[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47762-47764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-15633]


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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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends 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: Effective date 0901 UTC, October 5, 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 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (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: 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 NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2023-1276 in the 
Federal Register (88 FR 36976; June 6, 2023), proposing to amend six 
RNAV Q-routes in the eastern United States. This action supports the 
NEC ACR Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of the NAS. 
Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were 
received.

Incorporation by Reference

    United States Area Navigation Routes (Q-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 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 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: Prior to this final rule, Q-97 extended from the TOVAR, FL, 
WP to the Presque Isle, ME (PQI), Very High Frequency (VHF) 
Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). This 
action removes 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 is 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 do not affect the alignment 
of Q-97.
    Q-117: Prior to this final rule, Q-117 extended from the YLEEE, NC, 
WP to the SAWED, VA, WP. This action changes 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 has the same latitude/longitude coordinates as the 
YLEEE, NC, WP so the alignment of Q-117 remains unchanged. As amended, 
Q-117 extends from the PRONI, NC, WP to the SAWED, VA, WP.
    Q-131: Prior to this final rule, Q-131 extended from the ZILLS, NC, 
WP to the ZJAAY, MD, WP. To resolve confusion with similar sounding WP 
names, this action changes the name of the ZILLS, NC, WP to the WAALT, 
NC, WP; and changes the YLEEE, NC, WP to the PRONI, NC, WP. The new WP 
names retain the same latitude/longitude coordinates as the ones they 
replace. This action also removes the route segment from KALDA, VA, WP 
to the ZJAAY, MD, WP. 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 extends from the WAALT, NC, WP 
to the KALDA, VA, WP.
    Q-167: Prior to this final rule, Q-167 extended from the ZJAAY, MD, 
WP to the SSOXS, MA, Fix. This action extends Q-167 12 NM southwestward 
from the ZJAAY, MD, WP to the KALDA, VA, WP in order to link with 
additional Q-routes. In addition, the following WPs are 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 are also removed for the same reason. The 
following Fixes in the Q-167 route description are reclassified as WPs 
to

[[Page 47763]]

match the National Airspace System Resource (NASR) database updates: 
ZIZZI, NJ; RIFLE, NY; and HOFFI, NY. As amended, Q-167 extends from the 
KALDA, VA, WP to the SSOXS, MA, Fix.
    Q-409: Prior to this final rule, Q-409 extended from the ENEME, GA, 
WP to the WHITE, NJ, Fix. This action changes the name of the GNARO, 
DE, WP to the OYVAY, DE, WP due to word pronunciation issues causing 
confusion for flight crews during radio communications. In addition, 
the OYVAY, DE, WP is relocated 4.37 NM southwest of the GNARO, DE, WP 
position. The TRPOD, MD, WP is 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 are be removed from the route 
description because they do not denote a turn of one degree or more. As 
amended, Q-409 extends from the ENEME, GA, WP to the WHITE, NJ, Fix.
    Q-439: Prior to this final rule, Q-439 extended from the BRIGS, NJ, 
Fix to the Presque Isle, ME (PQI), VOR/DME. 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 adds the HOWYU, DE, WP as the new starting point 
for Q-439. The RADDS, DE, Fix, and the WNSTN, NJ, WP are added to the 
route description between the HOWYU, DE, WP and the MANTA, NJ, Fix.
    The following Fixes are 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 is reclassified as a WP to match the NASR database 
updates. As amended, Q-439 extends from the HOWYU, DE, Fix to the 
Presque Isle, ME (PQI), VOR/DME.
    Full descriptions of the amended routes are listed the amendments 
to part 71 set forth below. The FAA makes these changes in support of 
the NEC ACR Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of the NAS.

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 airspace action of amending RNAV 
routes Q-97, Q-117, Q-131, Q-167, Q-409, and Q-439 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) . . .''; and paragraph 5-6.5i, which 
categorically excludes from further environmental 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. 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 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 part 71 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

* * * * *

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. 26[deg]33'05.09'' N, long. 080[deg]02'19.75'' W)
CAKET, SC                                       WP                             (Lat. 28[deg]41'29.90'' N, long. 080[deg]52'04.30'' W)
ELLDE, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]17'48.73'' N, long. 081[deg]08'02.88'' W)
PAACK, NC                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]34'28.35'' N, long. 081[deg]07'25.26'' W)
SAWED, VA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]49'05.67'' N, long. 081[deg]07'20.74'' W)
KALDA, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]37'36.03'' N, long. 081[deg]04'26.44'' W)
ZJAAY, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 26[deg]33'05.09'' N, long. 080[deg]02'19.75'' W)

[[Page 47764]]

 
DLAAY, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 28[deg]41'29.90'' N, long. 080[deg]52'04.30'' W)
Calverton, NY (CCC)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]17'48.73'' N, long. 081[deg]08'02.88'' W)
NTMEG, CT                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]34'28.35'' N, long. 081[deg]07'25.26'' W)
VENTE, MA                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]49'05.67'' N, long. 081[deg]07'20.74'' W)
BLENO, NH                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]37'36.03'' N, long. 081[deg]04'26.44'' W)
FRIAR, ME                                       FIX                            (Lat. 26[deg]33'05.09'' N, long. 080[deg]02'19.75'' W)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI)                          VOR/DME                        (Lat. 28[deg]41'29.90'' N, long. 080[deg]52'04.30'' 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)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2023.
Karen L. Chiodini,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2023-15633 Filed 7-24-23; 8:45 am]
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