[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 18, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25916-25918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-11220]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0273; Airspace Docket No. 23-ASO-43]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of Restricted Areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-5305C;
Camp Lejeune, NC; and Restricted Areas R-5307A, R-5307B, and R-5307C;
Cherry Point, NC
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action revises an earlier notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) that the FAA published in Federal Register on March 20, 2025, by
correcting the geographic coordinates of a boundary point in proposed
restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-5305C; Camp Lejeune, NC. This
action continues to propose restricted areas R-5307A, R-5307B, and R-
5307C; Cherry Point, NC. The purpose of this proposal is to create
additional restricted area airspace to connect restricted area R-5003,
R-5004, and R-5306 complexes to contain hazardous activities such as
weapon deployment, non-eye safe lasers, and artillery within larger
contiguous restricted area airspace that is required to realistically
simulate essential training mission tasks.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 18, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-0273 and
Airspace Docket No. 23-ASO-43 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.
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 establishes restricted area airspace at Camp Lejeune,
NC and Cherry Point, NC, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate
essential United States (U.S.) Marine Corps training activities.
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. There is no need to re-post comments already
submitted to this docket in connection with the earlier NPRM.
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
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and hours of
operation). 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.
Background
On March 20, 2025, the FAA issued an NPRM (90 FR 13112) in this
docket. Subsequent to publication of the NPRM,
[[Page 25917]]
the FAA identified that it incorrectly stated a geographic coordinate
due to a rounding error. This geographic coordinate partially defines
the northern boundary of restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-
5305C. As restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-5305C are proposed
to share the same lateral boundaries, updating this coordinate moves
the northern boundary approximately 1 nautical mile north of the
position listed in the NPRM. The point ``lat. 34[deg]41'00'' N, long.
077[deg]24'59'' W'' is changed to ``lat. 34[deg]42'00'' N, long.
077[deg]24'59'' W'' as originally intended. Additionally, the
supporting graphic depicting the boundary of restricted area R-5305A,
R-5305B, and R-5305C, overlaid on a sectional chart, correctly depicts
the intended boundary.
Other components of the proposal from the original NPRM remain
unchanged.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish
restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-5305C; Camp Lejeune, NC. This
additional restricted area airspace, combined with the existing
restricted area R-5003, R-5004, and R-5306 complexes, would support
USMC training and readiness requirements and would provide the
contiguous restricted area airspace required to contain hazardous
activities such as weapon deployment, non-eye safe lasers, and
artillery necessary to conduct complex training scenarios required to
realistically train to accomplish mission essential tasks.
Proposed restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, and R-5305C would share
the same lateral boundaries. Restricted area R-5305A would be from the
surface to but not including 7,000 feet MSL, excluding the airspace
from the surface to 200 feet above ground level (AGL) within 200 feet
either side of U.S. Highway 17. Published times of use would be Monday
through Friday, 0600 to 2359 local time, other times of use would be
published in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at least 24 hours in advance.
Restricted area R-5305A would be expected to be activated 8 hours per
day, 150 days per year. Approximately 25 percent of the activation time
would be during the hours of darkness, and approximately 5 percent of
all activation would include fixed-wing operations.
Restricted area R-5305B would be from 7,000 feet (mean sea level)
MSL to but not including 10,000 feet MSL. A NOTAM would publish the
intermittent times of use of restricted area R-5305B. Restricted area
R-5305B is expected to be activated 4 hours per day, 30 days per year.
Approximately 25 percent of the activation time would be during the
hours of darkness, and approximately 50 percent of the activation time
would include fixed-wing operations.
Restricted area R-5305C would be from 10,000 feet MSL to but not
including FL 180. A NOTAM would publish intermittent times of use of
restricted area R-5305C. It is expected to be activated 4 hours per
day, 30 days per year. Approximately 25 percent of the activation time
would be during the hours of darkness, and approximately 50 percent of
the activation time would include fixed-wing operations.
The full descriptions of the above restricted areas are set forth
below in the proposed amendments to part 73. This action continues to
propose restricted areas R-5307A, R-5307B, and R-5307C; Cherry Point,
NC.
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 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:
PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
0
1. The authority citation for part 73 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. 73.53 North Carolina [Amended]
0
2. Section 73.53 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-5305A Camp Lejeune, NC [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34[deg]39'16'' N, long.
077[deg]28'31'' W; to lat. 34[deg]42'00'' N, long. 077[deg]24'59''
W; to lat. 34[deg]40'21'' N, long. 077[deg]22'11'' W; to lat.
34[deg]38'13'' N, long. 077[deg]25'59'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'06'' N,
long. 077[deg]26'07'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'04'' N, long.
077[deg]23'43'' W; to lat. 34[deg]33'57'' N, long. 077[deg]25'24''
W; to lat. 34[deg]34'27'' N, long. 077[deg]26'16'' W; to lat.
34[deg]33'47'' N, long. 077[deg]27'02'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'14'' N,
long. 077[deg]27'45'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long.
077[deg]28'46'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'48''
W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'51'' W; to lat.
34[deg]35'23'' N, long. 077[deg]29'24'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'42'' N,
long. 077[deg]29'03'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'51'' N, long.
077[deg]29'01'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'53'' N, long. 077[deg]29'01''
W; to lat. 34[deg]38'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'42'' W; to the point
of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 7,000 feet
MSL, excluding the airspace from the surface to 200 feet AGL within
200 feet either side of U.S. Highway 17.
Time of designation. 0600-2359 local time, Monday-Friday; other
times by NOTAM published at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. USMC, MCAS Cherry Point CERAP.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps
Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
R-5305B Camp Lejeune, NC [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34[deg]39'16'' N, long.
077[deg]28'31'' W; to lat. 34[deg]42'00'' N, long. 077[deg]24'59''
W; to lat. 34[deg]40'21'' N, long. 077[deg]22'11'' W; to lat.
34[deg]38'13'' N, long. 077[deg]25'59'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'06'' N,
long. 077[deg]26'07'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'04'' N, long.
077[deg]23'43'' W; to lat. 34[deg]33'57'' N, long. 077[deg]25'24''
W; to lat. 34[deg]34'27'' N, long. 077[deg]26'16'' W; to lat.
34[deg]33'47'' N, long. 077[deg]27'02'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'14'' N,
long. 077[deg]27'45'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long.
077[deg]28'46'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'48''
W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'51'' W; to lat.
34[deg]35'23'' N, long. 077[deg]29'24'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'42'' N,
long. 077[deg]29'03'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'51'' N, long.
077[deg]29'01'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'53'' N, long. 077[deg]29'01''
W; to lat. 34[deg]38'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'42'' W; to the point
of beginning.
Designated altitudes. 7,000 feet MSL to but not including 10,000
feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. USMC, MCAS Cherry Point CERAP.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps
Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
R-5305C Camp Lejeune, NC [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34[deg]39'16'' N, long.
077[deg]28'31'' W; to lat. 34[deg]42'00'' N, long.
[[Page 25918]]
077[deg]24'59'' W; to lat. 34[deg]40'21'' N, long. 077[deg]22'11''
W; to lat. 34[deg]38'13'' N, long. 077[deg]25'59'' W; to lat.
34[deg]36'06'' N, long. 077[deg]26'07'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'04'' N,
long. 077[deg]23'43'' W; to lat. 34[deg]33'57'' N, long.
077[deg]25'24'' W; to lat. 34[deg]34'27'' N, long. 077[deg]26'16''
W; to lat. 34[deg]33'47'' N, long. 077[deg]27'02'' W; to lat.
34[deg]35'14'' N, long. 077[deg]27'45'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N,
long. 077[deg]28'46'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long.
077[deg]28'48'' W; to lat. 34[deg]35'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'51''
W; to lat. 34[deg]35'23'' N, long. 077[deg]29'24'' W; to lat.
34[deg]36'42'' N, long. 077[deg]29'03'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'51'' N,
long. 077[deg]29'01'' W; to lat. 34[deg]36'53'' N, long.
077[deg]29'01'' W; to lat. 34[deg]38'22'' N, long. 077[deg]28'42''
W; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to but not including FL
180.
Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Washington ARTCC.
Using agency. USMC, Commanding General, Marine Corps
Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 16, 2025.
Brian Eric Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-11220 Filed 6-17-25; 8:45 am]
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