82 FR 35918 - Proposed Modification and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; Northcentral United States

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 147 (August 2, 2017)

This action proposes to amend and remove multiple VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways in northcentral United States to reflect additional amendments to several Federal airways impacted by the decommissioning of the Tiverton, OH, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid. The route changes would be made as part of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) efforts to safely improve the overall efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS).

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 147 (Wednesday, August 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35918-35920]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16174]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9555; Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-2]


Proposed Modification and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic 
Service (ATS) Routes; Northcentral United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend and remove multiple VHF 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways in northcentral United 
States to reflect additional amendments to several Federal airways 
impacted by the decommissioning of the Tiverton, OH, VOR/Distance 
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid. The route changes would 
be made as part of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System 
(NextGen) efforts to safely improve the overall efficiency of the 
National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 18, 2017.

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-2016-9555 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-2 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at http://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 9:00 a.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.
    FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and 
subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the 
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go 
to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

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 modifies the NAS route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the NAS.

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-2016-9555 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-2) 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 http://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-2016-9555 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-2.'' The 
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified comment 
closing date 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 http://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 in 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.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective 
September 15, 2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed 
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists 
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,

[[Page 35919]]

air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

Background

    On February 27, 2017, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to amend and remove 
multiple VOR Federal airways in northcentral United States to reflect 
and accommodate route changes being made as part of the FAA's 
Cleveland/Detroit Metroplex Project airspace redesign effort (82 FR 
11859). Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. No 
comments were received.
    Subsequent to publication, the FAA initiated a project for 
decommissioning the Tiverton, OH, VOR/DME due to the land-lease for the 
navigation aid expiring September 30, 2018, and not being renewed. With 
the planned decommissioning of the Tiverton VOR/DME occurring, several 
of the Federal airways proposed for amendment in the NPRM are impacted 
and will require additional amendment. Based on the timing of the NPRM 
and the planned Tiverton VOR/DME decommissioning project, and that 
several airways are affected by both actions, the FAA decided to 
incorporate both activities into this airspace docket action. By 
merging the planned Tiverton VOR/DME decommissioning activity with this 
action, additional proposed amendments to V-92, V-133, and V-210 are 
necessary. Additionally, NAV CANADA has amended V-43 within Canada's 
airspace that requires the FAA to adjust the proposed amendment to V-
43. The remaining Federal airways associated with the Tiverton VOR/DME 
(V-443, V-523, and V-525) require no additional proposed amendments 
beyond those proposed in the NPRM.
    Additionally, the FAA reviewed the airway amendments proposed in 
the NPRM and the Cleveland/Detroit Metroplex project redesign and has 
now determined the two activities are in fact independent of each other 
and not connected. The FAA mischaracterized the connection between the 
redesign and the airway changes in the NPRM. The airway amendments 
proposed in the NPRM support the FAA's NextGen efforts to safely 
improve the overall efficiency of the NAS.
    Since several airway amendments proposed in the NPRM require 
further amendment, and the NPRM characterization requires clarification 
that the airway amendments proposed in the NPRM support the FAA's 
NextGen efforts independent from the FAA's Cleveland/Detroit Metroplex 
project activities, the FAA has determined it is necessary to reopen 
the comment period to provide additional opportunity for public 
comment.
    The FAA is undertaking this action in support of its NextGen goal 
to safely improve the overall efficiency of the NAS by increasing 
efficiencies in the enroute structure and areas with complex air 
traffic flows. More specifically, the proposed changes would enhance 
the way aircraft navigate the enroute airspace, improve airport access, 
and make flight routes more efficient by optimizing the operations and 
procedures based on satellite-based navigation.
    Lastly, the FAA plans to continue NextGen modernization efforts of 
the Cleveland and Detroit terminal radar approach control (TRACON) 
airspace areas, at a later date, by working with the facilities to 
establish RNAV T-routes designed to enhance the flow of traffic through 
their busy terminal airspace areas. Any new RNAV T-routes that result 
from that process will be proposed in a separate airspace docket 
action.

Differences From NPRM

    The legal description to V-2 is revised to reflect the proposed 
amendment.
    The proposed amendment to V-43 is revised to include removing the 
airway segment between the Erie, PA, VORTAC and the Buffalo, NY, VOR/
DME.
    The proposed amendment to V-92 is revised to include removing the 
airway segments between the intersection of the Chicago Heights, IL, 
VORTAC 358[deg] and Chicago O'Hare, IL, VOR/DME 127[deg] radials (BEBEE 
fix) and the Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC; between the Goshen, IN, 
VORTAC and the intersection of the Goshen, IN, VORTAC 092[deg](T)/
092[deg](M) and Fort Wayne, IN, VORTAC 016[deg](T)/016[deg](M) radials 
(ILTON fix); and between the Tiverton, OH, VOR/DME and the 
Newcomerstown, OH, VOR/DME.
    The proposed amendment to V-133 is revised to include removing the 
airway segment between the Zanesville, OH, VOR/DME and the Tiverton, 
OH, VOR/DME.
    The proposed amendment to V-210 is revised to include removing the 
airway segment between the Rosewood, OH, VORTAC and the Tiverton, OH, 
VOR/DME.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to modify VOR Federal airways V-43, V-92, 
V-133, and V-210. Those airway amendments are outlined below.
    V-2: The proposed amendment is unchanged, the FAA identified a 
typographical error in the regulatory text of the V-2 description. The 
description inadvertently included ``, 259[deg] radials; Buffalo'' 
after ``From Buffalo, NY'' in describing the airway segment between the 
Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the Gardner, MA, VOR/DME. The regulatory text 
for the V-2 airway segment between the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the 
Gardner, MA, VOR/DME is corrected in this SNPRM to read, ``From 
Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Utica, NY; Albany, NY; INT 
Albany 084[deg] and Gardner, MA, 284[deg] radials; to Gardner.''
    V-43: V-43 currently extends between the Appleton, OH, VORTAC and 
the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Appleton, OH, VORTAC and the Youngstown, OH, VORTAC; and 
between the Erie, PA, VORTAC and the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME. 
Additionally, this proposal removes the previously proposed addition of 
an exclusion statement for the airspace within Canada. The unaffected 
portion of the existing airway would remain unchanged.
    V-92: V-92 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC 358[deg] and Chicago O'Hare, IL, VOR/DME 
127[deg] radials (BEBEE fix) and the Armel, VA, VOR/DME. The FAA 
proposes to remove the airway segments between the intersection of the 
Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC 358[deg] and Chicago O'Hare, IL, VOR/DME 
127[deg] radials (BEBEE fix) and the Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC; and 
between the Goshen, IN, VORTAC and the Newcomerstown, OH, VOR/DME. The 
unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain unchanged.
    V-133: V-133 currently extends between the intersection of the 
Charlotte, NC, VOR/DME 305[deg] and Barretts Mountain, NC, VOR/DME 
197[deg] radials (LINCO fix) and the Mansfield, OH, VORTAC; and between 
the Salem, MI, VORTAC and the Red Lake, ON, Canada, VOR/DME; excluding 
the airspace within Canada. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Zanesville, OH, VOR/DME and the Mansfield, OH, 
VORTAC; and between the Salem, MI, VORTAC and the Saginaw, MI, VOR/DME. 
The unaffected portions of the existing airway and the exclusion 
statement for the airspace within Canada would remain unchanged.
    V-210: V-210 currently extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC 
and the Okmulgee, OK, VOR/DME; and between the Brickyard, IN, VORTAC 
and the Yardley, PA, VOR/DME. The

[[Page 35920]]

FAA proposes to remove the airway segment between the Rosewood, OH, 
VORTAC and the Revloc, PA, VOR/DME. The unaffected portions of the 
existing airway would remain unchanged.
    The remaining VOR Federal airway amendments and removals proposed 
in the NPRM published in the Federal Register (82 FR 11859, February 
27, 2017) are unchanged.
    All radials in the route descriptions below are unchanged and 
stated in True degrees.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 
7400.11A, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15, 2016, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways 
listed in this document would be subsequently published in the Order.

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 subject 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 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 
24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.


Sec.  71.1   [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016 and 
effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-2 [Amended]

    From Seattle, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Moses Lake, WA; Spokane, WA; 
Mullan Pass, ID; Missoula, MT; Helena, MT; INT Helena 119[deg] and 
Livingston, MT, 322[deg] radials; Livingston; Billings, MT; Miles 
City, MT; 24 miles, 90 miles, 55 MSL, Dickinson, ND; 10 miles, 60 
miles, 38 MSL, Bismarck, ND; 14 miles, 62 miles, 34 MSL, Jamestown, 
ND; Fargo, ND; Alexandria, MN; Gopher, MN; Nodine, MN; Lone Rock, 
WI; Madison, WI; Badger, WI; Muskegon, MI; to Lansing, MI. From 
Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Utica, NY; Albany, NY; INT 
Albany 084[deg] and Gardner, MA, 284[deg] radials; to Gardner.
* * * * *

V-43 [Amended]

    From Youngstown, OH; to Erie, PA.
* * * * *

V-92 [Amended]

    From Chicago Heights, IL; to Goshen, IN. From Newcomerstown, OH; 
Bellaire, OH; INT Bellaire 107[deg] and Grantsville, MD, 285[deg] 
radials; Grantsville; INT Grantsville 124[deg] and Armel, VA, 
292[deg] radials; to Armel.
* * * * *

V-133 [Amended]

    From INT Charlotte, NC, 305[deg] and Barretts Mountain, NC, 
197[deg] radials; Barretts Mountain; Charleston, WV; to Zanesville, 
OH. From Saginaw, MI; Traverse City, MI; Escanaba, MI; Sawyer, MI; 
Houghton, MI; Thunder Bay, ON, Canada; International Falls, MN; to 
Red Lake, ON, Canada. The airspace within Canada is excluded.
* * * * *

V-210 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA, INT Los Angeles 083[deg] and Pomona, CA, 
240[deg] radials; Pomona; INT Daggett, CA, 229[deg] and Hector, CA, 
263[deg] radials; Hector; Goffs, CA; 13 miles, 23 miles 71 MSL, 85 
MSL, Peach Springs, AZ; Grand Canyon, AZ; Tuba City, AZ; 10 miles 90 
MSL, 91 miles 105 MSL, Rattlesnake, NM; Alamosa, CO; INT Alamosa 
074[deg] and Lamar, CO, 250[deg] radials; 40 miles, 51 miles, 65 
MSL, Lamar; 13 miles, 79 miles, 55 MSL, Liberal, KS; INT Liberal 
137[deg] and Will Rogers, OK, 284[deg] radials; Will Rogers; INT 
Will Rogers 113[deg] and Okmulgee, OK, 238[deg] radials; Okmulgee. 
From Brickyard, IN, Muncie, IN; to Rosewood, OH. From Revloc, PA; 
INT Revloc 096[deg] and Harrisburg, PA, 285[deg] radials; 
Harrisburg; Lancaster, PA; INT Lancaster 095[deg] and Yardley, PA, 
255[deg] radials; to Yardley.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 26, 2017.
Rodger A. Dean, Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-16174 Filed 8-1-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P