Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 81 (Thursday, April 25, 2024)

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 81 (Thursday, April 25, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31667-31669]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08670]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1048; Airspace Docket No. 24-AGL-1]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment of Jet Routes J-35 and J-101; Amendment VOR Federal
Airways V-9, V-48, V-69, V-227, and V-313; and Revocation of VOR
Federal Airway V-586 in the Vicinity of Pontiac, IL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Jet Routes J-35 and J-101; amend
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-9, V-
48, V-69, V-227, and V-313; and revoke VOR Federal Airway V-586. The
FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the
VOR portion of the Pontiac, IL (PNT), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment
(VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Pontiac VOR is being
decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network
(MON) program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 10, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-1048 and
Airspace Docket No. 24-AGL-1 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 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 National Airspace System as necessary
to preserve the safe and 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 Operations Support Group,
Central Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Incorporation by Reference

Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 and VOR Federal Airways
are published in paragraph 6010(a) 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

[[Page 31668]]

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.

Background

The FAA is planning to decommission the VOR portion of the Pontiac,
IL, VOR/DME in December 2024. The Pontiac VOR is one of the candidate
VORs identified for discontinuance by the FAA's VOR MON program and
listed in the Final policy statement notice, ``Provision of Navigation
Services for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)
Transition to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing
a VOR Minimum Operational Network),'' published in the Federal Register
on July 26, 2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082.
Although the VOR portion of the Pontiac VOR/DME is planned for
decommissioning, the co-located Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is
being retained to continue supporting current and future NextGen PBN
flight procedure requirements.
The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the planned
decommissioning of the Pontiac VOR are Jet Routes J-35 and J-101, and
VOR Federal Airways V-9, V-48, V-69, V-227, V-313, and V-586. With the
planned decommissioning of the Pontiac VOR, the remaining ground-based
NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to enable the continuity of
the affected routes. As such, proposed modifications to J-35, V-48, V-
69, V-227 and V-313 would result in the ATS routes being shortened; to
J-101 would result in a gap in the route; to V-9 would result in an
existing gap being widened; and to V-586 would result in the airway
being revoked.
To address the proposed amendments to the affected ATS routes,
instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use adjacent Jet Routes J-
19, J-26, J-71, J-96, and J-181 in the high-altitude stratum or use VOR
Federal Airways V-156, V-173, V-233, V-262, V-429, and V-434 in the
low-altitude stratum to navigate around the area affected by the
planned decommissioning of the Pontiac VOR. Additionally, IFR pilots
equipped with area navigation (RNAV) capabilities could also navigate
using RNAV route Q-42 in the high-altitude stratum; RNAV routes T-215,
T-325, T-354, and T-478 in the low-altitude stratum; or point-to-point
using the existing Fixes and waypoints (WP) that would remain in place
to support continued operations though the affected area. Visual flight
rules pilots who elect to navigate via the affected ATS routes could
also take advantage of the adjacent conventional airways listed above,
as well as the listed RNAV routes and point-to-point navigation, if
properly equipped. Lastly, all aircraft also have the option to request
and receive radar vectors from air traffic control to transit the
affected area.

The Proposal

The FAA is proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 by amending Jet Routes
J-35 and J-101; amending VOR Federal Airways V-9, V-48, V-69, V-227,
and V-313; and revoking VOR Federal Airway V-586 due to the planned
decommissioning of the Pontiac, IL, VOR. The proposed ATS route actions
are described below.
J-35: J-35 currently extends between the Leeville, LA, VOR/Tactical
Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA
proposes to remove the route segment between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC
and the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME due to the planned decommissioning of the
VOR portion of the Pontiac VOR/DME. Additionally, the FAA proposes to
also remove the route segments between the Farmington, MO, VORTAC and
the St. Louis, MO, VORTAC due to that route segment overlapping J-151;
between the St. Louis VORTAC and the Spinner VORTAC due to that route
segment overlapping J-101; and between the Joliet VOR/DME and the
Northbrook VOR/DME due to that route segment overlapping J-87. The
overlapped J-151, J-101, and J-87 route segments would remain charted
and provide navigational guidance between the affected NAVAIDs. As
amended, the route would be changed to extend between the Leeville
VORTAC and the Farmington VORTAC.
J-101: J-101 currently extends between the Humble, TX, VORTAC and
the Sault Ste Marie, MI, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the route
segment between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME due
to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Pontiac VOR/
DME. Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove the route segment between
the Joliet VOR/DME and the Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME due to that route
segment overlapping J-87. As amended, the route would be changed to
extend between the Humble VORTAC and the Spinner VORTAC, and between
the Northbrook VOR/DME and the Sault Ste Marie VOR/DME. Additional
route changes have been proposed in a separate NPRM action.
V-9: V-9 currently extends between the Leeville, LA, VORTAC and the
Pontiac, IL, VOR/DME; and between the Janesville, WI, VOR/DME and the
Houghton, MI, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment
between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and the Pontiac VOR/DME. As amended,
the airway would be changed to extend between the Leeville VORTAC and
the Spinner VORTAC, and between the Janesville VOR/DME and the Houghton
VOR/DME.
V-48: V-48 currently extends between the Ottumwa, IA, VOR/DME and
the Pontiac, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment
between the Peoria, IL, VORTAC and the Pontiac VOR/DME. As amended, the
airway would be changed to extend between the Ottumwa VOR/DME and the
Peoria VORTAC. Additional airway changes have been proposed in a
separate NPRM action.
V-69: V-69 currently extends between the El Dorado, AR, VOR/DME and
the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment
between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and the Joliet VOR/DME. As amended, the
airway would be changed to extend between the El Dorado VOR/DME and the
Spinner VORTAC.
V-227: V-227 currently extends between the Boiler, IN, VORTAC and
the intersection of the Pontiac, IL, 006[deg] and Bradford, IL,
058[deg] radials (PLANO Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment between the Roberts, IL, VOR/DME and the intersection of the
Pontiac, IL, 006[deg] and Bradford, IL, 058[deg] radials (PLANO Fix).
As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Boiler
VORTAC and the Roberts VOR/DME.
V-313: V-313 currently extends between the Centralia, IL, VORTAC
and the Pontiac, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment between the Adders, IL, VORTAC and the Pontiac VOR/DME. As
amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Centralia
VORTAC and the Adders VORTAC.
V-586: V-586 currently extends between the Peoria, IL, VORTAC and
the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME via the Pontiac, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes
to remove the airway in its entirety.
All NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions in
the proposed regulatory text of this notice of proposed rulemaking are
unchanged and stated in degrees True north.

[[Page 31669]]

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 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-35 [Amended]

From Leeville, LA; Mc Comb, MS; Sidon, MS; Memphis, TN; to
Farmington, MO.
* * * * *

J-101 [Amended]

From Humble, TX; Lufkin, TX; Little Rock, AR; St. Louis, MO; to
Spinner, IL. From Northbrook, IL; Badger, WI; Green Bay, WI; to
Sault Ste Marie, MI.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-9 [Amended]

From Leeville, LA; Mc Comb, MS; INT Mc Comb 004[deg] and
Magnolia, MS, 194[deg] radials; Magnolia; Sidon, MS; Marvell, AR;
INT Marvell 326[deg] and Walnut Ridge, AR, 187[deg] radials; Walnut
Ridge; Farmington, MO; St. Louis, MO; to Spinner, IL. From
Janesville, WI; Madison, WI; Oshkosh, WI; Green Bay, WI; Iron
Mountain, MI; to Houghton, MI.
* * * * *

V-48 [Amended]

From Ottumwa, IA; Burlington, IA; to Peoria, IL.
* * * * *

V-69 [Amended]

From El Dorado, AR; Pine Bluff, AR; INT Pine Bluff 038[deg] and
Walnut Ridge, AR, 187[deg] radials; Walnut Ridge; Farmington, MO;
Troy, IL; to Spinner, IL.
* * * * *

V-227 [Amended]

From Boiler, IN; to Roberts, IL.
* * * * *

V-313 [Amended]

From Centralia, IL; to Adders, IL.
* * * * *

V-586 [Removed]

* * * * *

Issued in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2024.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-08670 Filed 4-24-24; 8:45 am]
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