[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 163 (Thursday, August 22, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67853-67856]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-18731]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0485; Airspace Docket No. 23-ASW-16]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Jet Route J-183, United States Area Navigation 
(RNAV) Routes Q-4 and T-254, and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional 
Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-76, V-161, V-565, and V-568; 
Establishment of RNAV Route T-499; and Revocation of VOR Federal Airway 
V-558 in the Vicinity of Llano, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action amends Jet Route J-183, United States Area 
Navigation

[[Page 67854]]

(RNAV) Routes Q-4 and T-254, and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional 
Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-76, V-161, V-558, V-565, and V-568; and 
establishes RNAV Route T-499. The FAA is taking this action due to the 
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Llano, TX (LLO), VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Llano 
VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum 
Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, October 31, 2024. 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 7400.11H, 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, 
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; 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 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route structure 
as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic 
within the National Airspace System.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2024-0485 in the Federal Register (89 FR 17763; March 12, 2024), to 
amend Jet Route J-183, RNAV Routes Q-4 and T-254, and VOR Federal 
Airways V-76, V-161, V-565, and V-568; establish RNAV Route T-499; and 
revoke VOR Federal Airway V-558 due to the planned decommissioning of 
the VOR portion of the Llano, TX, VORTAC NAVAID. Interested parties 
were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting 
written comments on the proposal. No comments were received.

Differences From the NPRM

    After publishing the NPRM in the Federal Register, the FAA realized 
the proposed amendments to V-76 and V-558 would inadvertently remove 
the air traffic service provided by the conventional airways between 
the Centex, TX, VORTAC and the Industry, TX, VORTAC while the NAVAIDs 
remain operational. Since V-76 and V-558 overlap between the Centex and 
Industry VORTACs, the FAA decided to continue with the intended removal 
of the V-76 airway segment and to retain the V-558 airway segment. As 
such, instead of removing V-558 in its entirety as proposed in the 
NPRM, the FAA is removing only the portion of the airway between the 
Llano, TX, VORTAC and the Centex, TX, VORTAC. As amended, V-558 will 
continue to provide VOR Federal airway service between the Centex 
VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC.
    Subsequent the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. FAA-
2023-2493 in the Federal Register (89 FR 51403; June 18, 2024), 
amending V-161 by removing the airway segment between the International 
Falls VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and the Winnipeg, Manitoba 
(MB), Canada, VORTAC. As amended, the airway was changed to extend 
between the Three Rivers, TX, VORTAC and the Tulsa, OK, VORTAC, and 
between the Butler, MO, VORTAC and the Gopher, MN, VORTAC. That airway 
amendment becomes effective September 5, 2024, and is included in this 
rule.

Incorporation by Reference

    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, United States RNAV 
Routes (Q-routes) are published in paragraph 2006, VOR Federal airways 
are published in paragraph 6010(a), and United States RNAV 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 amends the 
current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11H, dated August 11, 
2023, and effective September 15, 2023. FAA Order JO 7400.11H 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 7400.11H 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 Jet Route J-183, RNAV 
Routes Q-4 and T-254, and VOR Federal Airways V-76, V-161, V-558, V-
565, and V-568; and establishing RNAV Route T-499. The FAA is taking 
this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of 
the Llano, TX, VORTAC. The ATS route actions are described below.
    J-183: J-183 extends between the El Paso, TX, VORTAC and the 
College Station, TX, VORTAC. The route segment between the Pecos, TX, 
VOR/DME and the College Station VORTAC is removed. As amended, the 
route is changed to now extend between the El Paso VORTAC and the Pecos 
VOR/DME.
    Q-4: Q-4 extends between the BOILE, CA, Fix and the El Paso, TX, 
VORTAC. The route is extended eastward from the El Paso VORTAC to the 
College Station, TX, VORTAC to mitigate the removal of the J-183 route 
segment addressed above. In addition, the ZEBOL, AZ, Waypoint (WP) is 
removed from the route description because it does not denote a turn 
point of one degree or more and there is no published holding at the 
WP. Lastly, minor editorial corrections are made to the route 
description to list the state in which each route point is located, 
spell out the names of the navigational aids, and update the geographic 
coordinates of each route point to be expressed in degrees, minutes, 
seconds, and hundredths of a second. As amended, the route is changed 
to now extend between the BOILE Fix and the College Station VORTAC.
    V-76: V-76 extends between the Lubbock, TX, VORTAC and the 
Industry, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment between the San Angelo, TX, 
VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is 
changed to now extend between the Lubbock VORTAC and the San Angelo 
VORTAC.
    V-161: V-161 extends between the Three Rivers, TX, VORTAC and the

[[Page 67855]]

Tulsa, OK, VORTAC; and between the Butler, MO, VORTAC and the Gopher, 
MN, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Center Point, TX, VORTAC and 
the Millsap, TX, VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is changed 
to now extend between the Three Rivers VORTAC and the Center Point 
VORTAC, between the Millsap VORTAC and the Tulsa VORTAC, and between 
the Butler VORTAC and the Gopher VORTAC.
    V-558: V-558 extends between the Llano, TX, VORTAC and the 
Industry, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Llano VORTAC and 
the Centex, TX, VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to 
now extend between the Centex VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC.
    V-565: V-565 extends between the Llano, TX, VORTAC and the Lufkin, 
TX, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Llano VORTAC and the Centex, 
TX, VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to now extend 
between the Centex VORTAC and the Lufkin VORTAC.
    V-568: V-568 extends between the Corpus Christi, TX, VORTAC and the 
Llano, TX, VORTAC; and between the Millsap, TX, VORTAC and the Wichita 
Falls, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Stonewall, TX, VORTAC 
and the Llano VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to 
now extend between the Corpus Christi VORTAC and the Stonewall VORTAC, 
and between the Millsap VORTAC and the Wichita Falls VORTAC.
    T-254: T-254 extends between the College Station, TX, VORTAC and 
the Lake Charles, LA, VORTAC. The route is extended westward from the 
College Station VORTAC to the San Angelo, TX, VORTAC to mitigate a 
portion of the V-76 airway segment removed between the San Angelo 
VORTAC and the Llano, TX, VORTAC. The route extension includes the 
DILLO, TX, WP; the KALLA, TX, Fix; and the DOWWD, TX, WP. Additionally, 
the Lake Charles VORTAC route point is replaced with the KNZLY, LA, WP 
in the immediate vicinity of the Lake Charles VORTAC. Lastly, minor 
editorial corrections are made to the route description to update the 
geographic coordinates of each route point to be expressed in degrees, 
minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second. As amended, T-254 now 
extends between the San Angelo VORTAC and the KNZLY WP.
    T-499: T-499 is a new RNAV route established between the Corpus 
Christi, TX, VORTAC and the DILLO, TX, WP. This new T-route provides 
RNAV routing between the Corpus Christi, TX, area and the Llano, TX, 
area to mitigate the removal of the V-568 airway segment addressed 
above. The full T-499 route description is listed in the regulatory 
text of this rule.
    All NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions in 
the regulatory text of this rule are unchanged and stated in degrees 
True north.

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 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 action 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-
6.5i, which categorically excludes from further environmental impact 
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. 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 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-183 [Amended]

    From El Paso, TX; to Pecos, TX.
* * * * *

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-4 BOILE, CA to College Station, TX (CLL) [Amended]
 
BOILE, CA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 34[deg]25'20.78'' N, long. 118[deg]01'33.07'' W)
HEDVI, AZ                                       WP                             (Lat. 33[deg]32'23.00'' N, long. 114[deg]28'14.00'' W)
SCOLE, AZ                                       FIX                            (Lat. 33[deg]27'45.80'' N, long. 114[deg]04'54.40'' W)
SPTFR, AZ                                       WP                             (Lat. 33[deg]23'49.00'' N, long. 113[deg]43'29.00'' W)

[[Page 67856]]

 
SKTTR, AZ                                       WP                             (Lat. 32[deg]17'38.00'' N, long. 109[deg]50'44.00'' W)
El Paso, TX (ELP)                               VORTAC                         (Lat. 31[deg]48'57.28'' N, long. 106[deg]16'54.78'' W)
Pecos, TX (PEQ)                                 VOR/DME                        (Lat. 31[deg]28'09.53'' N, long. 103[deg]34'29.12'' W)
DILLO, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]47'46.76'' N, long. 098[deg]47'13.91'' W)
College Station, TX (CLL)                       VORTAC                         (Lat. 30[deg]36'18.01'' N, long. 096[deg]25'14.45'' W)
 

* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-76 [Amended]

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

V-161 [Amended]

    From Three Rivers, TX; to Center Point, TX. From Millsap, TX; 
Bowie, TX; Ardmore, OK; Okmulgee, OK; to Tulsa, OK. From Butler, MO; 
Napoleon, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, IA; Mason City, IA; Rochester, 
MN; Farmington, MN; to Gopher, MN.
* * * * *

V-558 [Amended]

    From Centex, TX; to Industry, TX.
* * * * *

V-565 [Amended]

    From Centex, TX; College Station, TX; to Lufkin, TX.
* * * * *

V-568 [Amended]

    From Corpus Christi, TX; INT Corpus Christi 296[deg] and Three 
Rivers, TX, 165[deg] radials; Three Rivers; INT Three Rivers 
327[deg] and San Antonio, TX, 183[deg] radials; San Antonio; to 
Stonewall, TX. From Millsap, TX; to Wichita Falls, TX.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-254 San Angelo, TX (SJT) to KNZLY, LA [Amended]
 
San Angelo, TX (SJT)                            VORTAC                         (Lat. 31[deg]22'29.84'' N, long. 100[deg]27'17.53'' W)
DILLO, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]47'46.76'' N, long. 098[deg]47'13.91'' W)
KALLA, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 30[deg]43'15.88'' N, long. 098[deg]04'38.46'' W)
DOWWD, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]44'58.33'' N, long. 097[deg]06'12.22'' W)
College Station, TX (CLL)                       VORTAC                         (Lat. 30[deg]36'18.01'' N, long. 096[deg]25'14.45'' W)
EAKES, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]33'18.00'' N, long. 095[deg]18'29.00'' W)
CREPO, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]16'54.00'' N, long. 094[deg]14'43.00'' W)
KNZLY, LA                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]08'29.48'' N, long. 093[deg]06'19.37'' W)
 

* * * * *

T-499 Corpus Christi, TX (CRP) to DILLO, TX [New]
 
Corpus Christi, TX (CRP)                        VORTAC                         (Lat. 27[deg]54'13.56'' N, long. 097[deg]26'41.57'' W)
CARTI, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 28[deg]09'46.08'' N, long. 098[deg]02'51.29'' W)
LEMIG, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 28[deg]58'37.91'' N, long. 098[deg]30'03.52'' W)
San Antonio, TX (SAT)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 29[deg]38'38.51'' N, long. 098[deg]27'40.74'' W)
Stonewall, TX (STV)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 30[deg]12'24.33'' N, long. 098[deg]42'20.72'' W)
DILLO, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 30[deg]47'46.76'' N, long. 098[deg]47'13.91'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 16, 2024.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-18731 Filed 8-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P