03-11637. Revision of Jet Routes; Baton Rouge, LA

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action revises segments of Jet Route 2 (J-2), J-138, and J-590 by realigning the routes to the north over the Baton Rouge, LA, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). The FAA is taking this action to enhance the management of the aircraft operations over the Baton Rouge, LA, area.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

0901 UTC, July 10, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Steve Rohring, Airspace and Rules Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

On February 19, 2003, the FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 71 to revise J-2, J-138 and J-590 (68 FR 7949). The FAA is conducting a comprehensive revision of the Houston terminal airspace area. As part of this effort, the FAA is taking this action to realign certain segments of J-2, J-138, and J-590 over the new Baton Rouge, LA, VORTAC to promote the expeditious movement of aircraft through the Baton Rouge, LA, airspace area. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking proceeding by submitting written comments on this proposal to the FAA. No comments were received in response to the proposal.

The Rule

This amendment to 14 CFR part 71 revises segments of J-2 and J-138 between the Lake Charles, LA, VORTAC and the Semmes, AL, VORTAC; and J-590 between the Lake Charles, LA, VORTAC and the Greene County, MS, VORTAC, by realigning the routes to the north over the Baton Rouge, LA, VORTAC. This action supports the planned revision of the Houston terminal airspace area.

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. Therefore, this proposed 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.

Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004 of FAA Order 7400.9K dated August 30, 2002, and effective September 16, 2002, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The jet routes listed in this document will be published subsequently in the order.

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, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS D, AND CLASS E, AIRSPACE AREAS; AIRWAYS; 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 7400.9K, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 30, 2002, and effective September 16, 2002, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004—Jet Routes

* * * * *

J-2 [Revised]

From Mission Bay, CA, via Imperial, CA; Bard, AZ; INT of the Bard 089° and Gila Bend, AZ, 261° radials; Gila Bend; Cochise, AZ; El Paso, TX; Fort Stockton, TX; Junction, TX; San Antonio, TX; Humble, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; Semmes, AL; Crestview, FL; INT of the Crestview 091° and the Seminole, FL, 290° radials; Seminole to Taylor, FL.

* * * * *

J-138 [Revised]

From Fort Stockton, TX, via Center Point, TX; San Antonio, TX; Hobby, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Baton Rouge, LA; to Semmes, AL.

* * * * *

J-590 [Revised]

From Lake Charles, LA, via Baton Rouge, LA; Greene County, MS; to Montgomery, AL.

* * * * *

Issued in Washington, DC, on May 2, 2003.

Reginald C. Matthews,

Manager, Airspace and Rules Division.