80 FR 51498 - Proposed Modification of Restricted Area R-7201; Farallon De Medinilla Island; Mariana Islands, GU
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 164 (August 25, 2015)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 164 (August 25, 2015)
| Page Range | 51498-51499 | |
| FR Document | 2015-21084 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 51498-51499] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-21084] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA-2015-0739; Airspace Docket No. 14-AWP-11] RIN 2120-AA66 Proposed Modification of Restricted Area R-7201; Farallon De Medinilla Island; Mariana Islands, GU AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action proposes to expand the lateral boundary of restricted area R-7201, Farallon De Medinilla Island, Mariana Islands, GU. The expanded restricted airspace would be used to support strategic and attack bombing, close air support bombing, naval gunfire, and strafing and special operations training. This action also proposes to rename the restricted area from R-7201 to R-7201A. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 9, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001; telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2015- 0739 and Airspace Docket No. 14-AWP-11, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects should be directed to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Attention: MIRC Airspace EA/OEA Project Manager, 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Stahl, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking 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 would modify the restricted area airspace at Farallon De Medinilla Island, Mariana Islands, GU, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential U.S. Navy training requirements. Background The Department of the Navy is seeking to expand R-7201 out from its current 3-nautical mile (NM) radius to a 12-NM radius. The proposed action is needed in order to support training activities that involve the use of advanced weapons systems which the current airspace does not sufficiently and safely provide. The Navy and other services require fully capable training and testing range complexes (land, sea, and airspace) that provide realistic and controlled environments with sufficient surface Danger Zones (DZs) and Special Use Airspace vital for safety and mission success. Farrallon de Medinilla (FDM) consists of the island land mass and the restricted airspace designated R-7201. The land mass is approximately 1.7 miles long and 0.3 miles wide. It contains a live- fire and inert bombing range and supports live-fire and inert engagements such as surface-to-ground and air-to-ground gunnery, bombing and missile exercises, fire support, and precision weapons. Restricted Area R-7201 surrounds FDM and the surrounding waters within a 3-NM radius from center extending from the surface to Flight Level (FL) 600. FDM and R-7201 are the Department of Defense's (DOD) only United States controlled range in the western Pacific available to forward-deployed forces for live-fire and inert training. For this reason, it plays a unique role in national defense. R-7201's location is ideal for access and availability and its relative isolation facilitates a variety of attack profiles. Due to Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' (CNMI) strategic location and DOD's ongoing reassessment of the Western Pacific military alignment, there has been a dramatic increase in the importance of the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) as a training venue and its capabilities to support required military training. Flight training profiles, altitudes and speed are severely restricted to ensure containment due to the small size of the current restricted area. In order to fully exploit the capabilities of modern weapons systems and provide the required training scenarios that replicate conditions encountered during deployments today, it is necessary to expand R-7201 laterally. This action would enable the military to continue to achieve and maintain service readiness using the MIRC to support and conduct current, emerging, and future training activities. The proposed R-7201 expansion would support naval gun fire training, readiness and the utilization of advanced lasers with Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance that exceed the current 3 NM constraints of the existing airspace. Additionally, the expansion would serve to support the U.S. Air Force's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)/Strike program. It is anticipated that a 45 percent increase in operations and training would occur within the expanded airspace and will accommodate an increased training tempo, newer aircraft and weapon systems that are commensurate with the ISR/Strike mission that the current airspace cannot support. The Navy has leased FDM from CNMI since 1971 and in 1983 negotiated a 50-year lease with an option to renew for another 50 years. No maneuver training is permitted on FDM and the nearshore waters are leased to the U.S. for military purposes, specifically for use as a live fire naval gunfire and air warfare air strike training range. As such, FDM and its nearshore area have always been an off-limits area to all personnel both civilian and military due to unexploded ordnance concerns. In addition to the proposed R-7201 expansion, the DZ around FDM would be expanded to 12 NM to align with the proposed restricted airspace. The DZ would restrict all private and commercial vessels from entering the area only when hazardous activities are scheduled. [[Page 51499]] Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA-2014-0739 and Airspace Docket No. 14-AWP-11) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA-2015-0739 and Airspace Docket No. 14-AWP-11.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at www.regulations.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person at the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to expand the lateral dimensions of restricted area R-7201, Farallon De Medinilla Island, Mariana Islands, GU and rename it R-7201A. The proposed R-7201A would be the minimum size required for containing stand-off weapons employment, naval gun fire training, and laser activities conducted there. The actual usage of the restricted area is estimated to be 4-5 days per week, 3-6 hours per day with 1,680 sorties per year. The proposed R-7201A boundary would extend the current boundary from 3 NM to 12 NM from latitude 16[deg]01'04'' N., longitude 146[deg]03'31'' E. Regulatory Notices and Analyses 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 proposed 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. Environmental Review This proposal will be subjected to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas. The Proposed Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows: PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE 0 1. The authority citation for part 73 is amended to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389. Sec. 73.72 Guam [Amended] 0 2. Sec. 73.72 is amended as follows: R-7201 Farallon De Medinilla Island Mariana Islands, GU [Removed] R-7201A Farallon De Medinilla Island Mariana Islands, GU [New] Boundaries: Beginning at latitude 16[deg]01'04'' N., longitude 146[deg]03'31'' E.; extending outward in a 12 NM radius. Altitudes: Surface up to and including FL 600. Times of Use: As scheduled by NOTAM 12 hours in advance. Controlling Agency: FAA, Guam Center/Radar Approach Control. Using Agency: Commander, Naval Forces, Marianas. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 19, 2015. Gary A. Norek, Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group. [FR Doc. 2015-21084 Filed 8-24-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![51498 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules
804–7766; Internet: http://www.elbitsystems- Regulations Group, Office of Airspace defense. R–7201’s location is ideal for
us.com; email: MetroTech@ Services, Federal Aviation access and availability and its relative
M7Aerospace.com. You may view this Administration, 800 Independence isolation facilitates a variety of attack
referenced service information at the FAA, Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; profiles.
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
telephone: (202) 267–8783. Due to Guam and the Commonwealth
on the availability of this material at the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: of the Northern Mariana Islands’ (CNMI)
FAA, call 816–329–4148. Authority for This Rulemaking strategic location and DOD’s ongoing
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August reassessment of the Western Pacific
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
19, 2015. military alignment, there has been a
regarding aviation safety is found in
Earl Lawrence, dramatic increase in the importance of
Title 49 of the United States Code.
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the the Mariana Islands Range Complex
Certification Service. authority of the FAA Administrator. (MIRC) as a training venue and its
[FR Doc. 2015–20977 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, capabilities to support required military
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P describes in more detail the scope of the training. Flight training profiles,
agency’s authority. This rulemaking is altitudes and speed are severely
promulgated under the authority restricted to ensure containment due to
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION described in Subtitle VII, Part A, the small size of the current restricted
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that area. In order to fully exploit the
Federal Aviation Administration section, the FAA is charged with capabilities of modern weapons systems
prescribing regulations to assign the use and provide the required training
14 CFR Part 73 of the airspace necessary to ensure the scenarios that replicate conditions
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0739; Airspace safety of aircraft and the efficient use of encountered during deployments today,
Docket No. 14–AWP–11] airspace. This regulation is within the it is necessary to expand R–7201
scope of that authority as it would laterally. This action would enable the
RIN 2120–AA66 military to continue to achieve and
modify the restricted area airspace at
Farallon De Medinilla Island, Mariana maintain service readiness using the
Proposed Modification of Restricted
Islands, GU, to enhance aviation safety MIRC to support and conduct current,
Area R–7201; Farallon De Medinilla
and accommodate essential U.S. Navy emerging, and future training activities.
Island; Mariana Islands, GU
training requirements. The proposed R–7201 expansion would
AGENCY: Federal Aviation support naval gun fire training,
Background
Administration (FAA), DOT. readiness and the utilization of
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
The Department of the Navy is advanced lasers with Nominal Ocular
(NPRM). seeking to expand R–7201 out from its Hazard Distance that exceed the current
current 3-nautical mile (NM) radius to a 3 NM constraints of the existing
SUMMARY: This action proposes to 12-NM radius. The proposed action is airspace. Additionally, the expansion
expand the lateral boundary of needed in order to support training would serve to support the U.S. Air
restricted area R–7201, Farallon De activities that involve the use of Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and
Medinilla Island, Mariana Islands, GU. advanced weapons systems which the Reconnaissance (ISR)/Strike program. It
The expanded restricted airspace would current airspace does not sufficiently is anticipated that a 45 percent increase
be used to support strategic and attack and safely provide. The Navy and other in operations and training would occur
bombing, close air support bombing, services require fully capable training within the expanded airspace and will
naval gunfire, and strafing and special and testing range complexes (land, sea, accommodate an increased training
operations training. This action also and airspace) that provide realistic and tempo, newer aircraft and weapon
proposes to rename the restricted area controlled environments with sufficient systems that are commensurate with the
from R–7201 to R–7201A. surface Danger Zones (DZs) and Special ISR/Strike mission that the current
Use Airspace vital for safety and airspace cannot support.
DATES: Comments must be received on
mission success.
or before October 9, 2015. Farrallon de Medinilla (FDM) consists The Navy has leased FDM from CNMI
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this of the island land mass and the since 1971 and in 1983 negotiated a 50-
proposal to the U.S. Department of restricted airspace designated R–7201. year lease with an option to renew for
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– The land mass is approximately 1.7 another 50 years. No maneuver training
30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West miles long and 0.3 miles wide. It is permitted on FDM and the nearshore
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, contains a live-fire and inert bombing waters are leased to the U.S. for military
Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone: range and supports live-fire and inert purposes, specifically for use as a live
(202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA engagements such as surface-to-ground fire naval gunfire and air warfare air
Docket No. FAA–2015–0739 and and air-to-ground gunnery, bombing and strike training range. As such, FDM and
Airspace Docket No. 14–AWP–11, at the missile exercises, fire support, and its nearshore area have always been an
beginning of your comments. You may precision weapons. Restricted Area R– off-limits area to all personnel both
also submit comments through the 7201 surrounds FDM and the civilian and military due to unexploded
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Internet at www.regulations.gov. surrounding waters within a 3-NM ordnance concerns. In addition to the
Comments on environmental and land radius from center extending from the proposed R–7201 expansion, the DZ
use aspects should be directed to: Naval surface to Flight Level (FL) 600. FDM around FDM would be expanded to 12
Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, and R–7201 are the Department of NM to align with the proposed
Attention: MIRC Airspace EA/OEA Defense’s (DOD) only United States restricted airspace. The DZ would
Project Manager, 258 Makalapa Drive, controlled range in the western Pacific restrict all private and commercial
Suite 100, Pearl Harbor, HI 96860–3134. available to forward-deployed forces for vessels from entering the area only
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: live-fire and inert training. For this when hazardous activities are
Jason Stahl, Airspace Policy and reason, it plays a unique role in national scheduled.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Proposed Rules 51499
Comments Invited contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
Interested parties are invited to (202) 267–9677, for a copy of Advisory
Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed ■1. The authority citation for part 73 is
participate in this proposed rulemaking
Rulemaking Distribution System, which amended to read as follows:
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire. describes the application procedure. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
Comments that provide the factual basis The Proposal 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
supporting the views and suggestions 1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
presented are particularly helpful in The FAA is proposing an amendment § 73.72 Guam [Amended]
developing reasoned regulatory to 14 CFR part 73 to expand the lateral
dimensions of restricted area R–7201, ■ 2. § 73.72 is amended as follows:
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall Farallon De Medinilla Island, Mariana R–7201 Farallon De Medinilla Island
regulatory, aeronautical, economic, Islands, GU and rename it R–7201A. Mariana Islands, GU [Removed]
environmental, and energy-related The proposed R–7201A would be the
R–7201A Farallon De Medinilla
aspects of the proposal. minimum size required for containing
Island Mariana Islands, GU [New]
Communications should identify both stand-off weapons employment, naval
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– gun fire training, and laser activities Boundaries: Beginning at latitude
2014–0739 and Airspace Docket No. 14– conducted there. The actual usage of the 16°01′04″ N., longitude 146°03′31″ E.;
AWP–11) and be submitted in triplicate restricted area is estimated to be 4–5 extending outward in a 12 NM radius.
to the Docket Management System (see days per week, 3–6 hours per day with Altitudes: Surface up to and including
ADDRESSES section for address and 1,680 sorties per year. FL 600.
phone number). You may also submit The proposed R–7201A boundary Times of Use: As scheduled by
comments through the Internet at would extend the current boundary NOTAM 12 hours in advance.
www.regulations.gov. from 3 NM to 12 NM from latitude Controlling Agency: FAA, Guam
Commenters wishing the FAA to 16°01′04″ N., longitude 146°03′31″ E. Center/Radar Approach Control.
acknowledge receipt of their comments Using Agency: Commander, Naval
on this action must submit with those Regulatory Notices and Analyses Forces, Marianas.
comments a self-addressed, stamped The FAA has determined that this Issued in Washington, DC, on August 19,
postcard on which the following proposed regulation only involves an 2015.
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA established body of technical Gary A. Norek,
Docket No. FAA–2015–0739 and regulations for which frequent and Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations
Airspace Docket No. 14–AWP–11.’’ The routine amendments are necessary to Group.
postcard will be date/time stamped and keep them operationally current. [FR Doc. 2015–21084 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am]
returned to the commenter. Therefore, this proposed regulation: (1) BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
All communications received on or Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’
before the specified closing date for under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not
comments will be considered before a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Department of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
taking action on the proposed rule. The Transportation (DOT) Regulatory AGENCY
proposal contained in this action may Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034;
be changed in light of comments February 26, 1979); and (3) does not 40 CFR Part 52
received. All comments submitted will warrant preparation of a regulatory
be available for examination in the [EPA–R08–OAR–2014–0369; FRL–9932–90–
evaluation as the anticipated impact is Region 8]
public docket both before and after the so minimal. Since this is a routine
closing date for comments. A report matter that will only affect air traffic Approval and Promulgation of Air
summarizing each substantive public procedures and air navigation, it is Quality Implementation Plans; State of
contact with FAA personnel concerned certified that this proposed rule, when Utah; Revisions to the Utah Division of
with this rulemaking will be filed in the promulgated, will not have a significant Administrative Rules, R307–300
docket. economic impact on a substantial Series; Area Source Rules for
Availability of NPRMs number of small entities under the Attainment of Fine Particulate Matter
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Standards
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the Environmental Review AGENCY: Environmental Protection
Internet at www.regulations.gov. Agency.
You may review the public docket This proposal will be subjected to an
environmental analysis in accordance ACTION: Proposed rule.
containing the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in with FAA Order 1050.1E, SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
person at the Dockets Office (see ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Agency (EPA) is proposing approval and
ADDRESSES section for address and
Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final conditional approval of portions of the
phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and regulatory action. fine particulate matter (PM2.5) State
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Implementation Plan (SIP) and other
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
except Federal holidays. An informal general rule revisions submitted by the
docket may also be examined during Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted State of Utah. The revisions affect the
normal business hours at the office of areas. Utah Division of Administrative Rules
the Operations Support Group, Western The Proposed Amendment (DAR), R307–300 Series; Requirements
Service Center, Federal Aviation for Specific Locations; the revisions had
Administration, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., In consideration of the foregoing, the submission dates of February 2, 2012,
Renton, WA 98057. Federal Aviation Administration May 9, 2013, June 8, 2013, February 18,
Persons interested in being placed on proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as 2014, April 17, 2014, May 20, 2014, July
a mailing list for future NPRMs should follows: 10, 2014, August 6, 2014, and December
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Document Created: 2018-02-23 11:03:13
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 11:03:13
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before October 9, 2015. | |
| Contact | Jason Stahl, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 51498 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA66 | |
| CFR Associated | Airspace; Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas |
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