82_FR_11450 82 FR 11415 - Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Areas R-2920A and R-2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.

82 FR 11415 - Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Areas R-2920A and R-2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 35 (February 23, 2017)

Page Range11415-11417
FR Document2017-03537

This action proposes to establish two temporary restricted areas, designated R-2920A and R-2920B, south of the Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), FL, Range Complex and within the 14 CFR part 93 ``Valparaiso, Florida, Terminal Area'' Special Air Traffic Rules Area. The purpose of the proposed areas is to test counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities. The temporary restricted areas would be in effect from May 11 to May 18, 2017.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 35 (Thursday, February 23, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 35 (Thursday, February 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11415-11417]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03537]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9594; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Areas R-2920A and 
R-2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish two temporary restricted 
areas, designated R-2920A and R-2920B, south of the Eglin Air Force 
Base (AFB), FL, Range Complex and within the 14 CFR part 93 
``Valparaiso, Florida, Terminal Area'' Special Air Traffic Rules Area. 
The purpose of the proposed areas is to test counter-unmanned aircraft 
systems capabilities. The temporary restricted areas would be in effect 
from May 11 to May 18, 2017.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 27, 2017.

[[Page 11416]]


ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20, at the beginning of 
your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use 
aspects should be directed to: April Lawrence, Civ, USAF, 96 CEG/CEIEA, 
Eglin AFB, FL 32542; telephone: (850) 882-3016. You may review the 
public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any 
final disposition in person in the Docket Office between 9:00a.m. and 
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket 
Office (telephone 1 (800) 647-5527), is on the ground floor of the 
building at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace Policy 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 establish temporary restricted areas near Santa 
Rosa Island, FL, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential 
testing requirements.

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-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (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-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20.'' 
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 comment 
closing date. 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. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received and any final disposition in person at the Docket 
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 Eastern Service Center, Federal 
Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, 
GA, 30337.

Background

    The U.S. Air Force submitted a proposal to the FAA to establish two 
temporary restricted areas south of the Eglin AFB, FL, Range Complex. 
The areas would contain hazardous activities to be conducted in support 
of exercise Black Dart 2017, from May 11 to May 18, 2017. Specifically, 
the areas would be used to test counter-unmanned aircraft systems 
capabilities. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) of similar size and 
shape to the proposed temporary restricted areas was exercised in 
September 2016 with no issues from non-participating air traffic.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish 
two temporary restricted areas, designated R-2920A and R-2920B, south 
of the Eglin AFB Range Complex, in the vicinity of Santa Rosa Island, 
FL. They would extend from the surface to but not including 8,500 feet 
MSL, underlying a portion of existing restricted area R-2915C. The 
planned time of designation for the areas is 0900 to 1600 local time. 
Approximately 20-30 sorties per day are expected to use the temporary 
restricted areas. The areas would be in effect only during the period 
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
    The proposed temporary restricted areas are required to contain 
hazardous activities associated with testing counter-unmanned aircraft 
systems capabilities. These activities would include the use of 
Directed Energy (laser) devices and Electronic Attack jamming and 
disruptions. All hazard zones would be contained within the proposed 
temporary restricted areas, existing restricted airspace, or existing 
offshore warning areas. Eglin AFB air and surface assets would surveil 
and clear the mission and hazard areas prior to execution of hazardous 
activity. Should a stray aircraft or surface vessel approach a hazard 
zone, all hazardous activity would be halted until the area is again 
reported clear. The Eglin AFB Range Complex utilizes extensive range 
safety procedures to manage all hazardous activities.
    The proposed areas are contained within the west section of the 
East/West Corridor of the 14 CFR part 93 Special Air Traffic Rule: 
``Valparaiso, Florida Terminal Area.'' In accordance with 14 CFR 93.81: 
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC (including the Eglin Radar Control 
Facility), no person may operate an aircraft in flight within the East-
West Corridor unless--
    (1) Before operating within the corridor, that person establishes 
two-way radio communications with Eglin Radar Control Facility or an 
appropriate FAA ATC facility and receives an ATC advisory concerning 
operations being conducted therein; and
    (2) That person maintains two-way radio communications with the 
Eglin Radar Control Facility or an appropriate

[[Page 11417]]

FAA ATC facility while within the corridor.
    To minimize impacts to non-participating aircraft, in addition to 
the existing part 93 requirement that aircraft operating in the East/
West Corridor must establish and maintain two-way radio contact with 
ATC, the Eglin Radar Control Facility would reroute all non-
participating aircraft north of the temporary restricted airspace, 
through the southern portion of restricted area R-2915B. That airspace 
would be scheduled for use by ATC and non-participating air traffic 
when the temporary restricted areas are active. This alternative 
routing has been successfully used in the past to mitigate impacts on 
non-participating aircraft when the west section of the East/West 
Corridor was unavailable. Emergency air traffic requiring access to the 
airspace would be given priority access under the control of the Eglin 
Radar Control Facility, which has direct communications with the Test 
Director to halt hazardous activity in the area.
    Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) would be 
published at least 24 hours in advance of the daily activation of R-
2920A and R-2920B. The Eglin AFB Public Affairs office would issue a 
press release 30 days prior to the exercise to advise the public of the 
exercise, the activity, and impacted locations. The Eglin AFB Flight 
Safety Office would advise local airports and airspace users of the 
proposed restricted airspace, its impacts and planned mitigations.
    Since R-2920A and R-2920B are temporary areas, they would not be 
depicted on the New Orleans Sectional Aeronautical Chart or the IFR 
Enroute Low Altitude Chart, L-22. However, a notice and graphic 
depiction would be published in the Notices to Airmen Publication 
(NTAP). The NTAP is available on line at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/notices/.

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. 
It, therefore: (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 1050.1F, ``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 continues 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.  73.29  Florida (Amended)

0
2. Sec.  73.29 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2920A Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]22'53'' N., long. 
86[deg]50'57'' W.; thence along the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]23'35'' 
N., long. 86[deg]44'24'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'34'' N., long. 
86[deg]44'07'' W.; thence 3 NM from and parallel to the shoreline to 
lat. 30[deg]19'53'' N., long. 86[deg]50'39'' W.; to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 8,500 feet 
MSL.
    Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local time, during the period 
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin 
AFB, FL.

R-2920B Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]23'35'' N., long. 
86[deg]44'24'' W.; thence along the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]23'40'' 
N., long. 86[deg]42'52'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'40'' N., long. 
86[deg]42'35'' W.; thence 3 NM from and parallel to the shoreline to 
lat. 30[deg]20'34'' N., long. 86[deg]44'07'' W.; to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 8,500 feet 
MSL.
    Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local time, during the period 
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin 
AFB, FL.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC on February 8, 2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-03537 Filed 2-22-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                               11415

                                                 traffic from hazards associated with live               Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034;                   Excluding that airspace within a 3.4-mile
                                                 fire training.                                          February 26, 1979); and (3) does not                  radius of point in space at lat. 34°25′32″ N.,
                                                    Based on impacts mitigation                          warrant preparation of a regulatory                   long. 116°36′52″ W.; surface to 1,500 feet
                                                 coordinated with the Los Angeles Air                    evaluation as the anticipated impact is               AGL.
                                                                                                                                                                 Designated altitudes. Surface to 8,000 feet
                                                 Route Traffic Control Center, the                       so minimal. Since this is a routine                   MSL.
                                                 maximum altitude will be FL 220                         matter that will only affect air traffic                Time of designation. Intermittent by
                                                 generally. However, at certain times for                procedures and air navigation, it is                  NOTAM during the period from August 7 to
                                                 a period of 4 hours on 2 days of the                    certified that this proposed rule, when               August 26, 2017.
                                                 exercise, the maximum altitude will be                  promulgated, will not have a significant                Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air
                                                 FL400. R–2509W would have a ceiling                     economic impact on a substantial                      Route Traffic Control Center.
                                                 of 8,000 feet MSL and R–2509N would                     number of small entities under the                      Using agency. Commanding General,
                                                 have a ceiling of 16,000 feet MSL.                      criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.           Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
                                                 Supersonic flight will not be conducted                                                                       (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.
                                                 as part of the above aviation training                  Environmental Review
                                                                                                                                                               R–2509N    Twentynine Palms, CA [New]
                                                 activities.                                                This proposal will be subjected to an                Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°35′03″ N.,
                                                    The times of use for R–2509E, R–                     environmental analysis in accordance                  long. 116°36′10″ W.; to lat. 34°40′30″ N.,
                                                 2509W, and R–2509N would be by                          with FAA Order 1050.1F,                               long. 116°29′43″ W.; to lat. 34°34′17″ N.,
                                                 NOTAM, and activations of R–2509E                       ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and                 long. 116°35′52″ W.; to the point of
                                                 above FL220 would have the NOTAM                        Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final                  beginning.
                                                 issued 48 hours in advance. Expected                    regulatory action.                                      Designated altitudes. Surface to 16,000 feet
                                                 usage would be 12 hours per day for 10                                                                        MSL.
                                                                                                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73                      Time of designation. Intermittent by
                                                 days up to 16,000 feet and 16 hours per
                                                                                                           Airspace, Prohibited Areas, Restricted              NOTAM during the period from August 7 to
                                                 day for 6 days up to FL220.
                                                                                                         Areas.                                                August 26, 2017.
                                                    The lateral boundaries of the                                                                                Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air
                                                 proposed areas would be as follows:                     The Proposed Amendment                                Route Traffic Control Center.
                                                    Temporary R–2509E—Beginning at                                                                               Using agency. Commanding General,
                                                 lat. 34°40′30″ N., long. 116°29′43″ W., to                In consideration of the foregoing, the
                                                                                                                                                               Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
                                                 lat. 34°36′00″ N., long. 116°28′03″ W.; to              Federal Aviation Administration                       (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.
                                                 lat. 34°31′30″ N., long. 116°26′48″ W.; to              proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as
                                                                                                         follows:                                                Issued in Washington, DC on February 7,
                                                 lat. 34°30′00″ N., long. 116°26′23″ W.; to                                                                    2017.
                                                 lat. 34°21′35″ N., long. 116°21′38″ W.; to                                                                    Leslie M. Swann,
                                                                                                         PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
                                                 lat. 34°19′30″ N., long. 116°20′29″ W.; to
                                                                                                                                                               Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
                                                 lat. 34°17′38″ N., long. 116°19′19″ W.; to              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 73               [FR Doc. 2017–03535 Filed 2–22–17; 8:45 am]
                                                 lat. 34°22′25″ N., long. 116°31′10″ W.; to              continues to read as follows:
                                                 lat. 34°34′17″ N., long. 116°35′52″ W.; to                                                                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                           Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
                                                 the point of beginning.                                 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
                                                    Temporary R–2509W—Beginning at                       1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
                                                 lat. 34°35′03″ N., long. 116°36′10″ W.; to                                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 lat. 34°22′25″ N., long. 116°31′10″ W.; to              § 73.25 California     [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                               Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 lat. 34°27′38″ N., long. 116°40′34″ W.; to              ■ 2. § 73.25 is amended as follows:
                                                 lat. 34°27′59″ N., long. 116°42′51″ W.; to              *     *     *     *   *                               14 CFR Part 73
                                                 lat. 34°29′44″ N., long. 116°42′51″ W.; to
                                                 the point of beginning.                                 R–2509E Twentynine Palms, CA [New]                    [Docket No. FAA–2016–9594; Airspace
                                                    Excluding that airspace within a 3.4-                  Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°40′30″ N.,         Docket No. 16–ASO–20]
                                                 mile radius of point in space                           long. 116°29′43″ W.; to lat. 34°36′00″ N.,
                                                                                                         long. 116°28′03″ W.; to lat. 34°31′30″ N.,            RIN 2120–AA66
                                                 coordinates at lat. 34°25′32″ N., long.
                                                                                                         long. 116°26′48″ W.; to lat. 34°30′00″ N.,
                                                 116°36′52″ W.; surface to 1,500 feet                    long. 116°26′23″ W.; to lat. 34°21′35″ N.,            Proposed Establishment of Temporary
                                                 AGL.                                                    long. 116°21′38″ W.; to lat. 34°19′30″ N.,            Restricted Areas R–2920A and R–
                                                    Temporary R–2509N—Beginning at                       long. 116°20′29″ W.; to lat. 34°17′38″ N.,            2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.
                                                 lat. 34°35′03″ N., long. 116°36′10″ W.; to              long. 116°19′19″ W.; to lat. 34°22′25″ N.,
                                                 lat. 34°40′30″ N., long. 116°29′43″ W.; to              long. 116°31′10″ W.; to lat. 34°34′17″ N.,            AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 lat. 34°34′17″ N., long. 116°35′52″ W.; to              long. 116°35′52″ W.; to the point of                  Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 the point of beginning.                                 beginning.                                            ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                    These temporary restricted areas                       Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 400.            (NPRM).
                                                 would automatically expire on August                      Time of designation. Intermittent by
                                                                                                         NOTAM during the period from August 7 to              SUMMARY:    This action proposes to
                                                 26, 2017.
                                                                                                         August 26, 2017.                                      establish two temporary restricted areas,
                                                 Regulatory Notices and Analyses                           Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air            designated R–2920A and R–2920B,
                                                                                                         Route Traffic Control Center.
                                                   The FAA has determined that this                                                                            south of the Eglin Air Force Base (AFB),
                                                                                                           Using agency. Commanding General,
                                                 proposed regulation only involves an                    Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center                 FL, Range Complex and within the 14
                                                 established body of technical                           (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.                       CFR part 93 ‘‘Valparaiso, Florida,
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 regulations for which frequent and                                                                            Terminal Area’’ Special Air Traffic
                                                                                                         R–2509W Twentynine Palms, CA [New]                    Rules Area. The purpose of the
                                                 routine amendments are necessary to
                                                 keep them operationally current. It,                      Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°35′03″ N.,         proposed areas is to test counter-
                                                                                                         long. 116°36′10″ W.; to lat. 34°22′25″ N.,            unmanned aircraft systems capabilities.
                                                 therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant                   long. 116°31′10″ W.; to lat. 34°27′38″ N.,
                                                 regulatory action’’ under Executive                                                                           The temporary restricted areas would be
                                                                                                         long. 116°40′34″ W.; to lat. 34°27′59″ N.,
                                                 Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant                 long. 116°42′51″ W.; to lat. 34°29′44″ N.,            in effect from May 11 to May 18, 2017.
                                                 rule’’ under Department of                              long. 116°42′51″ W.; to the point of                  DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                 Transportation (DOT) Regulatory                         beginning.                                            or before March 27, 2017.


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                                                 11416                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 ADDRESSES:   Send comments on this                      regulatory, aeronautical, economic,                   to May 18, 2017. Specifically, the areas
                                                 proposal to the U.S. Department of                      environmental, and energy-related                     would be used to test counter-
                                                 Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200                 aspects of the proposal.                              unmanned aircraft systems capabilities.
                                                 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building                      Communications should identify both                 A temporary flight restriction (TFR) of
                                                 Ground Floor, Room W12–140,                             docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–                   similar size and shape to the proposed
                                                 Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1                      2016–9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16–                 temporary restricted areas was exercised
                                                 (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You                  ASO–20) and be submitted in triplicate                in September 2016 with no issues from
                                                 must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–                       to the Docket Management Facility (see                non-participating air traffic.
                                                 2016–9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16–                   ADDRESSES section for address and
                                                                                                         phone number). You may also submit                    The Proposal
                                                 ASO–20, at the beginning of your
                                                 comments. You may also submit                           comments through the Internet at                         The FAA is proposing an amendment
                                                 comments through the Internet at http://                www.regulations.gov.                                  to 14 CFR part 73 to establish two
                                                 www.regulations.gov. Comments on                          Commenters wishing the FAA to                       temporary restricted areas, designated
                                                 environmental and land use aspects                      acknowledge receipt of their comments                 R–2920A and R–2920B, south of the
                                                 should be directed to: April Lawrence,                  on this action must submit with those                 Eglin AFB Range Complex, in the
                                                 Civ, USAF, 96 CEG/CEIEA, Eglin AFB,                     comments a self-addressed, stamped                    vicinity of Santa Rosa Island, FL. They
                                                 FL 32542; telephone: (850) 882–3016.                    postcard on which the following                       would extend from the surface to but
                                                 You may review the public docket                        statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA                  not including 8,500 feet MSL,
                                                 containing the proposal, any comments                   Docket No. FAA–2016–9594 and                          underlying a portion of existing
                                                 received, and any final disposition in                  Airspace Docket No. 16–ASO–20.’’ The                  restricted area R–2915C. The planned
                                                 person in the Docket Office between                     postcard will be date/time stamped and                time of designation for the areas is 0900
                                                 9:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through                  returned to the commenter.                            to 1600 local time. Approximately 20–
                                                 Friday, except Federal holidays. The                      All communications received on or                   30 sorties per day are expected to use
                                                 Docket Office (telephone 1 (800) 647–                   before the specified closing date for                 the temporary restricted areas. The areas
                                                 5527), is on the ground floor of the                    comments will be considered before                    would be in effect only during the
                                                 building at the above address.                          taking action on the proposed rule. The               period May 11 to May 18, 2017.
                                                                                                         proposal contained in this action may                    The proposed temporary restricted
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
                                                                                                         be changed in light of comments                       areas are required to contain hazardous
                                                 Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office
                                                                                                         received. All comments submitted will                 activities associated with testing
                                                 of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation
                                                                                                         be available for examination in the                   counter-unmanned aircraft systems
                                                 Administration, 800 Independence
                                                                                                         public docket both before and after the               capabilities. These activities would
                                                 Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
                                                                                                         comment closing date. A report                        include the use of Directed Energy
                                                 telephone: (202) 267–8783.
                                                                                                         summarizing each substantive public                   (laser) devices and Electronic Attack
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              contact with FAA personnel concerned                  jamming and disruptions. All hazard
                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                           with this rulemaking will be filed in the             zones would be contained within the
                                                                                                         docket.                                               proposed temporary restricted areas,
                                                   The FAA’s authority to issue rules
                                                 regarding aviation safety is found in                   Availability of NPRMs                                 existing restricted airspace, or existing
                                                 Title 49 of the United States Code.                                                                           offshore warning areas. Eglin AFB air
                                                                                                           An electronic copy of this document
                                                 Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the                                                                         and surface assets would surveil and
                                                                                                         may be downloaded through the
                                                 authority of the FAA Administrator.                                                                           clear the mission and hazard areas prior
                                                                                                         Internet at www.regulations.gov.
                                                 Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,                                                                              to execution of hazardous activity.
                                                                                                         Recently published rulemaking
                                                 describes in more detail the scope of the                                                                     Should a stray aircraft or surface vessel
                                                                                                         documents can also be accessed through
                                                 agency’s authority. This rulemaking is                                                                        approach a hazard zone, all hazardous
                                                                                                         the FAA’s Web page at http://
                                                 promulgated under the authority                                                                               activity would be halted until the area
                                                                                                         www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
                                                 described in Subtitle VII, Part A,                                                                            is again reported clear. The Eglin AFB
                                                                                                         airspace_amendments/.
                                                 Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that                      You may review the public docket                    Range Complex utilizes extensive range
                                                 section, the FAA is charged with                        containing the proposal, any comments                 safety procedures to manage all
                                                 prescribing regulations to assign the use               received and any final disposition in                 hazardous activities.
                                                 of the airspace necessary to ensure the                 person at the Docket Office (see                         The proposed areas are contained
                                                 safety of aircraft and the efficient use of             ADDRESSES section for address and                     within the west section of the East/West
                                                 airspace. This regulation is within the                 phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and                   Corridor of the 14 CFR part 93 Special
                                                 scope of that authority as it would                     5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,                     Air Traffic Rule: ‘‘Valparaiso, Florida
                                                 establish temporary restricted areas near               except Federal holidays. An informal                  Terminal Area.’’ In accordance with 14
                                                 Santa Rosa Island, FL, to enhance                       docket may also be examined during                    CFR 93.81: Unless otherwise authorized
                                                 aviation safety and accommodate                         normal business hours at the office of                by ATC (including the Eglin Radar
                                                 essential testing requirements.                         the Eastern Service Center, Federal                   Control Facility), no person may operate
                                                                                                         Aviation Administration, Room 210,                    an aircraft in flight within the East-West
                                                 Comments Invited                                                                                              Corridor unless—
                                                                                                         1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA,
                                                   Interested parties are invited to                     30337.                                                   (1) Before operating within the
                                                 participate in this proposed rulemaking                                                                       corridor, that person establishes two-
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                                                 by submitting such written data, views,                 Background                                            way radio communications with Eglin
                                                 or arguments as they may desire.                          The U.S. Air Force submitted a                      Radar Control Facility or an appropriate
                                                 Comments that provide the factual basis                 proposal to the FAA to establish two                  FAA ATC facility and receives an ATC
                                                 supporting the views and suggestions                    temporary restricted areas south of the               advisory concerning operations being
                                                 presented are particularly helpful in                   Eglin AFB, FL, Range Complex. The                     conducted therein; and
                                                 developing reasoned regulatory                          areas would contain hazardous                            (2) That person maintains two-way
                                                 decisions on the proposal. Comments                     activities to be conducted in support of              radio communications with the Eglin
                                                 are specifically invited on the overall                 exercise Black Dart 2017, from May 11                 Radar Control Facility or an appropriate


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                               11417

                                                 FAA ATC facility while within the                       procedures and air navigation, it is                    Issued in Washington, DC on February 8,
                                                 corridor.                                               certified that this proposed rule, when               2017.
                                                    To minimize impacts to non-                          promulgated, will not have a significant              Leslie M. Swann,
                                                 participating aircraft, in addition to the              economic impact on a substantial                      Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
                                                 existing part 93 requirement that aircraft              number of small entities under the                    [FR Doc. 2017–03537 Filed 2–22–17; 8:45 am]
                                                 operating in the East/West Corridor                     criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.           BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                 must establish and maintain two-way
                                                 radio contact with ATC, the Eglin Radar                 Environmental Review
                                                 Control Facility would reroute all non-                    This proposal will be subjected to an              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                 participating aircraft north of the                     environmental analysis in accordance
                                                 temporary restricted airspace, through                  with FAA Order 1050.1F,                               Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 the southern portion of restricted area                 ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and
                                                 R–2915B. That airspace would be                         Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final                  14 CFR Part 73
                                                 scheduled for use by ATC and non-                       regulatory action.
                                                 participating air traffic when the                                                                            [Docket No. FAA–2016–9591; Airspace
                                                                                                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73                    Docket No. 16–ASW–21]
                                                 temporary restricted areas are active.
                                                 This alternative routing has been                         Airspace, Prohibited Areas, Restricted
                                                 successfully used in the past to mitigate               Areas.                                                RIN 2120–AA66
                                                 impacts on non-participating aircraft                   The Proposed Amendment                                Proposed Establishment of Temporary
                                                 when the west section of the East/West
                                                                                                           In consideration of the foregoing, the              Restricted Area R–5602; Fort Sill, OK
                                                 Corridor was unavailable. Emergency air
                                                 traffic requiring access to the airspace                Federal Aviation Administration                       AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                 would be given priority access under                    proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as                   Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                 the control of the Eglin Radar Control                  follows:
                                                                                                                                                               ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                 Facility, which has direct                                                                                    (NPRM).
                                                                                                         PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
                                                 communications with the Test Director
                                                 to halt hazardous activity in the area.                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 73               SUMMARY:   This action proposes to
                                                    Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and                        continues to read as follows:                         establish temporary restricted area R–
                                                 Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) would                                                                            5602, over the Fort Sill, OK, R–5601
                                                 be published at least 24 hours in                         Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
                                                                                                         40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,          restricted area complex, to support the
                                                 advance of the daily activation of R–                   1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.                              U.S. Army Maneuver & Fires Integration
                                                 2920A and R–2920B. The Eglin AFB                                                                              Experiment (MFIX) 2018 scheduled for
                                                 Public Affairs office would issue a press               § 73.29    Florida (Amended)                          December 2017. MFIX 2018 is planned
                                                 release 30 days prior to the exercise to                ■ 2. § 73.29 is amended as follows:                   to exercise hazardous laser operations
                                                 advise the public of the exercise, the                  *     *     *     *   *                               conducting counter unmanned aircraft
                                                 activity, and impacted locations. The                                                                         systems (UAS) activities. The temporary
                                                 Eglin AFB Flight Safety Office would                    R–2920A Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]
                                                                                                                                                               restricted area would be in effect from
                                                 advise local airports and airspace users                  Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30°22′53″ N.,         December 4 through December 15, 2017.
                                                 of the proposed restricted airspace, its                long. 86°50′57″ W.; thence along the
                                                                                                         shoreline to lat. 30°23′35″ N., long. 86°44′24″       DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                 impacts and planned mitigations.
                                                    Since R–2920A and R–2920B are                        W.; to lat. 30°20′34″ N., long. 86°44′07″ W.;         or before April 10, 2017.
                                                 temporary areas, they would not be                      thence 3 NM from and parallel to the                  ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
                                                                                                         shoreline to lat. 30°19′53″ N., long. 86°50′39″       proposal to the U.S. Department of
                                                 depicted on the New Orleans Sectional                   W.; to the point of beginning.
                                                 Aeronautical Chart or the IFR Enroute                                                                         Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                                                                           Designated altitudes. Surface to but not
                                                 Low Altitude Chart, L–22. However, a                    including 8,500 feet MSL.
                                                                                                                                                               30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West
                                                 notice and graphic depiction would be                     Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local             Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                 published in the Notices to Airmen                      time, during the period May 11 to May 18,             Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone:
                                                 Publication (NTAP). The NTAP is                         2017.                                                 1 (800) 647–5527, or telephone: (202)
                                                 available on line at http://www.faa.gov/                  Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville               366–9826. You must identify FAA
                                                 air_traffic/publications/notices/.                      ARTCC.                                                Docket No. FAA–2016–9591 and
                                                                                                           Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander,            Airspace Docket No. 16–ASW–21, at the
                                                 Regulatory Notices and Analyses                         96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL.                        beginning of your comments. You may
                                                   The FAA has determined that this                      R–2920B Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]             also submit comments through the
                                                 proposed regulation only involves an                      Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30°23′35″ N.,         Internet at www.regulations.gov. You
                                                 established body of technical                           long. 86°44′24″ W.; thence along the                  may review the public docket
                                                 regulations for which frequent and                      shoreline to lat. 30°23′40″ N., long. 86°42′52″       containing the proposal, any comments
                                                 routine amendments are necessary to                     W.; to lat. 30°20′40″ N., long. 86°42′35″ W.;         received, and any final disposition in
                                                 keep them operationally current. It,                    thence 3 NM from and parallel to the                  person in the Dockets Office between
                                                 therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant                   shoreline to lat. 30°20′34″ N., long. 86°44′07″       9:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through
                                                 regulatory action’’ under Executive                     W.; to the point of beginning.                        Friday, except Federal holidays. The
                                                                                                           Designated altitudes. Surface to but not
                                                 Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant                                                                       Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–
                                                                                                         including 8,500 feet MSL.
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                                                 rule’’ under Department of                                Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local             5527), is on the ground floor of the
                                                 Transportation (DOT) Regulatory                         time, during the period May 11 to May 18,             building at the above address.
                                                 Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034;                   2017.                                                    Comments on environmental and land
                                                 February 26, 1979); and (3) does not                      Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville               use aspects to should be directed to:
                                                 warrant preparation of a regulatory                     ARTCC.                                                U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate of
                                                 evaluation as the anticipated impact is                   Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander,            Public Works, Attn: IMSI–PWE (Sarah
                                                 so minimal. Since this is a routine                     96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL.                        Sminkey), Environmental Quality
                                                 matter that will only affect air traffic                *      *      *      *       *                        Division, Fort Sill, OK 73503–5100;


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Document Created: 2017-02-23 02:10:57
Document Modified: 2017-02-23 02:10:57
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesComments must be received on or before March 27, 2017.
ContactPaul Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267- 8783.
FR Citation82 FR 11415 
RIN Number2120-AA66
CFR AssociatedAirspace; Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas

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