2020-09226. Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568 in the Vicinity of Glen Rose, TX  

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    AGENCY:

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568 in the vicinity of Glen Rose, TX. The modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Glen Rose, TX, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected airways. The Glen Rose VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

    DATES:

    Effective date 0901 UTC, July 16, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

    ADDRESSES:

    FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/​air_​traffic/​publications/​. For further information, you can contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11D at NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://www.archives.gov/​federal-register/​cfr/​ibr-locations.html.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

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    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 modify the route structure as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System.

    History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for Docket No. FAA-2020-0006 in the Federal Register (85 FR 3288; January 21, 2020), amending VOR Federal airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568 in the vicinity of Glen Rose, TX, due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received.

    Subsequent to the NPRM, the FAA published a rule for Docket No. FAA-2018-1028 in the Federal Register (85 FR 13731; March 10, 2020), amending VOR Federal airway V-18 by removing the airway segment between the Vulcan, AL, VORTAC and the Colliers, SC, VORTAC. That airway amendment was effective May 21, 2020, and is included in this rule.

    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 7400.11D dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order.

    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15.

    Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

    The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by modifying VOR Federal airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568. The planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC NAVAID has made this action necessary. The VOR Federal airway changes are outlined below.

    V-17: V-17 extends between the Brownsville, TX, VORTAC and the Goodland, KS, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Waco, TX, VORTAC and the Millsap, TX, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted.

    V-18: V-18 extends between the Millsap, TX, VORTAC and the Vulcan, AL, VORTAC; and between the Colliers, SC, VORTAC and the Charleston, SC, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Millsap, TX, VORTAC and the Cedar Creek, TX, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted.Start Printed Page 25286

    V-62: V-62 extends between the Gallup, NM, VORTAC and the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Abilene, TX, VORTAC and the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted.

    V-94: V-94 extends between the Blythe, CA, VORTAC and the Holly Springs, MS, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Tuscola, TX, VOR/DME and the Cedar Creek, TX, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted.

    V-163: V-163 extends between the Matamoros, Mexico, VOR/DME and the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Gooch Springs, TX, VORTAC and the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC is removed. Additionally, exclusionary language is added to reflect the airspace within Mexico is excluded. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted.

    V-568: V-568 extends between the Corpus Christi, TX, VORTAC and the Wichita Falls, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment overlying the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC between the Llano, TX, VORTAC and the Millsap, TX, VORTAC is removed. The unaffected portions of the existing airway remain as charted. There are no concurrent changes to other portions of the airway as was noted in the NPRM.

    All radials in the VOR Federal airway descriptions below are unchanged and stated in True degrees.

    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 Department of Transportation (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 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

    The FAA has determined that this action of modifying VOR Federal airways V-17, V-18, V-62, V-94, V-163, and V-568 due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Glen Rose, TX, VORTAC NAVAID qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act 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). 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.

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    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    • Airspace
    • Incorporation by reference
    • Navigation (air)
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    Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

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    PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

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    1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:

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    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.

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    [Amended]
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    2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019 and effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows:

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    Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

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    V-17 [Amended]

    From Brownsville, TX; Harlingen, TX; McAllen, TX; 29 miles, 12 AGL, 34 miles, 25 MSL, 37 miles, 12 AGL; Laredo, TX; Cotulla, TX; INT Cotulla 046° and San Antonio, TX, 198° radials; San Antonio; Centex, TX; to Waco, TX. From Millsap, TX; Bowie, TX; Ardmore, OK; Will Rogers, OK; Mitbee, OK; Garden City, KS; to Goodland, KS.

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    V-18 [Amended]

    From Cedar Creek, TX; Quitman, TX; Belcher, LA; Monroe, LA; Magnolia, MS; Meridian, MS; Crimson, AL; to Vulcan, AL. From Colliers, SC; to Charleston, SC.

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    V-62 [Amended]

    From Gallup, NM; INT Gallup 089° and Santa Fe, NM, 268° radials; Santa Fe; Anton Chico, NM; Texico, NM; Lubbock, TX; to Abilene, TX.

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    V-94 [Amended]

    From Blythe, CA; INT Blythe 094°and Gila Bend, AZ, 299° radials; Gila Bend; Stanfield, AZ; 55 miles, 74 miles, 95 MSL, San Simon, AZ; Deming, NM; Newman, TX; Salt Flat, TX; Wink, TX; Midland, TX; to Tuscola, TX. From Cedar Creek, TX; Gregg County, TX; Elm Grove, LA; Monroe, LA; Greenville, MS; to Holly Springs, MS.

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    V-163 [Amended]

    From Matamoros, Mexico; Brownsville, TX; 27 miles standard width, 37 miles 7 miles wide (3 miles E. and 4 miles W. of centerline); Corpus Christi, TX; Three Rivers, TX; INT Three Rivers 345° and San Antonio, TX, 168° radials; San Antonio; to Gooch Springs, TX. The airspace within Mexico is excluded.

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    V-568 [Amended]

    From Corpus Christi, TX; INT Corpus Christi 296° and Three Rivers, TX, 165° radials; Three Rivers; INT Three Rivers 327° and San Antonio, TX, 183° radials; San Antonio; Stonewall, TX; to Llano, TX. From Millsap, TX; to Wichita Falls, TX.

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    Scott M. Rosenbloom,

    Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.

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    [FR Doc. 2020-09226 Filed 4-30-20; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/16/2020
Published:
05/01/2020
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2020-09226
Dates:
Effective date 0901 UTC, July 16, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.
Pages:
25285-25286 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. FAA-2020-0006, Airspace Docket No. 17-ASW-26
RINs:
2120-AA66: Airspace Actions
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA66/airspace-actions
Topics:
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air)
PDF File:
2020-09226.Pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 71.1