[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 241 (Monday, December 18, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 87377-87380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-27658]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2198; Airspace Docket No. 23-AEA-12]
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).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish three and amend three United 
States Area Navigation (RNAV) T-routes in the eastern United States. 
This action supports Next Generation Air Transportation System 
(NextGen) which provides a modern RNAV route structure to improve the 
efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 1, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-2198 and 
Airspace Docket No. 23-AEA-12 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 7400.11H, 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

[[Page 87378]]

Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Vidis, 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 within the NAS.

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 
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 proposes to amend the current version of that 
order, FAA Order JO 7400.11H, dated August 11, 2023, and effective 
September 15, 2023. These 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 7400.11H 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 establish 
RNAV routes T-434, T-454, and T-458, and amend RNAV routes T-291, T-
314, and T-634 in the eastern United States. This action supports 
NextGen which provides a modern RNAV route structure to improve the 
efficiency of the NAS. The proposed changes are described below.
    T-291: T-291 currently extends between the Harcum, VA (HCM), Very 
High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) 
and the Albany, NY (ALB), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to extend T-291 to 
the south between the Harcum VORTAC and the Tar River, NC (TYI), 
VORTAC. The route overlays a portion of VOR Federal airway V-189 
between the Tar River VORTAC and the Franklin, PA (FKN), VORTAC. 
Additionally, the FAA proposes to replace the Milton, PA (MIP), VORTAC 
with the HYATT, PA, Waypoint (WP), and the Delancey, NY (DNY), VOR/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) with the DANZI, NY, WP.
    T-314: T-314 currently extends between the Barnes, MA (BAF), VORTAC 
and the Kennebunk, ME (ENE), VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to extend T-314 
to the southwest between the Kingston, NY (IGN), VOR/DME and the Barnes 
VORTAC. The route would overlay a portion of VOR Federal airway V-93 
between the Kingston VOR/DME and the SASHA, MA, Fix, and a portion of 
VOR Federal airway V-292 between the SASHA, Fix and the Barnes VORTAC. 
Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove route points from the route's 
part 71 description for segments that contain turns of less than one 
degree. The following are the route points that the FAA proposes to 
remove: FAIDS, MA, Fix; PUDGY, MA, Fix; LAPEL, MA, Fix; JOHNZ, NH, Fix; 
MANCH, NH, WP; KHRIS, NH, Fix; RAYMY, NH, Fix; and YUKES, ME, Fix.
    T-434: T-434 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
SCAAM, PA, Fix and the NECCK, NJ, Fix. The route would overlay a 
portion of VOR Federal airway V-232 between the Keating, PA (ETG), 
VORTAC and the Colts Neck, NJ (COL), VOR/DME.
    T-454: T-454 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
SCAAM, PA, Fix and the NWTON, NJ, Fix. The route would overlay a 
portion of VOR Federal airway V-226 between the Keating, PA (ETG), 
VORTAC and the Stillwater, PA (STW), VOR/DME.
    T-458: T-458 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
STUBN, NY, WP and the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/DME. The route would 
overlay a portion of VOR Federal airway V-270 between the Elmira, NY 
(ULW), VOR/DME and the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/DME.
    T-634: T-634 currently extends between the Syracuse, NY (SYR), 
VORTAC and the VIBRU, NY, WP. The FAA proposes to extend T-634 to the 
southeast between the Syracuse VORTAC and the Sandy Point, RI (SEY), 
VOR/DME. The route would overlay a portion of VOR Federal airway V-483 
between the Syracuse VORTAC and the Carmel, NY (CMK), VOR/DME; VOR 
Federal airway V-374 between the Carmel VOR/DME and the CREAM, NY, Fix; 
and VOR Federal airway V-34 between the CREAM Fix and the Sandy

[[Page 87379]]

Point VOR/DME. Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove the BRUIN, NY, 
WP from the route's part 71 description as it is a turn of less than 
one degree.

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 
7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 11, 
2023, and effective September 15, 2023, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-291 Tar River, NC (TYI) to Albany, NY (ALB) [Amended]
 
Tar River, NC (TYI)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 35[deg]58'36.21'' N, long. 077[deg]42'13.43'' W)
COUPN, VA                                       WP                             (Lat. 36[deg]42'50.83'' N, long. 077[deg]00'44.04'' W)
Harcum, VA (HCM)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 37[deg]26'55.18'' N, long. 076[deg]42'40.87'' W)
COLIN, VA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 38[deg]05'59.23'' N, long. 076[deg]39'50.85'' W)
SHLBK, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]20'16.21'' N, long. 076[deg]26'10.51'' W)
LOUIE, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 38[deg]36'44.33'' N, long. 076[deg]18'04.37'' W)
GRACO, MD                                       FIX                            (Lat. 38[deg]56'29.81'' N, long. 076[deg]11'59.22'' W)
BAABS, MD                                       WP                             (Lat. 39[deg]22'01.36'' N, long. 076[deg]27'31.21'' W)
VINNY, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 39[deg]45'16.64'' N, long. 076[deg]36'30.16'' W)
Harrisburg, PA (HAR)                            VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]18'08.06'' N, long. 077[deg]04'10.41'' W)
Selinsgrove, PA (SEG)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]47'27.09'' N, long. 076[deg]53'02.55'' W)
HYATT, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]01'24.47'' N, long. 076[deg]39'54.34'' W)
MEGSS, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]11'13.28'' N, long. 076[deg]12'41.02'' W)
LAAYK, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'57.31'' W)
DANZI, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]10'41.86'' N, long. 074[deg]57'24.19'' W)
Albany, NY (ALB)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 42[deg]44'50.21'' N, long. 073[deg]48'11.46'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-314 Kingston, NY (IGN) to Kennebunk, ME (ENE) [Amended]
 
Kingston, NY (IGN)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.63'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.06'' W)
PAWLN, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]46'11.51'' N, long. 073[deg]36'02.64'' W)
SASHA, MA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]07'58.70'' N, long. 073[deg]08'55.39'' W)
Barnes, MA (BAF)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 42[deg]09'43.05'' N, long. 072[deg]42'58.32'' W)
Gardner, MA (GDM)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]32'45.32'' N, long. 072[deg]03'29.48'' W)
Kennebunk, ME (ENE)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 43[deg]25'32.42'' N, long. 070[deg]36'48.69'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-434 SCAAM, PA to NECCK, NJ [New]
 
SCAAM, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]11'37.46'' N, long. 077[deg]58'15.20'' W)
HYATT, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]01'24.47'' N, long. 076[deg]39'54.34'' W)
BEERS, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]52'47.50'' N, long. 075[deg]27'37.36'' W)
Solberg, NJ (SBJ)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]34'58.96'' N, long. 074[deg]44'30.45'' W)
TYKES, NJ                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]17'22.38'' N, long. 074[deg]23'06.13'' W)
NECCK, NJ                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]18'41.79'' N, long. 074[deg]09'35.79'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-454 SCAAM, PA to NWTON, NJ [New]
 
SCAAM, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]11'37.46'' N, long. 077[deg]58'15.20'' W)
FAVUM, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]15'59.17'' N, long. 077[deg]35'42.32'' W)
Williamsport, PA (FQM)                          VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.81'' N, long. 076[deg]46'29.52'' W)
Wilkes-Barre, PA (LVZ)                          VORTAC                         (Lat. 41[deg]16'22.08'' N, long. 075[deg]41'22.08'' W)
NWTON, NJ                                       FIX                            (Lat. 40[deg]59'45.19'' N, long. 074[deg]52'09.21'' W)
 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-458 STUBN, NY to Boston, MA (BOS) [New]
 
STUBN, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]05'38.58'' N, long. 077[deg]01'28.68'' W)
Binghamton, NY (CFB)                            VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]09'26.97'' N, long. 076[deg]08'11.30'' W)
DANZI, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]10'41.86'' N, long. 074[deg]57'24.19'' W)
Chester, MA (CTR)                               VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]17'28.75'' N, long. 072[deg]56'57.82'' W)
SPENO, MA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]16'48.55'' N, long. 072[deg]09'14.70'' W)
GLYDE, MA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]16'03.84'' N, long. 071[deg]48'42.76'' W)
Boston, MA (BOS)                                VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]21'26.82'' N, long. 070[deg]59'22.37'' W)
 

[[Page 87380]]

 
                                                                     * * * * * * *
T-634 VIBRU, NY to Sandy Point, RI (SEY) [Amended]
 
VIBRU, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]20'21.30'' N, long. 076[deg]01'19.96'' W)
Watertown, NY (ART)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]57'07.67'' N, long. 076[deg]03'52.66'' W)
Syracuse, NY (SYR)                              VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]09'37.87'' N, long. 076[deg]12'16.41'' W)
STODA, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]07'00.20'' N, long. 075[deg]51'21.23'' W)
RAHKS, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]27'59.28'' N, long. 075[deg]14'21.68'' W)
DANZI, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]10'41.86'' N, long. 074[deg]57'24.19'' W)
WEETS, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]51'26.98'' N, long. 074[deg]11'51.51'' W)
Kingston, NY (IGN)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.63'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.06'' W)
CASSH, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]35'38.16'' N, long. 073[deg]42'17.07'' W)
Carmel, NY (CMK)                                VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]16'48.32'' N, long. 073[deg]34'52.78'' W)
CREAM, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]08'55.85'' N, long. 072[deg]31'18.32'' W)
Sandy Point, RI (SEY)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2023.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2023-27658 Filed 12-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P