2013-16443. Modification of VOR Federal Airway V-345 in the Vicinity of Ashland, WI

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action modifies VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-345 in the vicinity of Ashland, WI. The Ashland, WI, VOR Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid, which forms the northern end point of the airway, has been out of service for over ten months and is scheduled to be decommissioned. The FAA is removing the portion of V-345 affected by the loss of service by the Ashland, WI, VOR/DME.

DATES:

Effective date 0901 UTC, October 17, 2013. 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:

Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On March 26, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify V-345 in the vicinity of Ashland, WI (78 FR 18271). Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on this proposal to the FAA. No comments were received.

The Rule

The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by modifying VOR Federal airway V-345 in the vicinity of Ashland, WI, due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Ashland, WI, VOR/DME. This action removes the airway segment between the Hayward, WI, VOR/DME and the Ashland, WI, VOR/DME navigation aids.

VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 7400.9W signed August 8, 2012 and effective September 15, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airway 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 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.

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 VOR Federal airway due to navigation aid infrastructure changes.

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 consists of a modification of an existing airway and 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 the FAA Order 7400.9W, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2012, and effective September 15, 2012, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a)—Domestic VOR Federal Airways

* * * * *

V-345 [Amended]

From Dells, WI; INT Dells 321° and Eau Claire, WI, 134° radials; Eau Claire; to Hayward, WI.

Issued in Washington, DC, on July 1, 2013.

Gary A. Norek,

Manager, Airspace Policy and ATC Procedures Group.