2010-10608. Modification of Jet Route J-3; Spokane, WA

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action modifies Jet Route J-3 by terminating the route at the Spokane, WA, VHF omnidirectional range/tactical air navigation (VORTAC) instead of the Canadian border. This action is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations within the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES:

Effective date 0901 UTC, July 29, 2010. 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 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ken McElroy, Airspace and Rules Group, Office of System Operations Airspace and AIM, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: [phone].

History

On February 4, 2010, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify J-3 Spokane, WA. (75 FR 5703). Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on this proposal to the FAA. No comments were received in response to the NPRM, therefore, this amendment is the same as that proposed in the NPRM.

The Rule

This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by removing the segment of J-3 that extends from the Spokane VORTAC to Cranbrook, BC. The route terminates at the EDGES fix located on the United States and Canadian border. The FAA has determined that this segment of J-3 is not required since the Jet Route, as currently described, terminates or originates at a point in space on the international border and does not meet or connect to any corresponding airway within Canadian airspace. Additionally, the segment between the Spokane VORTAC and Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME causes confusion because it appears that pilots can file a flight plan all the way to the Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME, however, the computer rejects the flight plans filed to the Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME.

Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 of FAA Order 7400.9T, dated August 27, 2009 and effective September 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Jet Route listed in this document would be subsequently published in the Order.

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. Therefore, this regulation: (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.

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 modifies a Jet Route from Oakland, CA, to Spokane, WA.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,” paragraph 311a. This airspace action is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

• Airspace
• Incorporation by reference
• Navigation (air)

Adoption of 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

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

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

§ 71.1

[Amended]

2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9T, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 27, 2009 and effective September 15, 2009, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004—Jet Routes

* * * * *

J-3 [Modified]

From Oakland, CA, via Red Bluff, CA; Lakeview, OR; Kimberly, OR; Spokane, WA.

Issued in Washington, DC, April 29, 2010.

Paul Gallant,

Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.