[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 207 (Thursday, October 27, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65011-65013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-22164]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 207 / Thursday, October 27, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 65011]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0436; Airspace Docket No. 22-ASW-1]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment and Establishment of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; 
South Central United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal 
airways V-198, V-212, V-556, and V-558; amends Area Navigation (RNAV) 
route T-256; and establishes RNAV route T-466. The FAA is taking this 
action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the 
Eagle Lake, TX (ELA), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) 
navigational aid (NAVAID). The Eagle Lake VOR is being decommissioned 
in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, December 29, 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 7400.11G, 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: Colby Abbott, 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 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 for Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0436 in the Federal Register (87 FR 24905; April 27, 2022), 
amending VOR Federal airways V-198, V-212, V-556, and V-558; amending 
RNAV route T-256; and establishing RNAV route T-466. The proposed 
amendment and establishment actions were due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Eagle Lake, TX, VOR/DME 
NAVAID. Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No 
comments were received.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and United 
States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA 
Order JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 
2022, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Air 
Traffic Service (ATS) routes listed in this document will be published 
subsequently in FAA Order JO 7400.11.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 
15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G 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 amending VOR Federal airways 
V-198, V-212, V-556, and V-558; amending RNAV route T-256; and 
establishing RNAV route T-466 due to the planned decommissioning of the 
Eagle Lake, TX, VOR. The ATS route actions are described below.
    V-198: V-198 extends between the San Simon, AZ, VOR/Tactical Air 
Navigation (VORTAC) and the Eagle Lake, TX, VOR/DME; and between the 
Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME and the Craig, FL, VORTAC. The route segment 
between the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC and the Eagle Lake, TX, VOR/DME is 
removed. As amended, the airway is changed to extend between the San 
Simon, AZ, VORTAC and the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC; and between the 
Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME and the Craig, FL, VORTAC.
    V-212: V-212 extends between the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC and the Mc 
Comb, MS, VORTAC. The airway segment between the San Antonio, TX, 
VORTAC and the Industry, TX, VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway 
is changed to extend between the Industry, TX, VORTAC and the Mc Comb, 
MS, VORTAC.
    V-556: V-556 extends between the San Angelo, TX, VORTAC and the 
Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Stonewall, TX, 
VORTAC and the Scholes, TX, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the airway 
is changed to extend between the San Angelo, TX, VORTAC and the 
Stonewall, TX, VORTAC; and between the Scholes, TX, VOR/DME and the 
Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME.
    V-558: V-558 extends between the Llano, TX, VORTAC and the Eagle 
Lake, TX, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Industry, TX, VORTAC 
and the Eagle Lake, TX, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the airway is 
changed to extend between Llano, TX, VORTAC and the Industry, TX, 
VORTAC.
    T-256: T-256 extends between the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC and the 
Sabine, TX, VOR/DME. The Eagle Lake, TX, VOR/DME route point is removed 
from the description as it is on a straight

[[Page 65012]]

segment of the route and does not change the route structure between 
the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC and the MOLLR, TX, waypoint (WP). 
Additionally, a RNAV route segment overlaying V-194 is added between 
the Sabine, TX, VOR/DME and the DAFLY, LA, WP being established near 
the Lafayette, LA, VORTAC. The full route description is listed in the 
amendments to part 71 set forth below.
    T-466: T-466 is a new RNAV route that extends between the San 
Angelo, TX, VORTAC and the Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME. The new T-466 
overlays the V-556 airway and, in part, mitigates the removal of the V-
556 segment between the Stonewall, TX, VORTAC and the Scholes, TX, VOR/
DME; providing RNAV routing between the San Angelo, TX, area 
southeastward to the Galveston, TX, area and then northeastward to the 
Beaumont, TX, area. The full route description is listed in the 
amendments to part 71 set forth below.
    All NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions 
below are unchanged and 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, 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 amending VOR Federal 
airways V-198, V-212, V-556, and V-558; amending RNAV route T-256; and 
establishing RNAV route T-466, due to the planned decommissioning of 
the VOR portion of the Eagle Lake, TX, 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) 
and paragraph 5-6.5i, which categorically excludes from further 
environmental impact review the establishment of new or revised air 
traffic control procedures conducted at 3,000 feet or more above ground 
level (AGL); procedures conducted below 3,000 feet AGL that do not 
cause traffic to be routinely routed over noise sensitive areas; 
modifications to currently approved procedures conducted below 3,000 
feet AGL that do not significantly increase noise over noise sensitive 
areas; and increases in minimum altitudes and landing minima. 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 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 
7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 
2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-198 [Amended]

    From San Simon, AZ; Columbus, NM; El Paso, TX; 6 miles wide INT 
El Paso 109[deg] and Hudspeth, TX, 287[deg] radials; 6 miles wide 
Hudspeth; 29 miles, 38 miles 82 MSL INT Hudspeth 109[deg] and Fort 
Stockton, TX, 284[deg] radials; 18 miles 82 MSL Fort Stockton; 20 
miles, 116 miles 55 MSL Junction, TX; to San Antonio, TX. From 
Sabine Pass, TX; White Lake, LA; Tibby, LA; Harvey, LA; 69 miles, 33 
miles 25 MSL Brookley, AL; INT Brookley 056[deg] and Crestview, FL, 
266[deg] radials; Crestview; Marianna, FL; Seminole, FL; Greenville, 
FL; Taylor, FL; INT Taylor 093[deg] and Craig, FL, 287[deg] radials; 
to Craig.
* * * * *

V-212 [Amended]

    From Industry, TX; Navasota, TX; INT Navasota 019[deg] and 
Lufkin, TX, 250[deg] radials; Lufkin; Alexandria, LA; to Mc Comb, 
MS.
* * * * *

V-556 [Amended]

    From San Angelo, TX; INT San Angelo 181[deg] and Junction, TX, 
310[deg] radials; Junction; to Stonewall, TX. From Scholes, TX; to 
Sabine Pass, TX.
* * * * *

V-558 [Amended]

    From Llano, TX; INT Llano 088[deg] and Centex, TX, 306[deg] 
radials; Centex; to Industry, TX.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-256 San Antonio, TX (SAT) to DAFLY, LA [Amended]
 
San Antonio, TX (SAT)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 29[deg]38'38.51'' N, long. 098[deg]27'40.74'' W)
MOLLR, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]39'20.23'' N, long. 095[deg]16'35.83'' W)
Sabine Pass, TX (SBI)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]41'12.19'' N, long. 094[deg]02'16.72'' W)
DAFLY, LA                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]11'37.70'' N, long. 091[deg]59'33.94'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-466 San Angelo, TX (SJT) to Sabine Pass, TX (SBI) [New]
 

[[Page 65013]]

 
San Angelo, TX (SJT)                            VORTAC                         (Lat. 31[deg]22'29.84'' N, long. 100[deg]27'17.53'' W)
CHILD, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 31[deg]03'41.17'' N, long. 100[deg]27'40.62'' W)
Junction, TX (JCT)                              VORTAC                         (Lat. 30[deg]35'52.88'' N, long. 099[deg]49'02.93'' W)
BETTI, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]57'54.97'' N, long. 098[deg]03'23.98'' W)
MARCS, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]53'52.04'' N, long. 097[deg]51'40.70'' W)
SEEDS, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]39'31.94'' N, long. 097[deg]14'58.66'' W)
LDRET, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]39'44.93'' N, long. 096[deg]19'00.96'' W)
KEEDS, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]21'59.49'' N, long. 095[deg]36'48.98'' W)
Scholes, TX (VUH)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]16'09.60'' N, long. 094[deg]52'03.81'' W)
Sabine Pass, TX (SBI)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]41'12.19'' N, long. 094[deg]02'16.72'' W)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 5, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-22164 Filed 10-26-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P