[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11140-11142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-03443]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 4, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 11140]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0372 Airspace Docket No. 24-AAL-126]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Colored Federal Airway Green 8, Jet Route J-115,
United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-227 and Establishment of
RNAV Route Q-188 in Alaska
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Colored Federal Airway Green 8
(G-8), Jet Route J-115, and United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route
T-227, and establish RNAV Route Q-188 in Alaska. The FAA is proposing
this action due to the pending decommissioning of the Shemya, AK,
Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB).
DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 18, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-0372 and
Airspace Docket No. 24-AAL-126 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 7400.11J, 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: Steven Roff, 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 would amend the airway structure as necessary to
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National
Airspace System.
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 Western Service Center,
Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198.
Incorporation by Reference
Colored Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6009, Jet Routes
are published in paragraph 2004, United States Area Navigation Routes
are published in paragraph 6011 and paragraph 2006 of FAA Order JO
[[Page 11141]]
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 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024.
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 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
Background
In 2003, Congress enacted the Vision 100-Century of Aviation
Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 108-176), which established a joint
planning and development office in the FAA to manage the work related
to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Today,
NextGen is an ongoing FAA-led modernization of the nation's air
transportation system to make flying safer, more efficient, and more
predictable.
In support of NextGen, this proposal is part of an ongoing, large,
and comprehensive airway modernization project in the state of Alaska.
Part of this project is to transition the Alaskan en route navigation
structure away from dependency on NDBs and move to develop and improve
the RNAV route structure. The FAA is planning to decommission the
Shemya, AK, NDB. As a result, portions of G-8 and J-115 will become
unusable. Currently, G-8 extends between the Shemya NDB and the
Kachemak, AK, NDB. The FAA is proposing to revoke the segment of G-8
that extends between the Shemya NDB and the Mount Moffet, AK, NDB. The
mitigation to the loss of this segment of G-8 is the existing RNAV
Route T-227. J-115 currently extends between the Shemya NDB and the
Deadhorse, AK, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Distance
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). The FAA is proposing to revoke the
segment of J-115 that extends between the Shemya NDB and the Mount
Moffet NDB. The mitigation to the loss of this segment of J-115 is RNAV
Route Q-188, proposed in this airspace action. The FAA is also
proposing to amend RNAV Route T-227 by adding the DEJJE, AK, waypoint
(WP) to the route. This amendment will allow enroute transition with
instrument procedures at the Adak Airport (ADK). RNAV Route Q-188 would
be a direct overlay of the portion of J-115 that is proposed to be
revoked.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend
Colored Federal Airway Green 8 (G-8), Jet Route J-115, and RNAV Route
T-227, and establish RNAV Route Q-188 in Alaska. The FAA is proposing
this action due to the pending decommissioning of the Shemya, AK, NDB.
G-8: G-8 currently extends between the Shemya, AK, NDB and the
Kachemak, AK, NDB. The FAA proposes to revoke the segment of G-8 that
extends between the Shemya NDB and the Mount Moffet, AK, NDB. As
amended, G-8 would extend between the Mount Moffet NDB and the Kachemak
NDB.
J-115: J-115 currently extends between the Shemya, AK, NDB and the
Deadhorse, AK, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to revoke the segment of J-115
that extends between the Shemya NDB and the Mount Moffet, AK, NDB. As
amended, J-115 would extend between the Mount Moffet, AK, NDB and the
Deadhorse VOR/DME.
T-227: T-227 currently extends between the Shemya, AK, VOR/Tactical
Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Deadhorse, AK, VOR/DME. The FAA
proposes to amend RNAV Route T-227 by adding the DEJJE, AK, WP to the
route. As amended, T-227 would extend between the Shemya VORTAC and the
Deadhorse VOR/DME.
Q-188: The FAA proposes to establish RNAV Route Q-188. As
established, this route would extend between the Shemya, AK, VORTAC and
the Mount Moffet, AK, NDB.
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); 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
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31,
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6009(a) Green Federal Airways.
* * * * *
G-8 [Amended]
From Mount Moffet, AK, NDB, 20 AGL; Dutch Harbor, AK, NDB, 20
AGL; INT Dutch Harbor, AK, NDB 041[deg] and Elfee, AK, NDB 253[deg]
bearings, 20 AGL; Elfee, AK, NDB, 20 AGL; Chinook, AK, NDB; INT
Chinook, AK, NDB 054[deg] and Kachemak, AK, NDB 269[deg] bearings;
to Kachemak, AK, NDB.
* * * * *
Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.
* * * * *
J-115 [Amended]
From Mount Moffett, AK, NDB; Dutch Harbor, AK, NDB; Cold Bay,
AK; King Salmon, AK; INT King Salmon 053[deg] and Kenai, AK,
239[deg] radials; Kenai, AK; Anchorage, AK; Big Lake, AK; Fairbanks,
AK; Chandalar, AK, NDB; to Deadhorse, AK.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
[[Page 11142]]
T-227 Shemya, AK (SYA) to Deadhorse, AK (SCC) [Amended]
Shemya, AK (SYA) VORTAC (Lat. 52[deg]43'05.78'' N, long. 174[deg]03'43.50'' E)
JANNT, AK WP (Lat. 52[deg]04'17.88'' N, long. 178[deg]15'37.23'' W)
DEJJE, AK WP (Lat. 51[deg]56'50.41'' N, long. 177[deg]15'11.72'' W)
BAERE, AK WP (Lat. 52[deg]12'11.96'' N, long. 176[deg]08'08.53'' W)
ALEUT, AK WP (Lat. 54[deg]14'16.58'' N, long. 166[deg]32'51.82'' W)
MORDI, AK FIX (Lat. 54[deg]52'49.87'' N, long. 165[deg]03'15.24'' W)
GENFU, AK FIX (Lat. 55[deg]23'18.64'' N, long. 163[deg]06'20.78'' W)
BINAL, AK FIX (Lat. 55[deg]45'59.99'' N, long. 161[deg]59'56.43'' W)
WIXER, AK WP (Lat. 56[deg]54'29.00'' N, long. 158[deg]36'10.00'' W)
CULTI, AK WP (Lat. 58[deg]15'11.91'' N, long. 156[deg]31'19.57'' W)
FEDGI, AK WP (Lat. 59[deg]30'10.87'' N, long. 154[deg]14'14.80'' W)
WEZZL, AK WP (Lat. 59[deg]53'13.86'' N, long. 152[deg]24'12.63'' W)
AMOTT, AK FIX (Lat. 60[deg]52'26.59'' N, long. 151[deg]22'23.60'' W)
Big Lake, AK (BGQ) VORTAC (Lat. 61[deg]34'09.96'' N, long. 149[deg]58'01.77'' W)
GLOWS, AK FIX (Lat. 64[deg]26'15.88'' N, long. 148[deg]15'17.88'' W)
PERZO, AK WP (Lat. 64[deg]40'22.99'' N, long. 148[deg]07'20.15'' W)
Fairbanks, AK (FAI) VORTAC (Lat. 64[deg]48'00.25'' N, long. 148[deg]00'43.11'' W)
Deadhorse, AK (SCC) VOR/DME (Lat. 70[deg]11'57.11'' N, long. 148[deg]24'58.17'' W)
* * * * *
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-188 Shemya, AK (SYA) to Mount Moffett, AK (ADK) [New]
Shemya, AK (SYA) VORTAC (Lat. 52[deg]43'05.78'' N, long. 174[deg]03'43.50' E)
Mount Moffett, AK (ADK) NDB (Lat. 51[deg]52'18.76'' N, long. 176[deg]4'33.56'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 26, 2025.
Brian Eric Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-03443 Filed 3-3-25; 8:45 am]
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