[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 171 (Tuesday, September 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54360-54362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19101]


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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


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action establishes three low altitude United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) routes (T-routes) in the northeast United States to 
support 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: Effective date 0901 UTC, November 3, 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 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 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

[[Page 54361]]

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 NAS.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0475, in the Federal Register (87 FR 27956; May 10, 2022) 
establishing six RNAV T-routes in the northeast United States to 
support the VOR MON Program. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    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 will be subsequently published in FAA 
Order JO 7400.11.

Difference From the NPRM

    The FAA proposed to establish six RNAV T routes. However, 
subsequent to the NPRM, the FAA determined that further coordination is 
required on routes T-428, T-434, and T-436 before they can be 
implemented. Therefore, those three routes are removed from this rule 
and will be implemented at a later date under a separate docket. This 
rule establishes only T-416, T-430, and T-438 as proposed.

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 establishing three low 
altitude RNAV T-routes, designated T-416, T-430, and T-438, in the 
northeast United States to support the VOR MON Program.
    T-416: T-416 extends between the Smyrna, DE (ENO), VHF 
Omnidirectional Range and Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC) and 
the PREPI, OA, Fix (OA means ``Offshore Atlantic''). The route overlays 
VOR Federal airway V-312 between the ALBEK, NJ, Fix, and the PREPI Fix. 
At the PREPI Fix, T-416 connects with the oceanic route structure.
    T-430: T-430 extends between the Philipsburg, PA (PSB), VORTAC, and 
the Solberg, NJ (SBJ), VOR/DME. The route overlays airway V-30 between 
the Philipsburg VORTAC and the Solberg VOR/DME.
    T-438: T-438 extends between the RASHE, PA, Fix, and the PREPI, OA, 
Fix. It overlays airway V-276 between the RASHE Fix and the PREPI Fix.
    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 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 action of establishing three low 
altitude RNAV T-routes, designated T-416, T-430, and T-438, in the 
northeast United States, in support of efforts transitioning the NAS 
from ground-based to satellite-based navigation, 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 14 CFR 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 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

[[Page 54362]]



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-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-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)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 30, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-19101 Filed 9-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P