2013-06365. Amendment of VOR Federal Airway V-233, Springfield, IL

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule, technical amendment.

SUMMARY:

This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-233 in the vicinity of Springfield, IL. The FAA is taking this action to correct the V-233 description contained in Part 71 to ensure it matches the information contained in the FAA's aeronautical database, matches the depiction on the associated charts, and ensures the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES:

Effective date 0901 UTC March 26, 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 Mission Support Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

After a recent review of aeronautical data, the Aeronautical Navigation Products Group identified the VOR Federal airway V-233 description did not match the airway information contained in the FAA's aeronautical database or the charted depiction of the airway. When V-233 was amended in the Federal Register of August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45527), the airway was realigned to reflect a radial change due to the relocation of the Spinner VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid. However, the final rule erroneously used the magnetic radial information from the Spinner VORTAC to describe the fix between the Spinner VORTAC and the Roberts VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aids instead of the true radial information that should have been used. The FAA aeronautical database contains the correct radial information for describing the airway fix between the Spinner VORTAC and Roberts VOR/DME in the airway description and the associated aeronautical charts remain published correctly. To overcome any confusion or flight safety issues associated with conflicting airway description information being published, the FAA is amending the V-233 legal description to reflect the correct Spinner VORTAC radial information.

The Rule

The FAA amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by amending the legal description of VOR Federal airway V-233 in the vicinity of Springfield, IL. Specifically, the FAA amends V-233 to reflect the true radial information from the Spinner VORTAC (061° radial) to describe the fix between the Spinner VORTAC and Roberts VOR/DME navigation aids; thus, matching the information currently contained in the FAA's aeronautical database and the charted depiction of the airway.

VOR Federal airways are listed in paragraph 6010 of FAA Order 7400.9W dated 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 will be revised subsequently in the Order.

Accordingly, since this is an administrative correction to update the V-233 description to be in concert with the FAA's aeronautical database and charting, notice and public procedures under Title 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.

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 amends an existing VOR Federal airway within the NAS.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with 311a, FAA Order 1050.1E, “Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.” 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 14 CFR 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 7400.9W, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 8, 2012, and effective September 15, 2012, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010 VOR Federal Airways.

(a) Domestic VOR Federal airways.

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V-233

From Spinner, IL; INT Spinner 061° and Roberts, IL, 233° radials; Roberts; Knox, IN; Goshen, IN; Litchfield, MI; Lansing, MI; Mount Pleasant, MI; INT Mount Pleasant 351° and Gaylord, MI, 207° radials; Gaylord; to Pellston, MI.

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Issued in Washington, DC, March 13, 2013.

Gary A. Norek,

Manager, Airspace Policy and ATC Procedures Group.