[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 58 (Monday, March 27, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18023-18026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06101]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1395 Airspace Docket No. 22-ACE-10]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes and 
Revocation of a VOR Federal Airway in the Vicinity of Wolbach, NE

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

[[Page 18024]]


ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Jet Routes J-10, J-84, J-100, J-128, J-144, 
and J-197, Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) 
Federal airways V-172 and V-380, and Area Navigation (RNAV) route T-
288; and revokes VOR Federal airway V-219. The FAA is taking this 
action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the 
Wolbach, NE (OBH), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational 
aid (NAVAID). The Wolbach VOR is being decommissioned in support of the 
FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, June 15, 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: A copy of the NPRM, all comments received, this final rule, 
and all background material may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov 
using the FAA Docket number. Electronic retrieval help and guidelines 
are available on the website. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and 
Regulations Group, Office of Policy, 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 would modify the ATS 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-2022-1395 in the Federal Register (87 FR 71266; November 22, 2022), 
amending Jet Routes J-10, J-84, J-100, J-128, J-144, and J-197, VOR 
Federal airways V-172 and V-380, and RNAV route T-288; and revoking VOR 
Federal airway V-219 due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR 
portion of the Wolbach VORTAC NAVAID.

Differences From the NPRM

    Subsequent to the NPRM publication, the FAA determined one route 
point listed in the RNAV route T-288 description could be removed 
without affecting the route's structure or alignment. The FESNT, NE, 
waypoint (WP) in the T-288 description does not denote a route turn 
point, does not have established holding requirements, and is not 
required due to PBN leg length maximum allowable distances being 
exceeded; therefore, it is not required in the description. This rule 
removes the FESNT, WP route point from the description of T-288 between 
the Ainsworth, NE, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the 
ISTIQ, NE, WP route points.

Incorporation by Reference

    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, VOR Federal airways are 
published in paragraph 6010(a), and United States Area Navigation 
Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order JO 
7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This 
document amends the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 
7400.11G, 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. These amendments will be published in the 
next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11.
    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 Jet Routes J-10, J-
84, J-100, J-128, J-144, and J-197, VOR Federal airways V-172 and V-
380, and RNAV route T-288; and revoking VOR Federal airway V-219 due to 
the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Wolbach, NE, 
VORTAC. The ATS route actions are described below.
    J-10: J-10 extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC and the Iowa 
City, IA, VOR/DME. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the North Platte, NE, VOR/DME and the Des Moines, IA, VORTAC is 
removed. As amended, the route extends between the Los Angeles VORTAC 
and the North Platte VOR/DME, and between the Des Moines VORTAC and the 
Iowa City VOR/DME.
    J-84: J-84 extends between the Oakland, CA, VOR/DME and the 
Danville, IL, VORTAC. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the Sidney, NE, VOR/DME and the Dubuque, IA, VORTAC is removed. 
As amended, the route extends between the Oakland VOR/DME and the 
Sidney VOR/DME, and between the Dubuque VORTAC and the Danville VORTAC.
    J-100: J-100 extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC and the 
Northbrook, IL, VORTAC. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the Sidney, NE, VOR/DME and the Dubuque, IA, VORTAC is removed. 
As amended, the route extends between the Los Angeles VORTAC and the 
Sidney VOR/DME, and between the Dubuque VORTAC and the Northbrook 
VORTAC.
    J-128: J-128 extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC and the 
Northbrook, IL, VORTAC. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the Hayes Center, NE, VORTAC and the Dubuque, IA, VORTAC is 
removed. As amended, the route extends between the Los Angeles VORTAC 
and the Hayes Center VORTAC, and between the Dubuque VORTAC and the 
Northbrook VORTAC.
    J-144: J-144 extends between the Wolbach, NE, VORTAC and the 
Dubuque, IA, VORTAC. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the Wolbach VORTAC and the Des Moines, IA, VORTAC is removed. 
As amended, the route extends between the Des Moines VORTAC and the 
Dubuque VORTAC.
    J-197: J-197 extends between the Dove Creek, CO, VORTAC and the 
Sioux Falls, SD, VORTAC. The route segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the Goodland, KS, VORTAC and Sioux Falls, SD, VORTAC is 
removed. As amended, the route extends between the Dove Creek VORTAC 
and the Goodland VORTAC.
    V-172: V-172 extends between the North Platte, NE, VOR/DME and the 
DuPage, IL, VOR/DME. The airway segment overlying the Wolbach VORTAC 
between the North Platte, NE,

[[Page 18025]]

VOR/DME and the Columbus, NE, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the 
airway extends between the Columbus VOR/DME and the DuPage VOR/DME.
    V-219: V-219 extends between the Hayes Center, NE, VORTAC and the 
Norfolk, NE, VOR/DME. The airway is removed in its entirety.
    V-380: V-380 extends between the O'Neill, NE, VORTAC and the 
Mankato, KS, VORTAC. The airspace within the O'Neill Military 
Operations Area (MOA) is excluded when the MOA is activated by Notice 
to Air Missions (NOTAM). The airway segment overlying the Wolbach 
VORTAC between the O'Neill, NE, VORTAC and the Grand Island, NE, VOR/
DME, and the airway exclusion is removed. As amended, the airway 
extends between the Grand Island VOR/DME and the Mankato VORTAC.
    T-288: T-288 currently extends between the Gillette, WY, VOR/DME 
and the Wolbach, NE, VORTAC. The Wolbach VORTAC route point is replaced 
by the ISTIQ, NE, WP located 3 nautical miles northwest of the Wolbach 
VORTAC on RNAV route T-413. Additionally, the Rapid City, SD, VORTAC 
latitude/longitude geographic coordinates are updated to match the 
FAA's National Airspace System Resource database information. As 
amended, the route extends between the Gillette VOR/DME and the ISTIQ, 
WP.
    All NAVAID radials listed in the ATS route descriptions below are 
unchanged and stated in degrees True north.

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 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 amending Jet Routes J-
10, J-84, J-100, J-128, J-144, and J-197, VOR Federal airways V-172 and 
V-380, and RNAV route T-288; and revoking VOR Federal airway V-219, due 
to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Wolbach, NE, 
VORTAC 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); paragraph 5-6.5(b), 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); operation of 
civil aircraft in a defense area, or to, within, or out of the United 
States through a designated Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) (14 
CFR part 99, Security Control of Air Traffic); authorizations for 
operation of moored balloons, moored kites, amateur rockets, and 
unmanned free balloons (see 14 CFR part 101, Moored Balloons, Kites, 
Amateur Rockets and Unmanned Free Balloons); and, authorizations of 
parachute jumping and inspection of parachute equipment (see 14 CFR 
part 105, Parachute Operations); paragraph 5-6.5i, which categorically 
excludes from further environment 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. For modifications to air traffic procedures at or above 
3,000 feet AGL, the Noise Screening Tool (NST) or other FAA-approved 
environmental screening methodology should be applied; and paragraph 5-
6.5k, which categorically excludes from further environmental impact 
review the publication of existing air traffic control procedures that 
do not essentially change existing tracks, create new tracks, change 
altitude, or change concentration of aircraft on these tracks. 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 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-10 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA; INT Los Angeles 083[deg] and Twentynine 
Palms, CA, 269[deg] radials; Twentynine Palms; INT Twentynine Palms 
075[deg] and Flagstaff, AZ, 251[deg] radials; Flagstaff; 
Rattlesnake, NM; Blue Mesa, CO; Falcon, CO; to North Platte, NE. 
From Des Moines, IA; to Iowa City, IA.
* * * * *

J-84 [Amended]

    From Oakland, CA; Linden, CA; Mina, NV; Delta, UT; Meeker, CO; 
to Sidney, NE. From Dubuque, IA; Northbrook, IL; to Danville, IL.
* * * * *

J-100 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA; Daggett, CA; Las Vegas, NV; INT of Las 
Vegas 046[deg] and Bryce Canyon, UT, 240[deg] radials; Bryce Canyon; 
Meeker, CO; to Sidney, NE. From Dubuque, IA; to Northbrook, IL.
* * * * *

J-128 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA; INT Los Angeles 083[deg] and Peach 
Springs, AZ, 244[deg] radials;

[[Page 18026]]

Peach Springs; Tuba City, AZ; Blue Mesa, CO; Falcon, CO; to Hayes 
Center, NE. From Dubuque, IA; to Northbrook, IL.
* * * * *

J-144 [Amended]

    From Des Moines, IA; to Dubuque, IA.
* * * * *

J-197 [Amended]

    From Dove Creek, CO; Hugo, CO; to Goodland, KS.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-172 [Amended]

    From Columbus, NE; Omaha, IA; INT Omaha 066[deg] and Newton, IA, 
262[deg] radials; Newton; Cedar Rapids, IA; Polo, IL; INT Polo 
088[deg] and DuPage, IL, 293[deg] radials; to DuPage.
* * * * *

V-219 [Removed]

* * * * *

V-380 [Amended]

    From Grand Island, NE; Hastings, NE; to Mankato, KS.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-288 Gillette, WY (GCC) to ISTIQ, NE [Amended]
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Gillette, WY (GCC)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 44[deg]20'51.98'' N, long. 105[deg]32'36.55'' W)
KARAS, WY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]16'22.88'' N, long. 104[deg]18'49.64'' W)
Rapid City, SD (RAP)                            VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]58'33.74'' N, long. 103[deg]00'44.38'' W)
WNDED, SD                                       WP                             (Lat. 43[deg]19'14.00'' N, long. 101[deg]32'19.00'' W)
Valentine, NE (VTN)                             NDB                            (Lat. 42[deg]51'41.85'' N, long. 100[deg]32'58.73'' W)
Ainsworth, NE (ANW)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]34'08.81'' N, long. 099[deg]59'22.78'' W)
ISTIQ, NE                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]24'52.04'' N, long. 098[deg]24'18.89'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2023.
Brian Konie,
Acting Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2023-06101 Filed 3-24-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P