[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 116 (Friday, June 14, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50537-50540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-12982]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1707; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-4]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-
558, and United States Area Navigation Routes T-220 in the Vicinity of 
Industry, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, 
and V-558, and United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-220. The 
FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the 
VOR portion of the Industry, TX (IDU), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation 
(VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Industry VOR is being 
decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network 
(MON) Program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 29, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-1707 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-4 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

[[Page 50538]]

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 (NAS) 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

    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 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.

Background

    The FAA is planning to decommission the Industry, TX, VOR in 
February 2025. The Industry VOR was 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 Industry, TX, VORTAC is planned for 
decommissioning, the co-located Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) portion 
of the NAVAID, which includes Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), would 
be retained to provide navigational service for military aircraft 
operations. The DME service would support current and future NextGen 
PBN flight procedure requirements.
    The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the Industry VOR 
decommissioning are VOR Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and 
V-558, and RNAV Route T-220. With the planned decommissioning of the 
Industry VOR, the remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is 
insufficient to enable the continuity of the affected airways. As such, 
proposed modifications to V-222 would result in the existing gap in the 
airway being increased; to V-68, V-76, V-212, and V-558 would result in 
the airways being shortened; and to T-220 would result in the Industry 
VORTAC route point being replaced by a Waypoint (WP) and the route 
being extended westward.
    To address the proposed modifications to the affected VOR Federal 
airways, instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use portions of 
adjacent VOR Federal Airways V-17 and V-574 or request and receive air 
traffic control (ATC) radar vectors to fly through the affected area. 
IFR pilots operating aircraft equipped with RNAV capabilities could use 
RNAV Routes T-220 and T-466 or navigate point-to-point using the 
existing Fixes and WPs that will remain in place to support continued 
operations though the affected area. Visual flight rules pilots who 
elect to navigate via the affected airways could also take advantage of 
the adjacent VOR Federal airways or ATC services listed previously.
    To further mitigate the proposed modifications to the affected VOR 
Federal airways, the FAA also proposes to modify RNAV Route T-220 by 
replacing the Industry VORTAC route point with the MNURE, TX, WP and 
extending the route westward to MARCS, TX, Fix. The extended T-route 
would provide pilots with RNAV equipped aircraft a route alternative 
through the affected area, reduce ATC sector workload and complexity, 
reduce pilot-to-controller communication, and support the FAA's 
continued NextGen efforts to modernize the NAS from a ground-based 
system to a satellite-based system.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 by amending VOR 
Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-558, and RNAV Route T-
220. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Industry, TX, VORTAC NAVAID. 
The proposed ATS route actions are described below.
    V-68: V-68 currently extends between the Montrose, CO, VOR/Distance 
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the Industry, TX, VORTAC. The FAA 
proposes to remove the airway segment between the San Antonio, TX,

[[Page 50539]]

VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC. Additionally, the FAA proposes to 
remove the designated Federal airway floor information in the airway 
description between the Corona, NM, VORTAC and the Chisum, NM, VORTAC. 
The Federal airway floor information was a legacy method for 
designating the floors of Federal airways that is unnecessary today due 
to 14 CFR part 95, IFR Altitudes, Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA) and 
Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) analysis and 
determination requirements accomplished for ATS routes and route 
segments. As amended, the airway would extend between the Montrose VOR/
DME and the San Antonio VORTAC.
    V-76: V-76 currently extends between the Lubbock, TX, VORTAC and 
the Industry, TX, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Centex, TX, VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC. As amended, the 
airway would extend between the Lubbock VORTAC and the Centex VORTAC. 
Additional changes to the airway have been proposed in a separate NPRM.
    V-212: V-212 currently extends between the Industry, TX, VORTAC and 
the Mc Comb, MS, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Industry VORTAC and the Navasota, TX, VOR/DME. As amended, 
the airway would extend between the Navasota VOR/DME and the Mc Comb 
VORTAC.
    V-222: V-222 currently extends between the El Paso, TX, VORTAC and 
the Humble, TX, VORTAC; and between the Lake Charles, LA, VORTAC and 
the intersection of the LaGrange, GA, VORTAC 048[deg] and Rome, GA, 
VORTAC 166[deg] radials (TIROE Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the 
airway segment between the Stonewall, TX, VORTAC and the Humble, TX, 
VORTAC. Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove the designated Federal 
airway floor information in the airway description between the Fort 
Stockton, TX, VORTAC and the Junction, TX, VORTAC. The Federal airway 
floor information was a legacy method for designating the floors of 
Federal airways that is unnecessary today due to 14 CFR part 95, IFR 
Altitudes, MEA and MOCA analysis and determination requirements 
accomplished for ATS routes and route segments. As amended, the airway 
would extend between the El Paso VORTAC and the Stonewall VORTAC, and 
between the Lake Charles VORTAC and the TIROE Fix.
    V-558: V-558 currently extends between the Llano, TX, VORTAC and 
the Industry, TX, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Centex, TX, VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC. As amended, the 
airway would extend between the Llano VORTAC and the Centex VORTAC. 
Additional changes to the airway have been proposed in a separate NPRM.
    T-220: T-220 currently extends between the Industry, TX, VORTAC and 
the Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to replace the Industry 
VORTAC route point with the MNURE, TX, WP located approximately 2 
nautical miles north of the Industry VORTAC and extend the route 
westward from the MNURE WP to the MARCS, TX, Fix. The route extension 
would mitigate the removal of the V-68 and V-558 airway segments 
between the MARCS Fix and the Industry VORTAC. As amended, the route 
would extend between the MARCS Fix and the Sabine Pass VORTAC. The full 
T-220 route description is listed in the regulatory text of this NPRM.
    The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions in 
the regulatory text of this NPRM are unchanged and stated in degrees 
True north.

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 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-68 [Amended]

    From Montrose, CO; Cones, CO; Dove Creek, CO; Cortez, CO; 
Rattlesnake, NM; INT Rattlesnake 128[deg] and Albuquerque, NM, 
345[deg] radials; Albuquerque; INT Albuquerque 120[deg] and Corona, 
NM, 311[deg] radials; Corona; Chisum, NM; Hobbs, NM; Midland, TX; 
San Angelo, TX; Junction, TX; Center Point, TX; to San Antonio, TX.
* * * * *

V-76 [Amended]

    From Lubbock, TX; INT Lubbock 188[deg] and Big Spring, TX, 
286[deg] radials; Big Spring; San Angelo, TX; Llano, TX; to Centex, 
TX.
* * * * *

V-212 [Amended]

    From Navasota, TX; INT Navasota 019[deg] and Lufkin, TX, 
250[deg] radials; Lufkin; Alexandria, LA; to Mc Comb, MS.
* * * * *

V-222 [Amended]

    From El Paso, TX; Salt Flat, TX; Fort Stockton, TX; Junction, 
TX; to Stonewall, TX. From Lake Charles, LA; Mc Comb, MS; Eaton, MS; 
Monroeville, AL; Montgomery, AL; LaGrange, GA; to INT LaGrange 
048[deg] and Rome, GA, 166[deg] radials.
* * * * *

V-558 [Amended]

    From Llano, TX; INT Llano 088[deg] and Centex, TX, 306[deg] 
radials; to Centex.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

[[Page 50540]]



T-220 MARCS, TX to Sabine Pass, TX (SBI) [Amended]
 
MARCS, TX                                    FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]53'52.04'' N, long. 097[deg]51'40.70'' W)
CRAYS, TX                                    FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]55'06.43'' N, long. 097[deg]25'59.46'' W)
MNURE, TX                                    WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]59'34.88'' N, long. 096[deg]33'57.84'' W)
SEALY, TX                                    FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]51'15.54'' N, long. 095[deg]56'36.33'' W)
MOLLR, TX                                    WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]39'20.23'' N, long. 095[deg]16'35.83'' W)
Sabine Pass, TX (SBI)                        VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]41'12.19'' N, long. 094[deg]02'16.72'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2024.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-12982 Filed 6-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P