E9-29394. Modification of Jet Route J-20; Florida

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action modifies Jet Route J-20 by terminating the route at the Orlando, FL, very high frequency omnidirectional range/tactical air navigation (VORTAC) facility, thereby eliminating a portion of J-20 that is no longer needed. This action will ensure the efficient use of airspace within the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES:

Effective 0901 UTC, February 11, 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:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

On Friday, October 23, 2009, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to modify jet route J-20 (74 FR 54765). Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received.

The Rule

The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to eliminate the segment of J-20 that extends between the Orlando VORTAC and the Virginia Key very high frequency omnidirectional range/distance measuring equipment (VOR/DME). The FAA has determined that this portion of J-20 is no longer required. Currently, J-20 parallels jet route J-53, between the Miami area and DEARY intersection (southeast of the Orlando VORTAC). At DREARY, J-20 makes a left turn to the Orlando VORTAC where it converges with J-53. This can cause a problem when aircraft are parallel on both J-20 and J-53. Jet route J-113 provides a suitable northbound replacement route for the J-20 segment. In addition, this change provides air traffic control with more time to get climbing aircraft to their requested altitudes, thereby enhancing system efficiency.

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 will 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 amends a portion of the en route structure to enhance the safe and efficient use of the NAS in Florida.

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 and 311b. 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.

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J-20 [Modified]

From Seattle, WA, via Yakima, WA; Pendleton, OR; Donnelly, ID; Pocatello, ID; Rock Springs, WY; Falcon, CO; Hugo, CO; Lamar, CO; Liberal, KS; INT Liberal 137° and Will Rogers, OK, 284° radials; Will Rogers; Belcher, LA; Jackson, MS; Montgomery, AL; Meridian, MS; Seminole, FL; INT Seminole 129° and Orlando, FL, 306° radials; to Orlando.

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Issued in Washington, DC, on December 4, 2009.

Kelly J. Neubecker,

Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.