[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36976-36979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-11908]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 88 , No. 108 / Tuesday, June 6, 2023 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 36976]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1276; Airspace Docket No. 22-AEA-37]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Eastern 
United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend six United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) Q-routes in the eastern United States. This action 
supports the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes (NEC ACR) 
Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of the National Airspace 
System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 21, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-1276 and 
Airspace Docket No. 22-AEA-37 using any of the following methods:
    * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow 
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West 
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in 
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for 
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    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: 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 amends the route structure to maintain the efficient 
flow of air traffic.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most 
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain 
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or 
commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments 
are filed in writing.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light 
of the comments it receives.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    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 
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and 
hours of operations). 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 Avenue, 
College Park, GA 30337.

Incorporation by Reference

    United States Area Navigation routes are published in paragraph 
2006 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 proposes to amend the current version of that 
order, FAA Order JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022, and effective 
September 15, 2022. These

[[Page 36977]]

updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. 
That order 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 Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend RNAV 
routes Q-97, Q-117, Q-131, Q-167, Q-409, and Q-439 to enhance the 
efficiency of the NEC ACR Optimization Project, resolve issues of 
similar sounding waypoint (WP) names that may cause confusion in 
communications, and to remove points that are not required in the route 
descriptions.
    Q-97: Q-97 currently extends from the TOVAR, FL, WP to the Presque 
Isle, ME (PQI) Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range/Distance 
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). This action proposes to remove the 
following WPs and one Fix from the route because they do not denote a 
turn of one degree or more: EBAYY, FL; ELMSZ, SC; YURCK, NC; YEASO, NC; 
KOHLS, NC; HEADI, NJ; SAILN, OA (i.e., OA means Offshore Atlantic); 
BEEKN, ME; and the BRIGS, NJ, Fix. In addition, the DELAAY, MD, WP 
would be moved, along the route, 11.5 nautical miles (NM) south of its 
current position. The move is required to deconflict New York arrival 
traffic from departures that are climbing southbound on RNAV routes Q-
97 and Q-167. These changes would not affect the alignment of Q-97.
    Q-117: Q-117 currently extends from YLEEE, NC to SAWED, VA. This 
action proposes to change the name of the YLEEE, NC, WP to the PRONI, 
NC, WP to eliminate confusion with another similar sounding WP name. 
This has led to navigation system data entry errors. The PRONI, NC, WP 
would have the same latitude/longitude coordinates as the YLEEE WP so 
the alignment of Q-117 would remain unchanged. As amended, Q-117 would 
extend from PRONI, NC to SAWED, VA.
    Q-131: Q-131 currently extends from ZILLS, NC to ZJAAY, MD. To 
resolve confusion with similar sounding WP names, this action would 
change the name of the ZILLS, NC, WP to the WAALT, NC, WP; and change 
the YLEEE, NC, WP to the PRONI, NC, WP. The new WPs retain the same 
latitude/longitude coordinates as the points they would replace. This 
action would also remove the route segment from KALDA, VA to ZJAAY, MD 
from Q-131. That segment is being incorporated into RNAV route Q-101 in 
order to match the Q route structure with preferred routing and air 
traffic control system automation, to improve the efficiency to the 
NAS. As amended, Q-131 would extend from WAALT, NC to KALDA, VA.
    Q-167: Q-167 currently extends from ZJAAY, MD to SSOXS, MA. This 
action would extend Q-167 12 NM southwestward from the ZJAAY, MD, WP to 
the KALDA, VA, WP to link with additional Q routes. In addition, the 
following WPs would be removed from the route description because they 
do not denote a turn of one degree or more: TOPRR, OA; SPDEY, OA; 
GRONC, NY, and NESTT, RI. The YAZUU, NJ, Fix, and the EMJAY, NJ, Fix 
would also be removed for the same reason. The following Fixes in the 
Q-167 route description are reclassified as WPs to match the National 
Airspace System Resource (NASR) database updates: ZIZZI, NJ; RIFLE, NY; 
and HOFFI, NY. As amended, Q-167 would extend from KALDA, VA to SSOXS, 
MA.
    Q-409: Q-409 currently extends from ENEME, GA to WHITE, NJ. This 
action proposes to change the name of the GNARO, DE, WP to the OYVAY, 
DE, WP due to word pronunciation issues causing confusion for flight 
crews. In addition, the OYVAY WP would be relocated 4.37 NM southwest 
of the GNARO WP position. The TRPOD, MD, WP would be moved 
approximately 0.5 NM from its current position per air traffic control 
request. In addition, the JROSS, SC, WP and the DEEEZ, NC, WP would be 
removed from the route description because they do not denote a turn of 
one degree or more.
    Q-439: Q-439 currently extends from BRIGS, NJ to Presque Isle, ME. 
Air traffic control requested that Q-439 be extended southwest from the 
BRIGS, NJ, Fix to overlie a portion of existing RNAV route Q-445 from 
BRIGS to a new HOWYU, DE, WP. This would add the HOWYU WP as the new 
starting point for Q-439. The RADDS, DE, Fix, and the WNSTN, NJ, WP 
would be to the route description between the HOWYU, DE, WP and the 
MANTA, NJ, Fix. The following Fixes would be removed from the route 
description because they do not denote a turn of one degree or more: 
BRIGS, NJ; DRIFT, NJ; PLUME, NJ; SHERL, NJ; DUNDEE, NY; and FRIAR, ME. 
In addition, the RIFLE, NY, Fix would be reclassified as a WP to match 
the NASR database updates. As amended, Q-439 would extend from the 
HOWYU, DE, Fix to Presque Isle, ME.
    Full descriptions of the above amended routes are listed in the 
proposed amendments to part 71 set forth below.
    This proposal supports the NEC ACR Optimization Project to improve 
the efficiency of the NAS.

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 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 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 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

[[Page 36978]]



Q-97 TOVAR, FL to Presque Isle, ME (PQI) [Amended]
 
TOVAR, FL                                       WP                             (Lat. 26[deg]33'05.09'' N, long. 080[deg]02'19.75'' W)
MALET, FL                                       FIX                            (Lat. 28[deg]41'29.90'' N, long. 080[deg]52'04.30'' W)
DEBRL, FL                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]17'48.73'' N, long. 081[deg]08'02.88'' W)
KENLL, FL                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]34'28.35'' N, long. 081[deg]07'25.26'' W)
PRMUS, FL                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]49'05.67'' N, long. 081[deg]07'20.74'' W)
WOPNR, OA                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]37'36.03'' N, long. 081[deg]04'26.44'' W)
JEVED, GA                                       WP                             (Lat. 31[deg]15'02.60'' N, long. 081[deg]03'40.14'' W)
CAKET, SC                                       WP                             (Lat. 32[deg]31'08.63'' N, long. 080[deg]16'09.21'' W)
ELLDE, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 34[deg]24'14.57'' N, long. 078[deg]41'50.60'' W)
PAACK, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 35[deg]55'40.26'' N, long. 077[deg]15'30.99'' W)
SAWED, VA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 37[deg]32'00.73'' N, long. 075[deg]51'29.10'' W)
KALDA, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]50'31.05'' N, long. 075[deg]37'35.34'' W)
ZJAAY, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]03'09.95'' N, long. 075[deg]26'34.27'' W)
DLAAY, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]15'02.70'' N, long. 075[deg]16'52.87'' W)
Calverton, NY (CCC)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]55'46.63'' N, long. 072[deg]47'55.89'' W)
NTMEG, CT                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]16'30.75'' N, long. 072[deg]28'52.08'' W)
VENTE, MA                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]08'24.33'' N, long. 071[deg]53'38.08'' W)
BLENO, NH                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]54'55.00'' N, long. 071[deg]04'43.37'' W)
FRIAR, ME                                       FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]26'28.93'' N, long. 069[deg]53'04.38'' W)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI)                          VOR/DME                        (Lat. 46[deg]46'27.07'' N, long. 068[deg]05'40.37'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
Q-117 PRONI, NC to SAWED, VA [Amended]
 
PRONI, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 34[deg]33'40.63'' N, long. 077[deg]40'27.89'' W)
CUDLE, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 35[deg]08'19.48'' N, long. 077[deg]32'36.22'' W)
KTEEE, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 35[deg]54'55.66'' N, long. 076[deg]57'30.45'' W)
SAWED, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]32'00.73'' N, long. 075[deg]51'29.10'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
Q-131 WAALT, NC to KALDA, VA [Amended]
 
WAALT, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 33[deg]47'32.68'' N, long. 077[deg]52'08.59'' W)
PRONI, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 34[deg]33'40.63'' N, long. 077[deg]40'27.89'' W)
EARZZ, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 35[deg]54'39.84'' N, long. 076[deg]51'21.64'' W)
ODAWG, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]07'11.61'' N, long. 076[deg]02'03.17'' W)
KALDA, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]50'31.05'' N, long. 075[deg]37'35.34'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
Q-167 KALDA, VA to SSOXS, MA [Amended]
 
KALDA, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]50'31.06'' N, long. 075[deg]37'35.34'' W)
ZJAAY, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]03'09.95'' N, long. 075[deg]26'34.27'' W)
PAJET, DE                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]28'04.13'' N, long. 075[deg]03'00.55'' W)
CAANO, DE                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]31'46.37'' N, long. 074[deg]58'52.32'' W)
TBONN, OA                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]45'02.83'' N, long. 074[deg]45'03.77'' W)
ZIZZI, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]56'26.46'' N, long. 074[deg]31'44.27'' W)
RIFLE, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
HOFFI, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]48'03.46'' N, long. 072[deg]27'41.97'' W)
ORCHA, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]54'55.46'' N, long. 072[deg]18'43.64'' W)
ALBOW, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]02'04.04'' N, long. 071[deg]58'30.69'' W)
BUZRD, MA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]32'45.88'' N, long. 070[deg]57'50.69'' W)
SSOXS, MA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]50'12.62'' N, long. 070[deg]44'46.26'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
Q-409 ENEME, GA to WHITE, NJ [Amended]
 
ENEME, GA                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]42'12.09'' N, long. 082[deg]26'09.31'' W)
PUPYY, GA                                       WP                             (Lat. 31[deg]24'35.58'' N, long. 081[deg]49'06.19'' W)
ISUZO, GA                                       WP                             (Lat. 31[deg]57'47.85'' N, long. 081[deg]14'14.79'' W)
KONEY, SC                                       WP                             (Lat. 32[deg]17'01.62'' N, long. 081[deg]01'23.79'' W)
SESUE, SC                                       WP                             (Lat. 33[deg]52'02.58'' N, long. 079[deg]33'51.88'' W)
OKNEE, SC                                       WP                             (Lat. 34[deg]15'39.92'' N, long. 079[deg]10'40.68'' W)
MRPIT, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 34[deg]26'05.09'' N, long. 079[deg]01'45.10'' W)
GUILD, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 36[deg]18'49.56'' N, long. 077[deg]14'59.96'' W)
CRPLR, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 37[deg]36'24.01'' N, long. 076[deg]09'57.67'' W)
TRPOD, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]20'20.33'' N, long. 075[deg]32'01.85'' W)
OYVAY, DE                                       WP                             (Lat. 39[deg]02'18.85'' N, long. 075[deg]26'18.04'' W)
VILLS, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 39[deg]18'03.87'' N, long. 075[deg]06'37.89'' W)
Coyle, NJ (CYN)                                 VORTAC                         (Lat. 39[deg]49'02.42'' N, long. 074[deg]25'53.85'' W)
WHITE, NJ                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]00'24.32'' N, long. 074[deg]15'04.61'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
Q-439 HOWYU, DE to Presque Isle, ME (PQI) [Amended]
 
HOWYU, DE                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]28'39.48'' N, long. 075[deg]14'01.16'' W)
RADDS, DE                                       FIX                            (Lat. 38[deg]38'54.80'' N, long. 075[deg]05'18.48'' 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)
SARDI, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]31'26.61'' N, long. 072[deg]47'55.87'' W)
RIFLE, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
FOXWD, CT                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]48'21.66'' N, long. 071[deg]48'07.03'' W)
BOGRT, MA                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]13'56.08'' N, long. 071[deg]31'07.37'' W)
BLENO, NH                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]54'55.00'' N, long. 071[deg]04'43.37'' W)
BEEKN, ME                                       WP                             (Lat. 43[deg]20'51.95'' N, long. 070[deg]44'50.28'' W)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI)                          VOR/DME                        (Lat. 46[deg]46'27.07'' N, long. 068[deg]05'40.37'' W)
 


[[Page 36979]]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2023.
Brian Konie,
Acting Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2023-11908 Filed 6-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P