82_FR_11452 82 FR 11417 - Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Area R-5602; Fort Sill, OK

82 FR 11417 - Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Area R-5602; Fort Sill, OK

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

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

Page Range11417-11419
FR Document2017-03539

This action proposes to establish temporary restricted area R- 5602, over the Fort Sill, OK, R-5601 restricted area complex, to support the U.S. Army Maneuver & Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2018 scheduled for December 2017. MFIX 2018 is planned to exercise hazardous laser operations conducting counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activities. The temporary restricted area would be in effect from December 4 through December 15, 2017.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 35 (Thursday, February 23, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 35 (Thursday, February 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11417-11419]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03539]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9591; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-21]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Area R-5602; Fort 
Sill, OK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish temporary restricted area R-
5602, over the Fort Sill, OK, R-5601 restricted area complex, to 
support the U.S. Army Maneuver & Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 
2018 scheduled for December 2017. MFIX 2018 is planned to exercise 
hazardous laser operations conducting counter unmanned aircraft systems 
(UAS) activities. The temporary restricted area would be in effect from 
December 4 through December 15, 2017.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 10, 2017.

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: 1 (800) 647-5527, or telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must 
identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2016-9591 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-
21, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments 
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 in the Dockets 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.
    Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be 
directed to: U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate of Public Works, Attn: 
IMSI-PWE (Sarah Sminkey), Environmental Quality Division, Fort Sill, OK 
73503-5100;

[[Page 11418]]

email: [email protected]; telephone: (580) 442-2849.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, 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 area airspace at 
Fort Sill, OK, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential 
U.S. Army hazardous above-the-horizon laser operations conducting 
counter UAS activities.

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-2016-9591 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-21) 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-2016-9591 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASW-21.'' 
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. 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 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, Central 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Blvd., 
Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Background

    As the U.S. Army's Center of Excellence for Fires, Fort Sill has 
submitted a proposal to the FAA to establish a temporary restricted 
area overlying a portion of the Fort Sill R-5601 restricted area 
complex, and extending slightly eastward, to support the Army's 
Maneuver & Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2018 planned for 
December 4-15, 2017. The proposed restricted area would contain 
hazardous laser activities associated with demonstrating and developing 
training employment tactics for counter UAS capabilities.
    Specifically intended to destroy unmanned aircraft, the hazardous 
laser activities require additional short-term restricted airspace to 
supplement the existing Fort Sill R-5601 complex and ensure the 
protection of nonparticipating air traffic when hazardous activities 
are occurring. Minimal aeronautical impact is anticipated since the 
temporary restricted area would be located above the existing R-5601 
complex which extends from the surface to 40,000 feet mean sea level 
(MSL), and the designated altitudes of the temporary restricted area 
would extend upward from 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish 
temporary restricted area R-5602 in support of MFIX 2018 during the 
period December 4-15, 2017, to contain hazardous laser activities 
demonstrating counter UAS capabilities. To effectively segregate 
nonparticipant air traffic from the hazardous activities associated 
with MFIX 2018, R-5602 would extend from 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet 
MSL, would be activated daily by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), and would 
be in effect only during the period of December 4 through December 15, 
2017.
    The proposed lateral boundaries for R-5602 would overlie and extend 
upward over the ceilings of the R-5601A, R-5601B, and a portion of R-
5601F restricted areas and extend approximately 8 nautical miles (NM) 
east beyond the R-5601A and R-5601F eastern boundaries. Collectively, 
the R-5602 proposed boundaries and existing R-5601 restricted areas 
would fully contain the planned hazardous laser beam trajectories, 
within restricted area airspace, from the surface to 60,000 feet MSL.
    The proposed designated altitudes for R-5602 would extend upward 
from 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL. The altitudes are defined 
relative to MSL to highlight that the proposed area would be used for 
other than aircraft operations. From an air traffic perspective, 
establishing R-5602 for other than aircraft operations reduces radar 
separation requirements for circumnavigating the temporary restricted 
area and minimizes impacts to aviation.
    The proposed time of designation for R-5602 is by NOTAM with an 
expected usage of approximately 2 hours per day during the MFIX 2018 
period of December 4--15. The activation periods are planned for 0930 
to 1130 or 1300 to 1500 daily; however, due to the heavy dependence on 
favorable weather and unpredictability of seasonal weather patterns, 
NOTAM activations could be adjusted as operationally necessary. 
Planning to use R-5602 only 2 hours per day during MFIX 2018 further 
minimizes impacts to aviation.
    Since R-5602 is a temporary area, it would not be depicted on the 
Dallas-Ft. Worth Sectional Aeronautical Chart or the IFR Enroute High 
Altitude Chart, H-6. However, a notice and graphic depiction would be 
published in the Notices to Airmen Publication (NTAP).

[[Page 11419]]

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.  73.56  Oklahoma [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.56 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-5602 Fort Sill, OK [Temporary]

    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34[deg]49'30'' N., long. 
98[deg]08'43'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]36'36'' N., long. 98[deg]08'43'' 
W.; to lat. 34[deg]36'36'' N., long. 98[deg]17'01'' W.; to lat. 
34[deg]38'15'' N., long. 98[deg]17'01'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]38'15'' 
N., long. 98[deg]37'57'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]40'54'' N., long. 
98[deg]37'56'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]42'07'' N., long. 98[deg]37'20'' 
W.; to lat. 34[deg]43'21'' N., long. 98[deg]36'02'' W.; to lat. 
34[deg]43'30'' N., long. 98[deg]35'40'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]45'03'' 
N., long. 98[deg]29'46'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]46'15'' N., long. 
98[deg]25'01'' W.; to lat. 34[deg]47'00'' N., long. 98[deg]17'46'' 
W.; to lat. 34[deg]46'45'' N., long. 98[deg]17'01'' W.; to lat. 
34[deg]49'30'' N., long. 98[deg]17'01'' W.; to the point of 
beginning.
    Designated altitudes. 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. December 4--15, 2017, by NOTAM.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth ARTCC.
    Using agency. U. S. Army, Commanding General, U. S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, OK.

    Issued in Washington, DC on February 8, 2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-03539 Filed 2-22-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                       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.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 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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                                                 11418                 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules

                                                 email: sarah.e.sminkey.civ@mail.mil;                      All communications received on or                   designated altitudes of the temporary
                                                 telephone: (580) 442–2849.                              before the specified closing date for                 restricted area would extend upward
                                                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        comments will be considered before                    from 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet
                                                 Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group,                    taking action on the proposed rule. The               MSL.
                                                 Office of Airspace Services, Federal                    proposal contained in this action may
                                                                                                                                                               The Proposal
                                                 Aviation Administration, 800                            be changed in light of comments
                                                 Independence Avenue SW.,                                received. All comments submitted will                    The FAA is proposing an amendment
                                                 Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202)                  be available for examination in the                   to 14 CFR part 73 to establish temporary
                                                 267–8783.                                               public docket both before and after the               restricted area R–5602 in support of
                                                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              closing date for comments. A report                   MFIX 2018 during the period December
                                                                                                         summarizing each substantive public                   4–15, 2017, to contain hazardous laser
                                                 Authority for This Rulemaking                           contact with FAA personnel concerned                  activities demonstrating counter UAS
                                                   The FAA’s authority to issue rules                    with this rulemaking will be filed in the             capabilities. To effectively segregate
                                                 regarding aviation safety is found in                   docket.                                               nonparticipant air traffic from the
                                                 Title 49 of the United States Code.                                                                           hazardous activities associated with
                                                                                                         Availability of NPRMs                                 MFIX 2018, R–5602 would extend from
                                                 Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
                                                 authority of the FAA Administrator.                       An electronic copy of this document                 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL,
                                                 Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,                        may be downloaded through the                         would be activated daily by a Notice to
                                                 describes in more detail the scope of the               Internet at www.regulations.gov.                      Airmen (NOTAM), and would be in
                                                 agency’s authority. This rulemaking is                  Recently published rulemaking                         effect only during the period of
                                                 promulgated under the authority                         documents can also be accessed through                December 4 through December 15, 2017.
                                                 described in Subtitle VII, Part A,                      the FAA’s Web page at http://                            The proposed lateral boundaries for
                                                 Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that                    www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/                 R–5602 would overlie and extend
                                                 section, the FAA is charged with                        airspace_amendments/.                                 upward over the ceilings of the R–
                                                 prescribing regulations to assign the use                 You may review the public docket                    5601A, R–5601B, and a portion of R–
                                                 of the airspace necessary to ensure the                 containing the proposal, any comments                 5601F restricted areas and extend
                                                 safety of aircraft and the efficient use of             received and any final disposition in                 approximately 8 nautical miles (NM)
                                                 airspace. This regulation is within the                 person at the Dockets Office (see                     east beyond the R–5601A and R–5601F
                                                 scope of that authority as it would                     ADDRESSES section for address and                     eastern boundaries. Collectively, the R–
                                                 establish temporary restricted area                     phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and                   5602 proposed boundaries and existing
                                                 airspace at Fort Sill, OK, to enhance                   5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,                     R–5601 restricted areas would fully
                                                 aviation safety and accommodate                         except Federal holidays. An informal                  contain the planned hazardous laser
                                                 essential U.S. Army hazardous above-                    docket may also be examined during                    beam trajectories, within restricted area
                                                 the-horizon laser operations conducting                 normal business hours at the office of                airspace, from the surface to 60,000 feet
                                                 counter UAS activities.                                 the Operations Support Group, Central                 MSL.
                                                                                                         Service Center, Federal Aviation                         The proposed designated altitudes for
                                                 Comments Invited                                        Administration, 10101 Hillwood Blvd.,                 R–5602 would extend upward from
                                                   Interested parties are invited to                     Fort Worth, TX 76177.                                 40,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL. The
                                                 participate in this proposed rulemaking                                                                       altitudes are defined relative to MSL to
                                                                                                         Background                                            highlight that the proposed area would
                                                 by submitting such written data, views,
                                                 or arguments as they may desire.                           As the U.S. Army’s Center of                       be used for other than aircraft
                                                 Comments that provide the factual basis                 Excellence for Fires, Fort Sill has                   operations. From an air traffic
                                                 supporting the views and suggestions                    submitted a proposal to the FAA to                    perspective, establishing R–5602 for
                                                 presented are particularly helpful in                   establish a temporary restricted area                 other than aircraft operations reduces
                                                 developing reasoned regulatory                          overlying a portion of the Fort Sill R–               radar separation requirements for
                                                 decisions on the proposal. Comments                     5601 restricted area complex, and                     circumnavigating the temporary
                                                 are specifically invited on the overall                 extending slightly eastward, to support               restricted area and minimizes impacts to
                                                 regulatory, aeronautical, economic,                     the Army’s Maneuver & Fires                           aviation.
                                                 environmental, and energy-related                       Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2018                       The proposed time of designation for
                                                 aspects of the proposal.                                planned for December 4–15, 2017. The                  R–5602 is by NOTAM with an expected
                                                   Communications should identify both                   proposed restricted area would contain                usage of approximately 2 hours per day
                                                 docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–                     hazardous laser activities associated                 during the MFIX 2018 period of
                                                 2016–9591 and Airspace Docket No. 16–                   with demonstrating and developing                     December 4—15. The activation periods
                                                 ASW–21) and be submitted in triplicate                  training employment tactics for counter               are planned for 0930 to 1130 or 1300 to
                                                 to the Docket Management System (see                    UAS capabilities.                                     1500 daily; however, due to the heavy
                                                 ADDRESSES section for address and                          Specifically intended to destroy                   dependence on favorable weather and
                                                 phone number). You may also submit                      unmanned aircraft, the hazardous laser                unpredictability of seasonal weather
                                                 comments through the Internet at                        activities require additional short-term              patterns, NOTAM activations could be
                                                 www.regulations.gov.                                    restricted airspace to supplement the                 adjusted as operationally necessary.
                                                   Commenters wishing the FAA to                         existing Fort Sill R–5601 complex and                 Planning to use R–5602 only 2 hours per
                                                 acknowledge receipt of their comments                   ensure the protection of                              day during MFIX 2018 further
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 on this action must submit with those                   nonparticipating air traffic when                     minimizes impacts to aviation.
                                                 comments a self-addressed, stamped                      hazardous activities are occurring.                      Since R–5602 is a temporary area, it
                                                 postcard on which the following                         Minimal aeronautical impact is                        would not be depicted on the Dallas–Ft.
                                                 statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA                    anticipated since the temporary                       Worth Sectional Aeronautical Chart or
                                                 Docket No. FAA–2016–9591 and                            restricted area would be located above                the IFR Enroute High Altitude Chart, H–
                                                 Airspace Docket No. 16–ASW–21.’’ The                    the existing R–5601 complex which                     6. However, a notice and graphic
                                                 postcard will be date/time stamped and                  extends from the surface to 40,000 feet               depiction would be published in the
                                                 returned to the commenter.                              mean sea level (MSL), and the                         Notices to Airmen Publication (NTAP).


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules                                          11419

                                                 The NTAP is available on line at http://                98°25′01″ W.; to lat. 34°47′00″ N., long.             #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2016-
                                                 www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/                   98°17′46″ W.; to lat. 34°46′45″ N., long.             0144, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
                                                 notices/.                                               98°17′01″ W.; to lat. 34°49′30″ N., long.             complete the required fields, and enter
                                                                                                         98°17′01″ W.; to the point of beginning.
                                                                                                                                                               or attach your comments.
                                                 Regulatory Notices and Analyses                           Designated altitudes. 40,000 feet MSL to
                                                                                                         60,000 feet MSL.                                         • Mail: Submit written comments to
                                                   The FAA has determined that this                        Time of designation. December 4—15,                 Barry A. Thom, Regional Administrator,
                                                 proposed regulation only involves an                    2017, by NOTAM.                                       West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand
                                                 established body of technical                             Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth                 Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115–
                                                 regulations for which frequent and                      ARTCC.                                                0070.
                                                 routine amendments are necessary to                       Using agency. U. S. Army, Commanding                   Instructions: NMFS may not consider
                                                 keep them operationally current. It,                    General, U. S. Army Fires Center of                   comments if they are sent by any other
                                                 therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant                   Excellence, Fort Sill, OK.
                                                                                                                                                               method, to any other address or
                                                 regulatory action’’ under Executive                       Issued in Washington, DC on February 8,             individual, or received after the
                                                 Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant                 2017.                                                 comment period ends. All comments
                                                 rule’’ under Department of                              Leslie M. Swann,                                      received are a part of the public record
                                                 Transportation (DOT) Regulatory                         Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.                and NMFS will post for public viewing
                                                 Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034;                   [FR Doc. 2017–03539 Filed 2–22–17; 8:45 am]           on www.regulations.gov without change.
                                                 February 26, 1979); and (3) does not                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                All personal identifying information
                                                 warrant preparation of a regulatory                                                                           (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential
                                                 evaluation as the anticipated impact is                                                                       business information, or otherwise
                                                 so minimal. Since this is a routine                                                                           sensitive information submitted
                                                                                                         DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                                 matter that will only affect air traffic                                                                      voluntarily by the sender is publicly
                                                 procedures and air navigation, it is                    National Oceanic and Atmospheric                      accessible. NMFS will accept
                                                 certified that this proposed rule, when                 Administration                                        anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in
                                                 promulgated, will not have a significant                                                                      the required fields if you wish to remain
                                                 economic impact on a substantial                        50 CFR Part 300                                       anonymous).
                                                 number of small entities under the                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                 criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.             [Docket No. 161223999–7143–01]
                                                                                                                                                               Gretchen Hanshew, phone: 206–526–
                                                 Environmental Review                                    RIN 0648–BG61                                         6147, fax: 206–526–6736, or email:
                                                    This proposal will be subjected to an                                                                      gretchen.hanshew@noaa.gov.
                                                                                                         Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Catch
                                                 environmental analysis in accordance                    Sharing Plan                                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 with FAA Order 1050.1F,                                                                                       Electronic Access
                                                 ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and                   AGENCY:  National Marine Fisheries
                                                 Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final                    Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and                     This rule is accessible via the Internet
                                                 regulatory action.                                      Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),                    at the Office of the Federal Register Web
                                                                                                         Commerce.                                             site at www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/
                                                 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73                      ACTION: Proposed rule; request for                    aces/aces140.html. Background
                                                   Airspace, Prohibited Areas, Restricted                comments.                                             information and documents are
                                                 Areas.                                                                                                        available at the NMFS West Coast
                                                                                                         SUMMARY:   NMFS proposes to approve                   Region Web site at
                                                 The Proposed Amendment                                  changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch                  www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/
                                                   In consideration of the foregoing, the                Sharing Plan (Plan) and codified                      fisheries/management/pacific_halibut_
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         regulations for the International Pacific             management.html and at the Council’s
                                                 proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as                     Halibut Commission’s (IPHC or                         Web site at www.pcouncil.org.
                                                 follows:                                                Commission) regulatory Area 2A off
                                                                                                         Washington, Oregon, and California                    Background
                                                 PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE                            (Area 2A). In addition, NMFS proposes                    The Northern Pacific Halibut Act
                                                                                                         to implement the portions of the Plan                 (Halibut Act) of 1982, 16 U.S.C. 773–
                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 73                 and management measures that are not                  773K, gives the Secretary of Commerce
                                                 continues to read as follows:                           implemented through the IPHC. These                   (Secretary) general responsibility for
                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,           measures include the sport fishery                    implementing the provisions of the
                                                 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,            allocations and management measures                   Halibut Convention between the United
                                                 1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.                                for Area 2A. These actions are intended               States and Canada (Halibut Convention)
                                                 § 73.56   Oklahoma [Amended]                            to conserve Pacific halibut, provide                  (16 U.S.C. 773c). It requires the
                                                                                                         angler opportunity where available, and               Secretary to adopt regulations as may be
                                                 ■ 2. § 73.56 is amended as follows:
                                                                                                         minimize bycatch of overfished                        necessary to carry out the purposes and
                                                 *     *     *     *   *                                 groundfish species.                                   objectives of the Halibut Convention
                                                 R–5602 Fort Sill, OK [Temporary]                        DATES: Comments on the proposed                       and the Halibut Act. Section 773c of the
                                                   Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°49′30″ N.,           changes to the Plan and the codified                  Halibut Act also authorizes the regional
                                                 long. 98°08′43″ W.; to lat. 34°36′36″ N., long.         regulations, and on the proposed                      fishery management councils to develop
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 98°08′43″ W.; to lat. 34°36′36″ N., long.               domestic Area 2A Pacific halibut                      regulations in addition to, but not in
                                                 98°17′01″ W.; to lat. 34°38′15″ N., long.               management measures must be received                  conflict with, regulations of the IPHC to
                                                 98°17′01″ W.; to lat. 34°38′15″ N., long.               by March 15, 2017.                                    govern the Pacific halibut catch in their
                                                 98°37′57″ W.; to lat. 34°40′54″ N., long.
                                                 98°37′56″ W.; to lat. 34°42′07″ N., long.               ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,                      corresponding U.S. Convention waters.
                                                 98°37′20″ W.; to lat. 34°43′21″ N., long.               identified by NOAA–NMFS–2016–0144,                       Each year between 1988 and 1995, the
                                                 98°36′02″ W.; to lat. 34°43′30″ N., long.               by either of the following methods:                   Pacific Fishery Management Council
                                                 98°35′40″ W.; to lat. 34°45′03″ N., long.                  • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: Go to               (Council) developed and NMFS
                                                 98°29′46″ W.; to lat. 34°46′15″ N., long.               www.regulations.gov/                                  implemented a catch sharing plan in


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Document Created: 2017-02-23 02:11:05
Document Modified: 2017-02-23 02:11:05
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 April 10, 2017.
ContactColby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267- 8783.
FR Citation82 FR 11417 
RIN Number2120-AA66
CFR AssociatedAirspace; Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas

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