[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 74956-74959]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26488]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0826; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-21]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment and 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 amends two low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) 
routes

[[Page 74957]]

(T-routes), and establishes one T-route, 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 ground-based navigation aids to a 
satellite-based navigation system.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, February 23, 2023. 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: 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 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-2022-0826, in the Federal Register (87 FR 42395; July 15, 2022). 
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, and 
Canadian T-routes are published in paragraph 6013, respectively, 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 RNAV routes 
listed in this document will be subsequently published in FAA Order JO 
7400.11.

Differences From the NPRM

    The United States RNAV routes T-287 and T-318 are removed from this 
docket for additional planning and coordination. These routes will be 
placed in subsequent dockets at a later date.
    The NPRM proposed to extend T-358 from the AVALO, NJ, Fix to the 
Augusta, ME (AUG), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring 
Equipment (VOR/DME). The proposed route extension after the AVALO Fix 
(from MANTA, NJ to Augusta, ME) was based on replacing various VORs 
scheduled for decommissioning under the VOR MON plan. Fixes or 
Waypoints (WPs) were to be added to T-358 in place of the VORs, 
however, the decommissioning of the associated VORs is not scheduled 
until later dates. Since the VORs are still available for navigation, 
it is premature to amend the routing at this time. As amended, T-358 
extends from the Martinsburg, WV (MRB), VHF Omnidirectional Range and 
Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC) to the AVALO, NJ, Fix.

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 two low altitude RNAV 
T-routes, designated T-358, and T-608, and establishing one T-route, 
designated T-320, in the northeast United States. This action supports 
the VOR MON Program, and the transition of the NAS from ground-based 
navigation aids to satellite-based navigation.
    T-320: T-320 is a new route that extends between the GILFF, VA, WP 
and the Gardner, MA (GDM), VOR/DME. T-320 overlays portions of airway 
V-308 from the BILIT, MD, Fix, to the CHOPS, MD, Fix, and from the 
WNSTN, NJ, WP to the YANCT, CT, WP.
    T-358: T-358 extends between the Martinsburg, WV (MRB), VORTAC, and 
the AVALO, NJ, Fix. The HOGZZ, MD, WP name is changed to the TWIRK, MD, 
WP per request from air traffic control (ATC). The latitude/longitude 
coordinates of the WP remain unchanged. The GOLDA, MD, Fix; the BROSS, 
MD, Fix; and the LEEAH, NJ, Fix are removed from the route description 
because they don't denote turn points on the route. However, the fixes 
will remain on aeronautical charts for ATC purposes.
    T-608: T-608 is an existing Canadian T route that extends into U.S. 
airspace between the HOCKE, MI, WP, and the YANTC, CT, WP. This action 
modifies the eastern end of the route by removing the segments between 
the Gardner, MA (GDM), VOR/DME, and the YANCT, CT, WP. Instead, the 
route is realigned to proceed eastward from the Gardner VOR/DME through 
the BRONC, MA; LOBBY, MA; and SOSYO, MA, Fixes; to terminate at the 
REVER, MA, Fix (located 5 nautical miles north of the Boston, MA (BOS), 
VOR/DME). The new route T-320 (described above) incorporates the 
segments between the YANCT WP and the Gardner VOR/DME that are being 
removed from T-608.
    In addition, the following points are removed from the T-608 legal 
description because they do not denote a turn point on the route: 
MONCK, NY, WP; LORTH, NY, Fix; MAGEN, NY, WP; KONDO, NY, WP; WIFFY, NY, 
WP; STODA, NY, WP; VASTS, NY, Fix; NORSE, NY, WP; MARIA, NY, WP; WARUV, 
NY, WP; GRISY, MA, WP; WARIC, MA, WP; HURLY, MA, Fix; GRAYM, MA, WP; 
BLATT, CT, WP; MOGUL, CT, WP; and YANCT, CT, WP.
    Full route descriptions of the above T routes are listed in the 
amendments to part 71 set forth below.
    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

[[Page 74958]]

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 amending two, and 
establishing one low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) T routes, as 
described above, 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); and paragraph 5-
6.5b, which categorically excludes from further environmental impact 
review ``Actions regarding establishment of jet routes and Federal 
airways (see 14 CFR 71.15, Designation of jet routes and VOR Federal 
airways) . . .''. 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 
7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 
2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-320 GILFF, VA to Gardner, MA (GDM) [New]
 
GILFF, VA                       WP                 (Lat. 38[deg]21'44.86'' N, long. 077[deg]26'05.38'' W)
HIGPO, VA                       WP                 (Lat. 38[deg]22'16.09'' N, long. 077[deg]22'19.97'' W)
CAVDI, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 38[deg]25'33.43'' N, long. 076[deg]54'43.49'' W)
DAILY, MD                       FIX                (Lat. 38[deg]33'37.83'' N, long. 076[deg]43'31.05'' W)
VAALI, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 38[deg]44'00.85'' N, long. 076[deg]26'38.26'' W)
BILIT, MD                       FIX                (Lat. 38[deg]45'15.82'' N, long. 076[deg]03'57.59'' W)
CHOPS, MD                       FIX                (Lat. 38[deg]45'41.81'' N, long. 075[deg]57'36.18'' W)
EGGRS, DE                       WP                 (Lat. 38[deg]53'30.52'' N, long. 075[deg]30'49.95'' W)
JILLI, NJ                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]00'42.22'' N, long. 075[deg]05'46.21'' W)
WNSTN, NJ                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]05'43.81'' N, long. 074[deg]48'01.20'' W)
MANTA, NJ                       FIX                (Lat. 39[deg]54'07.01'' N, long. 073[deg]32'31.63'' W)
BEADS, NY                       FIX                (Lat. 40[deg]44'04.51'' N, long. 072[deg]32'34.21'' W)
ORCHA, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 40[deg]54'55.46'' N, long. 072[deg]18'43.64'' W)
BOROS, NY                       FIX                (Lat. 41[deg]09'24.45'' N, long. 072[deg]09'50.96'' W)
Groton, CT (GON)                VOR/DME            (Lat. 41[deg]19'49.45'' N, long. 072[deg]03'07.14'' W)
YANTC, CT                       WP                 (Lat. 41[deg]33'22.81'' N, long. 071[deg]59'56.95'' W)
Gardner, MA (GDM)               VOR/DME            (Lat. 42[deg]32'45.31'' N, long. 072[deg]03'29.48'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
T-358 Martinsburg, WV (MRB) to AVALO, NJ [Amended]
 
Martinsburg, WV (MRB)           VORTAC             (Lat. 39[deg]23'08.06'' N, long. 077[deg]50'54.08'' W)
CPTAL, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]32'16.02'' N, long. 077[deg]41'55.65'' W)
TWIRK, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]34'36.70'' N, long. 077[deg]12'44.75'' W)
MOYRR, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]30'03.42'' N, long. 076[deg]56'10.84'' W)
DANII, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]17'46.42'' N, long. 076[deg]42'19.36'' W)
OBWON, MD                       WP                 (Lat. 39[deg]11'54.69'' N, long. 076[deg]32'04.84'' W)
SWANN, MD                       FIX                (Lat. 39[deg]09'05.28'' N, long. 076[deg]13'43.94'' W)
Smyrna, DE (ENO)                VORTAC             (Lat. 39[deg]13'53.93'' N, long. 075[deg]30'57.49'' W)
AVALO, NJ                       FIX                (Lat. 39[deg]16'54.52'' N, long. 074[deg]30'50.75'' W)
 

* * * * *

Paragraph 6013 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-608 HOCKE, MI to REVER, MA [Amended]
 
HOCKE, MI                       WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]15'43.38'' N, long. 082[deg]42'38.27'' W)
KATNO, Canada                   WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]10'34.00'' N, long. 082[deg]19'32.00'' W)
UKNIX, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 42[deg]56'44.51'' N, long. 078[deg]55'05.60'' W)
WOZEE, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 42[deg]56'01.65'' N, long. 078[deg]44'19.64'' W)
CLUNG, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]03'17.17'' N, long. 078[deg]00'13.38'' W)
Rochester, NY (ROC)             VOR/DME            (Lat. 43[deg]07'04.65'' N, long. 077[deg]40'22.06'' W)
Syracuse, NY (SYR)              VORTAC             (Lat. 43[deg]09'37.87'' N, long. 076[deg]12'16.41'' W)
LAMMS, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 43[deg]01'35.30'' N, long. 075[deg]09'51.50'' W)
Albany, NY (ALB)                VORTAC             (Lat. 42[deg]44'50.20'' N, long. 073[deg]48'11.47'' W)
GRAVE, NY                       WP                 (Lat. 42[deg]46'47.34'' N, long. 073[deg]22'20.91'' W)
Gardner, MA (GDM)               VOR/DME            (Lat. 42[deg]32'45.31'' N, long. 072[deg]03'29.48'' W)

[[Page 74959]]

 
BRONC, MA                       FIX                (Lat. 42[deg]30'53.93'' N, long. 071[deg]43'21.61'' W)
LOBBY, MA                       FIX                (Lat. 42[deg]30'15.53'' N, long. 071[deg]36'34.04'' W)
SOSYO, MA                       FIX                (Lat. 42[deg]29'14.45'' N, long. 071[deg]25'55.75'' W)
REVER, MA                       FIX                (Lat. 42[deg]26'27.48'' N, long. 070[deg]57'41.31'' W)
Excluding the airspace within Canada.
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 1, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-26488 Filed 12-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P