[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 1 (Friday, January 2, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19-21]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-24218]
[[Page 19]]
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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: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action establishes United States Area Navigation (RNAV)
Routes Q-190 and T-497, and amends 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: Effective date 0901 UTC, March 19, 2026. 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. An electronic
copy of this document may also be downloaded from
www.federalregister.gov.
FAA Order JO 7400.11K, 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.
History
The FAA published a NPRM for Docket No. FAA 2025-0668 in the
Federal Register (87 FR 20136; May 12, 2025), proposing to establish
RNAV Routes Q-190 and T-497; and amend domestic VOR Federal Airways V-
1, V-70, and V-194, in the eastern United States. Interested parties
were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting
written comments on the proposal to the FAA. One comment was received,
which stated that the geographic coordinates for the Elizabeth City, NC
(ECG), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) listed in the route
description for RNAV Route T-497 were incorrect. Upon review, the FAA
discovered that all geographic coordinates listed in the route
description of RNAV Route T-497 were erroneous. This final rule
corrects these errors by correcting the geographic coordinates to match
the FAA's National Airspace System Resource (NASR) database information
for each point. Additionally, the FAA verified that the route points
that define RNAV Route T-497 were listed correctly as intended.
Differences From the NPRM
Subsequent to publication of the NPRM, on August 7, 2025, the
FAGED, VA, Fix was changed to the FAGED, VA, waypoint (WP) due to the
route point no longer being defined by ground-based Navigational Aid
(NAVAID) radials. This final rule refers to the FAGED, VA, route point
as a WP. This change is ministerial in nature, and does not alter
airspace boundaries or impose additional requirements on regulated
parties. Accordingly, the FAA finds good cause that recirculating the
proposal for notice and comment is unnecessary.
Additionally, subsequent to publication of the NPRM, the FAA
published a final rule for Docket No. FAA-2024-2512 in the Federal
Register (90 FR 21408; May 20, 2025), amending VOR Federal Airway V-1.
That final rule amended VOR Federal Airway V-1 by removing the airway
segments between the Norfolk, VA (ORF), VORTAC and the Waterloo, DE
(ATR), VOR/DME due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Salisbury,
MD (SBY), VORTAC. That final rule also added language to the route
description that the airway excludes restricted area R-5002F, as it is
adjacent to VOR Federal Airway V-1, and removed language that the
airway excludes restricted area R-4006, as it will no longer be
adjacent to VOR Federal Airway V-1 as amended. Changes made by that
airway amendment, effective August 7, 2025, are incorporated into this
action. They do not result in material differences from the original
proposal, nor do they impose additional requirements on users of the
airway. Accordingly, the FAA finds good cause that recirculating the
proposal for notice and comment is unnecessary.
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 amends the current version of that
order, FAA Order JO 7400.11K, dated August 4, 2025, and effective
September 15, 2025. These amendments will be published in the next
update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11K, which lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points, is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this document.
The Rule
This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by establishing RNAV Routes Q-190
and T-497; and amending 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 that extends between the Carleton,
MI (CRL), VOR/DME and the PONCT, NY, WP. The route overlays Jet Route
J-190 between the Carleton VOR/DME and the
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PONCT WP. This new route provides RNAV connectivity between the
Detroit, MI, area and the Albany, NY, area.
V-1: Prior to this final rule, V-1 extended between the Craig, FL
(CRG), VORTAC and the Norfolk, VA (ORF), VORTAC; and between the
Waterloo, DE (ATR), VOR/DME and the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/DME. The
portions within R-5002A, R-5002C, R-5002D, and R-5002F are excluded
during their times of designation. The FAA removes the airway segments
between the Kinston, NC (ISO), VORTAC and the Norfolk VORTAC due to the
scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. As amended,
the airway extends between the Craig VORTAC and the Kinston VORTAC; and
between the Waterloo VOR/DME and the Boston VOR/DME. The portions
within R-5002A, R-5002C, R-5002D, and R-5002F are excluded during their
times of designation.
V-70: Prior to this final rule, V-70 extended 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 removes 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
extends 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
remains excluded.
V-194: Prior to this final rule, V-194 extended 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 removes the airway
segments between the Tar River, NC (TYI), VORTAC and the SUNNS Fix due
to the scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC. As amended, the
airway extends 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 new RNAV route that extends between the Elizabeth
City, NC (ECG), VOR/DME and the FAGED, VA, WP. The route overlays VOR
Federal Airway V-286 between the OUTLA, VA, WP and the FAGED, VA, WP.
The new route provides 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 Air Traffic Service (ATS) route description regulatory
text of this final rule are 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 establishing RNAV Routes Q-
190 and T-497, and amending domestic VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and
V-194 in the eastern United States qualifies for categorical exclusion
under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.)
and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental
Policy Act Implementing Procedures, paragraph B-2.5(a), 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 B-2.5(b), which categorically
excludes from further environmental impact review ``Actions regarding
establishment of jet routes and Federal airways (see 14 CFR 71.15,
Designation of jet routes and VOR Federal airways). . .''. As such,
this action is not expected to result in any potentially significant
environmental impacts. In accordance with the FAA's NEPA implementation
policy and procedures 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 statement.
Lists 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
7400.11K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 4,
2025, and effective September 15, 2025, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-190 Carleton, MI (CRL) to PONCT, NY [New]
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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)
[[Page 21]]
* * * * *
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 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, R-5002D and R-5002F are
excluded during their times of designation.
* * * * *
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. 36[deg]15'27.26'' N, long. 076[deg]10'32.15'' W)
Oceana, VA (NTU) TACAN (Lat. 36[deg]49'27.20'' N, long. 076[deg]02'13.37'' W)
SKOUT, VA FIX (Lat. 36[deg]55'55.13'' N, long. 075[deg]51'07.39'' W)
TURET, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]00'10.90'' N, long. 075[deg]47'08.35'' W)
FAAFO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]03'08.52'' N, long. 075[deg]44'12.51'' W)
BAYSO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]19'17.65'' N, long. 075[deg]49'40.37'' W)
LNSKY, VA FIX (Lat. 37[deg]20'13.20'' N, long. 075[deg]55'30.29'' W)
OUTLA, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]20'45.48'' N, long. 075[deg]59'54.08'' W)
FAGED, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]51'07.69'' N, long. 076[deg]40'55.91'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on December 30, 2025.
Glenn L. Sigley,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-24218 Filed 12-31-25; 8:45 am]
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