[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8906-8908]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02142]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2458; Airspace Docket No. 23-AGL-27]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-9, V-78, V-341, and V-430, and
Canadian RNAV Route T-765, and Establishment of United States RNAV
Route T-490; Northcentral United States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action amends Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range
(VOR) Federal Airways V-9, V-78, V-341, and V-430, and Canadian Area
Navigation (RNAV) Route T-765; and establishes United States (U.S.)
RNAV Route T-490. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Iron Mountain, MI (IMT), VOR/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID). The
Iron Mountain VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR
Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 17, 2025. 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 7400.11J, 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, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations
Group, Policy Directorate, 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 National Airspace System (NAS) as
necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
History
The FAA published an NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2024-2458 in the
Federal Register (89 FR 87985; November 6, 2024), proposing to amend
VOR Federal Airways V-9, V-78, V-341, and V-430, and Canadian RNAV
Route T-765; and establish U.S. RNAV Route T-490 due to the planned
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Iron Mountain, MI, VOR/DME
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
Subsequent the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. FAA-
2024-1048 in the Federal Register (89 FR 81339; October 8, 2024),
amending VOR Federal Airway V-9 by removing the airway segment between
the Spinner, IL, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Pontiac,
IL, VOR/DME. That airway amendment, effective December 26, 2024, is
included in this rule.
Incorporation by Reference
VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a), United
States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 6011, and
Canadian Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 6013 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
7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024. FAA
Order JO 7400.11J 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 7400.11J 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 VOR Federal Airways
V-9, V-78, V-341, and V-430, and Canadian RNAV Route T-765; and
establishing U.S. RNAV Route T-490. This action is required due to the
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Iron Mountain, MI,
VOR/DME NAVAID. The ATS route actions are described below.
V-9: Prior to this final rule, V-9 extended between the Leeville,
LA, VORTAC and the Spinner, IL, VORTAC; and between the Janesville, WI,
VOR/DME and the Houghton, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the
Green Bay, WI, VORTAC and the Houghton VOR/DME is removed. As amended,
the airway is changed to now extend
[[Page 8907]]
between the Leeville VORTAC and the Spinner VORTAC, and between the
Janesville VOR/DME and the Green Bay VORTAC.
V-78: Prior to this final rule, V-78 extended between the Gopher,
MN, VORTAC and the Escanaba, MI, VOR/DME; and between the Pellston, MI,
VORTAC and the Saginaw, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the
Rhinelander, WI, VOR/DME and the Escanaba VOR/DME is removed. As
amended, the airway is changed to now extend between the Gopher VORTAC
and the Rhinelander VOR/DME, and between the Pellston VORTAC and the
Saginaw VOR/DME.
V-341: Prior to this final rule, V-341 extended between the Cedar
Rapids, IA, VOR/DME and the Green Bay, WI, VORTAC; and between the Iron
Mountain, MI, VOR/DME and the Houghton, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment
between the Iron Mountain VOR/DME and the Houghton VOR/DME is removed.
As amended, the airway is changed to now extend between the Cedar
Rapids VOR/DME and the Green Bay VORTAC.
V-430: Prior to this final rule, V-430 extended between the Cut
Bank, MT, VOR/DME and the Minot, ND, VOR/DME; and between the Grand
Forks, ND, VOR/DME and the Escanaba, MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment
between the Ironwood, MI, VOR/DME and the Escanaba VOR/DME is removed.
As amended, the airway is changed to now extend between the Cut Bank
VOR/DME and the Minot VOR/DME, and between the Grand Forks VOR/DME and
the Ironwood VOR/DME.
T-490: T-490 is a new U.S. RNAV route being established to extend
between the Ironwood, MI, VOR/DME and the Escanaba, MI, VOR/DME. The
new RNAV route mitigates the V-430 airway segment being removed and
provides route guidance for aircraft around the Big Bear, MI, Military
Operations Area (MOA).
T-765: Prior to this final rule, T-765 extended between the
Houghton, MI, VOR/DME and the BBLUE, MI, Waypoint (WP) on the U.S./
Canada border; between the ASIXX, MN, WP on the U.S./Canada border and
the KORTY, MN, WP on the U.S./Canada border; and between the LCROS, MN,
WP on the U.S./Canada border and the CALDU, MN, WP on the U.S./Canada
border. The route is extended southward to the Green Bay, WI, VORTAC to
serve as a RNAV replacement for the airway segment of V-9 being
removed. As amended, the route is changed to now extend between the
Green Bay VORTAC and the BBLUE WP; between the ASIXX WP and the KORTY
WP; and between the LCROS WP and the CALDU WP.
The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions in
the regulatory text of this final 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 amending VOR Federal
Airways V-9, V-78, V-341, and V-430, and Canadian RNAV Route T-765; and
establishing U.S. RNAV Route T-490 due to the planned decommissioning
of the VOR portion of the Iron Mountain, MI, VOR/DME NAVAID, 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); 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 7400.11J,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 2024, and
effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6010(a) 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; to Green Bay, WI.
* * * * *
V-78 [Amended]
From Gopher, MN; INT Gopher 091[deg] and Eau Claire, WI,
290[deg] radials; Eau Claire; to Rhinelander, WI. From Pellston, MI;
Alpena, MI; INT Alpena 232[deg] and Saginaw, MI, 353[deg] radials;
to Saginaw.
* * * * *
V-341 [Amended]
From Cedar Rapids, IA; Dubuque, IA; Madison, WI; Oshkosh, WI; to
Green Bay, WI.
* * * * *
[[Page 8908]]
V-430 [Amended]
From Cut Bank, MT; 10 miles, 74 miles 55 MSL, Havre, MT; 14
miles, 100 miles 50 MSL, Glasgow, MT; INT Glasgow 100[deg] and
Williston, ND, 263[deg] radials; 22 miles, 33 miles 55 MSL,
Williston; to Minot, ND. From Grand Forks, ND; Thief River Falls,
MN; INT Thief River Falls 122[deg] and Grand Rapids, MN, 292[deg]
radials; Grand Rapids; Duluth, MN; to Ironwood, MI.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-490 Ironwood, MI (IWD) to Escanaba, MI (ESC) [New]
Ironwood, MI (IWD) VOR/DME (Lat. 46[deg]31'56.12'' N, long. 090[deg]07'33.06'' W)
BBEAR, MI WP (Lat. 45[deg]48'57.67'' N, long. 088[deg]06'42.85'' W)
Escanaba, MI (ESC) VOR/DME (Lat. 45[deg]43'21.49'' N, long. 087[deg]05'22.55'' W)
* * * * *
Paragraph 6013 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-765 Green Bay, WI (GRB) to CALDU, MN [Amended]
Green Bay, WI (GRB) VORTAC (Lat. 44[deg]33'18.58'' N, long. 088[deg]11'41.49'' W)
BBEAR, MI WP (Lat. 45[deg]48'57.67'' N, long. 088[deg]06'42.85'' W)
Houghton, MI (CMX) VOR/DME (Lat. 47[deg]10'12.94'' N, long. 088[deg]29'07.41'' W)
BBLUE, MI WP (Lat. 48[deg]01'10.44'' N, long. 089[deg]13'39.22'' W)
and
ASIXX, MN WP (Lat. 48[deg]30'56.17'' N, long. 092[deg]37'34.98'' W)
International Falls, MN (INL) VOR/DME (Lat. 48[deg]33'56.87'' N, long. 093[deg]24'20.44'' W)
KORTY, MN WP (Lat. 48[deg]35'20.54'' N, long. 093[deg]27'59.55'' W)
and
LCROS, MN WP (Lat. 49[deg]03'44.39'' N, long. 094[deg]44'18.17'' W)
CALDU, MN WP (Lat. 49[deg]12'42.53'' N, long. 095[deg]09'11.89'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2025.
Brian Eric Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-02142 Filed 2-3-25; 8:45 am]
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