airways (V-5, V-20, V-155, V-241, and V-321); and to remove 
seven jet routes (J-37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-174, J-191, and J-209). 
These changes support the planned decommissioning of one or more of the 
following ground-based navigation aids under the VOR MON project in the 
eastern United States: Columbus, GA (CSG), VHF Omnidirectional Range 
and Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC); Electric City, SC (ELW), 
VORTAC; Choo Choo, GA (GQO), VORTAC; Nottingham, MD (OTT), VORTAC; 
Patuxent, MD (PXT), VORTAC; Sugarloaf Mountain, NC (SYG), VORTAC; 
Tuskegee, AL (TGE), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring 
Equipment (VOR/DME). The proposed changes are described below.
    V-5: V-5 extends from Pecan, GA, to Appleton, OH. The FAA proposes 
to remove the segments from the intersection of the Athens, GA 340[deg] 
and the Electric City, SC 274[deg] radials, to Choo Choo, GA. As 
amended, V-5 would extend, in two parts, from Pecan, GA to Athens, GA; 
and from New Hope, KY, to Appleton, OH.
    V-20: V-20 extends, in two parts, from McAllen, TX, to Palacios, 
TX; and from Beaumont, TX, to Nottingham, MD. This action proposes to 
remove the segments between Tuskegee, AL, and Sugarloaf Mountain, NC; 
and remove the segments between the intersection of the Richmond, VA 
039[deg] and the Brooke, VA 132[deg] radials, and Nottingham, MD. As 
amended, V-20 would consist of three parts: From McAllen, TX, to 
Palacios, TX; From Beaumont, TX, to Montgomery, AL; and From Barretts 
Mountain, NC to Richmond, VA. In addition the wording ``The airspace 
within R-4007A and R-4007B is excluded'' would be remove from the route 
description because the amended route would no longer pass in the 
vicinity of the restricted areas.
    V-155: V-155 extends from Columbus, GA to Brooke, VA. The FAA 
proposes to remove the segments from Columbus, GA to the intersection 
of the Columbus 068[deg] and the Colliers, SC, 243[deg] radials (the 
charted SINCA Fix). The SINCA, GA, Fix would be redefined by replacing 
the Columbus radial with the Dublin, GA, 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) 
radial. This supports the scheduled decommissioning of the Columbus, GA 
(CSG), VORTAC. As amended, V-155 would extend from the intersection of 
the Dublin, GA, 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) and Colliers, SC 243[deg] 
radials, to Brooke, VA.
    V-241: V-241 extends from Semmes, AL to the intersection of the 
Columbus, GA 010[deg] and the LaGrange, GA 048[deg] radials (the 
charted TIROE, GA, Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the segments from 
Columbus, GA to the TIROE Fix. The intersection of the Eufaula, AL 
008[deg](T)/006[deg](M) and the LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) 
would be used in place of the Columbus, GA VORTAC. As amended, V-241 
would extend from Semmes, AL, to the intersection of the Eufaula, AL 
008[deg](T)/006[deg](M) and the LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) 
radials.
    V-321: V-321 extends from Pecan, GA to Livingston, TN. The FAA 
proposes to remove the Columbus, GA (CSG), VORTAC from the route and 
replace it with the intersection of the Pecan, GA 327[deg](T)/
329[deg](M) and the LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) radials. 
Otherwise, V-321 would still extend from Pecan, GA, to Livingston, TN 
as currently charted.
    J-37: J-37 consists of three parts: From Harvey, LA; to Montgomery, 
AL; from Lynchburg, VA; to Coyle, NJ; and From Kennedy, NY; to Albany, 
NY. The FAA proposes to remove the entire route. RNAV routes Q-22, Q-
127, and Q-479 are being published as a partial overlay and replacement 
of J-37.
    J-55: J-55 consists of two parts: From the intersection of the Flat 
Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh-Durham, NC, 224[deg] radials; to the 
intersection of the Hopewell, VA 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] 
radials; and From Sea Isle, NJ; to Presque Isle, ME. This action 
proposes to remove the entire routs. RNAV routes Q-167, Q-220, Q-439, 
and Q-445 will be published to replace J-55, reflecting current traffic 
flows in the area.

[[Page 52709]]

    J-79: J-79 extends from Charleston, SC to Bangor, ME. This action 
proposes to remove the entire route. RNAV route Q-133 will be published 
as a partial overlay and replacement of J-79.
    J-121: J-121 extends from Charleston, SC; to the intersection of 
the Sea Isle, NJ 050[deg] and the Cedar Lake, NJ 091[deg] radials. This 
action proposes to remove the entire route. RNAV route Q-109 will be 
published as a partial overlay and replacement of J-121.
    J-174: J-174 extends from Charleston, SC, to the intersection of 
the Marconi, MA 090[deg] and Nantucket, MA, 066[deg] radials. This 
action proposes to remove the entire route. RNAV route Q-97 will be 
published as a partial overlay and replacement of J-174.
    J-191: J-191 extends from Hopewell, VA to Wilmington, NC. This 
action proposes to remove the entire route. RNAV routes Q-85 and Q-409 
will be published to replace J-191, reflecting current traffic flows in 
this area.
    J-209: J-209 extends from Raleigh-Durham, NC to the intersection of 
the Coyle, NJ 036[deg] and the Robbinsville, NJ, 136[deg] radials. This 
action proposes to remove the entire route. The route is no longer used 
by air traffic control and no overlay is required. Other Performance 
Based Navigation structure will be implemented reflecting current 
traffic flows in this area.
    When new navigation aid radials are proposed in an NPRM, both True 
North (T) and Magnetic North (M) values are stated in route 
descriptions. Only True North is specified in any subsequent final 
rules.
    Domestic VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a), 
and jet routes are published in paragraph 2004, respectively, 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 VOR 
Federal airways and jet routes listed in this document would be 
subsequently published in, or removed from 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.

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 JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-5 [Amended]

    From Pecan, GA; Vienna, GA; Dublin, GA; to Athens, GA. From New 
Hope, KY; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; to Appleton, OH.
* * * * *

V-20 [Amended]

    From McAllen, TX, INT McAllen 038[deg] and Corpus Christi, TX, 
178[deg] radials; 10 miles 8 miles wide, 37 miles 7 miles wide (3 
miles E and 4 miles W of centerline), Corpus Christi; INT Corpus 
Christi 054[deg] and Palacios, TX, 226[deg] radials; to Palacios. 
From Beaumont, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Lafayette, LA; Reserve, LA; INT 
Reserve 084[deg] and Gulfport, MS, 247[deg] radials; Gulfport; 
Semmes, AL; INT Semmes 048[deg] and Monroeville, AL, 231[deg] 
radials; Monroeville; to Montgomery, AL; From Barretts Mountain, NC; 
South Boston, VA; to Richmond, VA. The airspace on the main airway 
above 14,000 feet MSL from McAllen to 49 miles northeast and the 
airspace within Mexico is excluded.
* * * * *

V-155 [Amended]

    From INT Dublin, GA 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) and Colliers, SC, 
243[deg] radials; Colliers; Chesterfield, SC; Sandhills, NC; 
Raleigh-Durham, NC; Lawrenceville, VA; INT Lawrenceville 034[deg] 
and Flat Rock, VA, 171[deg] radials; Flat Rock; to Brooke, VA. The 
airspace within R-6602A is excluded.
* * * * *

V-241 [Amended]

    From Semmes, AL, via Crestview, FL; INT Crestview 076[deg] and 
Wiregrass, AL, 232[deg] radials; Wiregrass; Eufaula, AL; to INT 
Eufaula, AL 008[deg](T)/006[deg] (M) and LaGrange, GA, 160[deg](T)/
159[deg](M) radials.
* * * * *

V-321 [Amended]

    From Pecan, GA, via INT Pecan 327[deg](T)/329[deg](M) and 
LaGrange, GA, 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) radials; LaGrange; INT 
LaGrange 342[deg] and Gadsden, AL, 124[deg] radials; Gadsden; INT 
Gadsden 333[deg] and Rocket, AL, 149[deg] radials; Rocket, 
Shelbyville, TN; to Livingston, TN.
* * * * *

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-37 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-55 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-79 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-121 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-174 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-191 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-209 [Removed]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 23, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-18485 Filed 8-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P