[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 90 (Monday, May 12, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20136-20138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08203]
[[Page 20136]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0668; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASO-34]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-
190 and T-497, and Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194;
Eastern United States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish United States Area
Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-190 and T-497, and amend domestic Very High
Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-
194 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to
the planned decommissioning of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VOR/Tactical Air
Navigation (VORTAC). This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum
Operational Network (MON) Program.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 26, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-0668 and
Airspace Docket No. 24-ASO-34 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: Brian Vidis, 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 amends the route structure to maintain the efficient
flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS).
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 Eastern Service Center,
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA 30337.
Incorporation by Reference
United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraphs
2006 and 6011, and Domestic 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 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. FAA Order JO 7400.11J 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
The FAA is planning to decommission the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC
in March 2026. The Cofield VORTAC was a candidate navigational
[[Page 20137]]
aid (NAVAID) 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.
The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the planned NAVAID
decommissioning are VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194. With the
planned decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC, the remaining ground-
based NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to enable the
continuity of the affected ATS routes. As such, proposed modifications
to VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194 would result in the airways
being shortened.
To overcome the proposed modifications to the affected routes,
instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use adjacent VOR Federal
Airways V-139, V-157, V-266, V-310, and V-472 or receive air traffic
control (ATC) radar vectors to fly through or circumnavigate the
affected area. Additionally, IFR pilots with Area Navigation (RNAV)-
equipped aircraft could also use the adjacent RNAV Routes T-291, T-303,
T-307, T-480, and T-497; or navigate point-to-point using the existing
fixes that will remain in place to support continued operations through
the affected area. Visual flight rules (VFR) pilots who elect to
navigate via airways through the affected area could also take
advantage of ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish
RNAV Routes Q-190 and T-497, and amend domestic VOR Federal Airways V-
1, V-70, and V-194 to support the planned decommissioning of the
Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. This action is in support of the FAA's VOR
MON Program.
Q-190: Q-190 is a new RNAV route proposed to extend between the
Carleton, MI (CRL), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the
PONCT, NY, waypoint (WP). The route would overlay Jet Route J-190
between the Carleton VOR/DME and the PONCT WP. The new proposed route
would provide RNAV connectivity between the Detroit, MI area and the
Albany, NY area.
V-1: V-1 currently extends between the Craig, FL (CRG), VORTAC and
the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway
segments between the Kinston, NC (ISO), VORTAC and the Cape Charles, VA
(CCV), VORTAC due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield, NC
(CVI), VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend
between the Craig VORTAC and the Kinston VORTAC; and between the Cape
Charles VORTAC and the Boston VOR/DME. Concurrent changes to other
segments of V-1 have been proposed in a separate rulemaking docket,
Docket No. FAA 2024-2512 published in the Federal Register (89 FR
93233; November 26, 2024).
V-70: V-70 currently extends between Monterrey Mexico and the
Picayune, MS (PCU), VOR/DME; between the Monroeville, AL (MVC), VORTAC
and the Allendale, SC (ALD), VOR; and between the Grand Strand, SC
(CRE), VORTAC and the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. The airspace within
Mexico is excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segments
between the Kinston, NC (ISO), VORTAC and the Cofield VORTAC due to the
scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC. As amended, the airway
would be changed to extend between Monterrey Mexico and the Picayune
VOR/DME; between the Monroeville VORTAC and the Allendale VOR; and
between the Grand Strand VORTAC and the Kinston VORTAC. The airspace
within Mexico would remain excluded.
V-194: V-194 currently extends between the Cedar Creek, TX (CQY),
VORTAC and the College Station, TX (CLL), VORTAC; between the Sabine
Pass, TX (SBI), VOR/DME and the Meridian, MS (MEI), VORTAC; and between
the Liberty, NC (LIB), VORTAC and the intersection of the Cofield, NC
(CVI), VORTAC 077[deg] and the Norfolk, VA (ORF), VORTAC 209[deg]
radials (SUNNS Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the airway segments
between the Tar River, NC (NC), VORTAC and the SUNNS Fix due to the
scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC. As amended, the airway
would be changed to extend between the Cedar Creek VORTAC and the
College Station VORTAC; between the Sabine Pass VOR/DME and the
Meridian VORTAC; and between the Liberty VORTAC and the Tar River
VORTAC.
T-497: T-497 is a proposed new RNAV route that would extend between
the Elizabeth City, NC (ECG), VOR/DME and the FAGED, VA, WP. The route
would overlay VOR Federal Airway V-286 between the OUTLA, VA, WP and
the FAGED, VA, Fix. The new proposed route would provide RNAV
connectivity between the Elizabeth City, NC area and the Warsaw, VA
area.
The full proposed descriptions of the above routes are set forth
below in the proposed text amendments to part 71. The NAVAID radials
listed in the VOR Federal airway description regulatory text of this
NPRM are stated in degrees True north. Additionally, minor editorial
corrections to the airway descriptions are made to comply with ATS
route formatting requirements.
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
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting
[[Page 20138]]
Points, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is
amended as follows:
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-190 Carleton, MI (CRL) to PONCT, NY [New]
Carleton, MI (CRL) VOR/DME (Lat. 42[deg]02'52.90'' N, long. 083[deg]27'27.26'' W)
WIGGZ, PA WP (Lat. 41[deg]30'51.00'' N, long. 077[deg]58'52.00'' W)
RAHKS, NY WP (Lat. 42[deg]27'59.28'' N, long. 075[deg]14'21.68'' W)
PONCT, NY WP (Lat. 42[deg]44'48.83'' N, long. 073[deg]48'48.07'' W)
* * * * *
Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-1 [Amended]
From Craig, FL, INT Craig 020[deg] and Charleston, SC, 214[deg]
radials; Charleston; Grand Strand, SC; INT Grand Strand 031[deg] and
Kinston, NC, 214[deg] radials; to Kinston. From Cape Charles, VA;
INT Cape Charles 006[deg] and Salisbury, MD, 206[deg] radials;
Salisbury; Waterloo, DE; INT Waterloo 024[deg] and Coyle, NJ,
216[deg] radials; Coyle; INT Coyle 036[deg] and Kennedy, NY,
209[deg] radials; Kennedy; Deer Park, NY; Madison, CT; Hartford, CT;
INT Hartford 040[deg] and Boston, MA, 252[deg] radials; to Boston,
MA; excluding the airspace below 2,700 feet MSL outside the United
States between STARY INT and Charleston, SC. The portions within R-
5002A, R-5002C and R-5002D are excluded during their times of use.
The airspace within R-4006 is excluded.
* * * * *
V-70 [Amended]
From Monterrey, Mexico; Brownsville, TX; INT Brownsville
338[deg] and Corpus Christi, TX, 193[deg] radials; 34 miles standard
width, 37 miles 7 miles wide (4 miles E and 3 miles W of
centerline), Corpus Christi; INT Corpus Christi 054[deg] and
Palacios, TX, 226[deg] radials; Palacios; Scholes, TX; Sabine Pass,
TX; Lake Charles, LA; Lafayette, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; to
Picayune, MS. From Monroeville, AL; INT Monroeville 073[deg] and
Eufaula, AL, 258[deg] radials; Eufaula; Vienna, GA; to Allendale,
SC. From Grand Strand, SC; Wilmington, NC; to Kinston, NC. The
airspace within Mexico is excluded.
* * * * *
V-194 [Amended]
From Cedar Creek, TX; to College Station, TX. From Sabine Pass,
TX; Lafayette, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; McComb, MS; INT McComb
055[deg] and Meridian, MS, 221[deg] radials; to Meridian. From
Liberty, NC; Raleigh-Durham, NC; to Tar River, NC.
* * * * *
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-497 Elizabeth City, NC (ECG) to FAGED, VA [New]
Elizabeth City, NC (ECG) VOR/DME (Lat. 38[deg]20'16.21'' N, long. 076[deg]26'10.51'' W)
Oceana, VA (NTU) TACAN (Lat. 38[deg]05'59.23'' N, long. 076[deg]39'50.85'' W)
SKOUT, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]51'07.69'' N, long. 076[deg]40'55.91'' W)
TURET, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]20'45.48'' N, long. 075[deg]59'54.08'' W)
FAAFO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]20'13.20'' N, long. 075[deg]55'30.29'' W)
BAYSO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]19'17.65'' N, long. 075[deg]49'40.37'' W)
LNSKY, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]03'08.52'' N, long. 075[deg]44'12.51'' W)
OUTLA, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]00'10.90'' N, long. 075[deg]47'08.35'' W)
FAGED, VA FIX (Lat. 36[deg]55'55.13'' N, long. 075[deg]51'07.39'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025.
Brian Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-08203 Filed 5-9-25; 8:45 am]
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