82 FR 44513 - Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3004A and R-3004B and Establishment of R-3004C; Fort Gordon, GA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 184 (September 25, 2017)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 184 (September 25, 2017)
| Page Range | 44513-44514 | |
| FR Document | 2017-20435 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 184 (Monday, September 25, 2017)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 44513-44514] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-20435] [[Page 44513]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA-2017-0886; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-11] Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3004A and R-3004B and Establishment of R-3004C; Fort Gordon, GA AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action modifies the restricted areas at Fort Gordon, GA to further subdivide the vertical limits of the airspace. The designated altitudes for R-3004A and R-3004B are realigned and a new subarea, designated R-3004C, is established above R-3004B. The FAA is taking this action to allow for more efficient use of the airspace during periods when military activities only require restricted airspace below 3,500 feet MSL. The modifications are fully contained within the existing lateral and vertical boundaries of the restricted airspace. DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, December 7, 2017. 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 since it vertically subdivides the restricted airspace at Fort Gordon, GA, into three sections to enable more efficient use of airspace. Background The restricted airspace at Fort Gordon, GA consists of R-3004A, extending from the surface to 7,000 feet MSL; and R-3004B, extending from 7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL. The time of designation for both areas is as activated by NOTAM 24 hours in advance. A FAA review of the utilization of the airspace revealed that most activities being conducted only require restricted airspace below 3,500 feet MSL. However, when R-3004A was activated, restrictions were in effect up to 7,000 feet MSL. While lateral boundaries of the restricted airspace remain the same as currently charted and the overall vertical limits of the restricted airspace are unchanged, in order to provide for more efficient use of airspace, the FAA and the using agency agreed to further subdivide the restricted airspace vertically. The FAA is realigning the designated altitudes for R-3004A and R-3004B and establishing R-3004C as a third subdivision. The new configuration enables activation of restricted airspace to the lower altitude required for the majority of the using agency's training needs while maintaining the ability to activate additional restricted airspace for missions that require higher altitudes. The designated altitudes for R-3004A are amended to read ``surface to but not including 3,500 feet MSL'' (decreased from 7,000 feet MSL). The designated altitudes for R-3004B are amended to read ``3,500 feet MSL to but not including 7,000 feet MSL,'' instead of the current ``7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL.'' This amendment also established a third subdivision, designated R-3004C, which extends from 7,000 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL. These changes accommodate the using agency's requirements while releasing unneeded restricted airspace for access by other users. In addition, the aircraft activity limitations on use of the areas are amended to clarify the limitations in effect during the annual Masters Golf Tournament. These changes enhance the efficient use of the National Airspace System by providing for activation of the minimum amount of restricted airspace needed for the specific mission being conducted resulting in the release of unneeded restricted airspace for access by other users. The Rule This rule amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 by further dividing the current restricted airspace at Fort Gordon, GA, into three subareas instead of two. The designated altitudes for R- 3004A are amended from the current ``surface to 7,000 feet MSL,'' to ``surface to but not including 3,500 feet MSL.'' The designated altitudes for R-3004B are amended from the current ``7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL'' to ``3,500 feet MSL to but not including 7,000 feet MSL.'' A new third subdivision, designated R-3004C, is established and extends from 7,000 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL.'' Additionally, the terms and conditions listed in the restricted area legal descriptions for aircraft activities in the restricted areas are revised, in part. Specifically, in order to clarify aircraft operations during the annual Masters Golf tournament, the text of item number 1 is changed from ``1. Aircraft activities may not be conducted on weekends, National holidays, or the entire week of the Masters Golf Tournament'' to: ``1. Aircraft activities must not be conducted on weekends, national holidays, or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required).'' The terms and conditions in Items 2 and 3 remain unchanged. The above modifications enhance the efficient use of airspace and reduce the burden on the public by lessening the amount of restricted airspace at Fort Gordon, GA, that is activated on a routine basis. These modifications do not change the current lateral boundaries, overall designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the restricted areas; therefore, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The FAA has determined that this action 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 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 only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action of vertically subdividing limits of existing restricted airspace within the current lateral and vertical limits qualifies for categorical exclusion under [[Page 44514]] the National Environmental Policy Act and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F--Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, Categorical Exclusions for Procedural Actions, paragraph 5-6.5d--Modification of the technical description of special use airspace (restricted areas) that does not alter the dimensions, altitudes, or times of designation of the airspace. Therefore, this airspace action is not expected to result in any significant environmental impacts. In accordance with FAAO 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, this action has been reviewed for factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis, and it is determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas. Adoption of the Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. 73.30 [Amended] 0 2. Sec. 73.30 is amended as follows: * * * * * R-3004A Fort Gordon, GA [Amended] By removing the current designated altitudes and aircraft activity limitations and inserting the following in their places: Designated Altitudes. Surface to but not including 3,500 feet MSL. Aircraft activity is limited to the following terms and conditions: Aircraft activities must not be conducted on weekends, national holidays, or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required). 2. Aircraft activities may only be conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet AGL. 3. Weather conditions required for aircraft activities are 5 miles visibility and with prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena no greater than five-tenths coverage of the sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. R-3004B Fort Gordon, GA [Amended] By removing the current designated altitudes and aircraft activity limitations and inserting the following in their places: Designated Altitudes. 3,500 feet MSL to but not including 7,000 feet MSL. Aircraft activity is limited to the following terms and conditions: 1. Aircraft activities must not be conducted on weekends, national holidays, or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required). 2. Aircraft activities may only be conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet AGL. 3. Weather conditions required for aircraft activities are 5 miles visibility and with prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena no greater than five-tenths coverage of the sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. R-3004C Fort Gordon, GA [New] Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 33[deg]21'54'' N., long. 82[deg]12'14'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]19'44'' N., long. 82[deg]12'14'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]16'21'' N., long. 82[deg]17'59'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]17'30'' N., long. 82[deg]22'59'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]21'16'' N., long. 82[deg]18'46'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]22'16'' N., long. 82[deg]16'59'' W.; to the point of beginning. Designated Altitudes. 7,000 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL. Times of designation. By NOTAM 24 hours in advance. Controlling agency. FAA, Atlanta ARTCC. Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding Officer, Fort Gordon, GA. Aircraft activity is limited to the following terms and conditions: Aircraft activities must not be conducted on weekends, national holidays, or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required). 2. Aircraft activities may only be conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet AGL. 3. Weather conditions required for aircraft activities are 5 miles visibility and with prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena no greater than five-tenths coverage of the sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 19, 2017. Rodger A. Dean, Jr., Manager, Airspace Policy Group. [FR Doc. 2017-20435 Filed 9-22-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 44513
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL. The feet MSL.’’ The designated altitudes for
time of designation for both areas is as R–3004B are amended from the current
Federal Aviation Administration activated by NOTAM 24 hours in ‘‘7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL’’ to
advance. ‘‘3,500 feet MSL to but not including
14 CFR Part 73 A FAA review of the utilization of the 7,000 feet MSL.’’ A new third
airspace revealed that most activities subdivision, designated R–3004C, is
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0886; Airspace
Docket No. 16–ASO–11]
being conducted only require restricted established and extends from 7,000 feet
airspace below 3,500 feet MSL. MSL to 16,000 feet MSL.’’
Amendment of Restricted Areas R– However, when R–3004A was activated, Additionally, the terms and
3004A and R–3004B and Establishment restrictions were in effect up to 7,000 conditions listed in the restricted area
of R–3004C; Fort Gordon, GA feet MSL. legal descriptions for aircraft activities
While lateral boundaries of the in the restricted areas are revised, in
AGENCY: Federal Aviation restricted airspace remain the same as part. Specifically, in order to clarify
Administration (FAA), DOT. currently charted and the overall aircraft operations during the annual
ACTION: Final rule. vertical limits of the restricted airspace Masters Golf tournament, the text of
are unchanged, in order to provide for item number 1 is changed from ‘‘1.
SUMMARY: This action modifies the more efficient use of airspace, the FAA Aircraft activities may not be conducted
restricted areas at Fort Gordon, GA to and the using agency agreed to further on weekends, National holidays, or the
further subdivide the vertical limits of subdivide the restricted airspace entire week of the Masters Golf
the airspace. The designated altitudes vertically. The FAA is realigning the Tournament’’ to: ‘‘1. Aircraft activities
for R–3004A and R–3004B are realigned designated altitudes for R–3004A and must not be conducted on weekends,
and a new subarea, designated R–3004C, R–3004B and establishing R–3004C as a national holidays, or from the Sunday
is established above R–3004B. The FAA third subdivision. The new prior to the Masters Golf Tournament
is taking this action to allow for more configuration enables activation of through the Monday after (and
efficient use of the airspace during restricted airspace to the lower altitude subsequent weather days if required).’’
periods when military activities only required for the majority of the using The terms and conditions in Items 2 and
require restricted airspace below 3,500 agency’s training needs while 3 remain unchanged.
feet MSL. The modifications are fully maintaining the ability to activate The above modifications enhance the
contained within the existing lateral and additional restricted airspace for efficient use of airspace and reduce the
vertical boundaries of the restricted missions that require higher altitudes. burden on the public by lessening the
airspace. The designated altitudes for R–3004A amount of restricted airspace at Fort
Effective date: 0901 UTC,
DATES:
are amended to read ‘‘surface to but not Gordon, GA, that is activated on a
December 7, 2017. including 3,500 feet MSL’’ (decreased routine basis. These modifications do
from 7,000 feet MSL). The designated not change the current lateral
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul altitudes for R–3004B are amended to boundaries, overall designated altitudes,
Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office read ‘‘3,500 feet MSL to but not or activities conducted within the
of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation including 7,000 feet MSL,’’ instead of restricted areas; therefore, notice and
Administration, 800 Independence the current ‘‘7,001 feet MSL to 16,000 public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; feet MSL.’’ This amendment also are unnecessary.
telephone: (202) 267–8783. established a third subdivision,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory Notices and Analyses
designated R–3004C, which extends
from 7,000 feet MSL to 16,000 feet MSL. The FAA has determined that this
Authority for This Rulemaking
These changes accommodate the using action only involves an established
The FAA’s authority to issue rules agency’s requirements while releasing body of technical regulations for which
regarding aviation safety is found in unneeded restricted airspace for access frequent and routine amendments are
Title 49 of the United States Code. by other users. necessary to keep them operationally
Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the In addition, the aircraft activity current. It, therefore: (1) Is not a
authority of the FAA Administrator. limitations on use of the areas are ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, amended to clarify the limitations in Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
describes in more detail the scope of the effect during the annual Masters Golf ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
agency’s authority. This rulemaking is Tournament. Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
promulgated under the authority These changes enhance the efficient FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
described in Subtitle VII, Part A, use of the National Airspace System by does not warrant preparation of a
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that providing for activation of the minimum regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
section, the FAA is charged with amount of restricted airspace needed for impact is so minimal. Since this is a
prescribing regulations to assign the use the specific mission being conducted routine matter that only affects air traffic
of the airspace necessary to ensure the resulting in the release of unneeded procedures and air navigation, it is
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of restricted airspace for access by other certified that this rule, when
airspace. This regulation is within the users. promulgated, does not have a significant
scope of that authority since it vertically economic impact on a substantial
subdivides the restricted airspace at Fort The Rule
number of small entities under the
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
Gordon, GA, into three sections to This rule amends Title 14 Code of criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
enable more efficient use of airspace. Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 by
further dividing the current restricted Environmental Review
Background airspace at Fort Gordon, GA, into three The FAA has determined that this
The restricted airspace at Fort subareas instead of two. The designated action of vertically subdividing limits of
Gordon, GA consists of R–3004A, altitudes for R–3004A are amended from existing restricted airspace within the
extending from the surface to 7,000 feet the current ‘‘surface to 7,000 feet MSL,’’ current lateral and vertical limits
MSL; and R–3004B, extending from to ‘‘surface to but not including 3,500 qualifies for categorical exclusion under
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Sep 22, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_44697/page/1.svg)
![44514 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 184 / Monday, September 25, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
the National Environmental Policy Act Designated Altitudes. 3,500 feet MSL to but SUMMARY: This rule amends the Export
and in accordance with FAA Order not including 7,000 feet MSL. Administration Regulations (EAR) by
1050.1F—Environmental Impacts: Aircraft activity is limited to the following removing three entities under four
terms and conditions: entries from the Entity List. This rule
Policies and Procedures, Categorical
1. Aircraft activities must not be conducted
Exclusions for Procedural Actions, on weekends, national holidays, or from the
removes one entity listed under the
paragraph 5–6.5d—Modification of the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament destination of Australia, one entity
technical description of special use through the Monday after (and subsequent listed under the destination of China,
airspace (restricted areas) that does not weather days if required). and one entity listed under the
alter the dimensions, altitudes, or times 2. Aircraft activities may only be destinations of Iran and the United Arab
of designation of the airspace. conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet Emirates from the Entity List. The one
Therefore, this airspace action is not AGL. additional entry is being removed to
expected to result in any significant 3. Weather conditions required for aircraft account for one entity listed under more
activities are 5 miles visibility and with than one destination on the Entity List.
environmental impacts. In accordance
prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena All three of the removals are the result
with FAAO 1050.1F, paragraph 5–2 no greater than five-tenths coverage of the
regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL.
of requests for removal received by BIS
this action has been reviewed for factors pursuant to the section of the EAR used
and circumstances in which a normally R–3004C Fort Gordon, GA [New] for requesting removal or modification
categorically excluded action may have Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 33°21′54″ N., of an Entity List entity and a review of
a significant environmental impact long. 82°12′14″ W.; to lat. 33°19′44″ N., long. information provided in the removal
requiring further analysis, and it is 82°12′14″ W.; to lat. 33°16′21″ N., long. requests in accordance with the
82°17′59″ W.; to lat. 33°17′30″ N., long. procedure for requesting removal or
determined that no extraordinary
82°22′59″ W.; to lat. 33°21′16″ N., long. modification of an Entity List entity.
circumstances exist that warrant 82°18′46″ W.; to lat. 33°22′16″ N., long.
preparation of an environmental Finally, this final rule modifies five
82°16′59″ W.; to the point of beginning.
assessment. Designated Altitudes. 7,000 feet MSL to
existing entries on the Entity List
16,000 feet MSL. consisting of five entries under Pakistan
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 to provide additional or modified
Times of designation. By NOTAM 24 hours
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted in advance. addresses and/or names for these
areas. Controlling agency. FAA, Atlanta ARTCC. persons.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding DATES: This rule is effective September
Adoption of the Amendment Officer, Fort Gordon, GA.
25, 2017.
In consideration of the foregoing, the Aircraft activity is limited to the following
terms and conditions: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft activities must not be conducted Chair, End-User Review Committee,
amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:
on weekends, national holidays, or from the Office of the Assistant Secretary, Export
PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament Administration, Bureau of Industry and
through the Monday after (and subsequent Security, Department of Commerce,
■ 1. The authority citation for part 73 weather days if required). Phone: (202) 482–5991, Email: ERC@
continues to read as follows: 2. Aircraft activities may only be bis.doc.gov.
conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, AGL. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 3. Weather conditions required for aircraft
1959–1963 Comp., p. 389. activities are 5 miles visibility and with
Background
prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena The Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to
§ 73.30 [Amended]
no greater than five-tenths coverage of the part 744) identifies entities and other
■ 2. § 73.30 is amended as follows: sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. persons reasonably believed to be
* * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, on September involved, or to pose a significant risk of
R–3004A Fort Gordon, GA [Amended] 19, 2017. being or becoming involved, in
Rodger A. Dean, Jr., activities contrary to the national
By removing the current designated security or foreign policy interests of the
altitudes and aircraft activity limitations and Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
inserting the following in their places: [FR Doc. 2017–20435 Filed 9–22–17; 8:45 am] United States. The EAR imposes
Designated Altitudes. Surface to but not BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
additional license requirements on, and
including 3,500 feet MSL. limits the availability of most license
Aircraft activity is limited to the following exceptions for, exports, reexports, and
terms and conditions: transfers (in-country) to those listed.
Aircraft activities must not be conducted DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE The ‘‘license review policy’’ for each
on weekends, national holidays, or from the listed entity or other person is identified
Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament Bureau of Industry and Security
in the License Review Policy column on
through the Monday after (and subsequent
weather days if required). the Entity List and the impact on the
15 CFR Part 744
2. Aircraft activities may only be availability of license exceptions is
conducted from the surface to 12,000 feet [Docket No. 170622586–7586–01] described in the Federal Register
AGL. document adding entities or other
3. Weather conditions required for aircraft RIN 0694—AH41 persons to the Entity List. BIS places
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
activities are 5 miles visibility and with entities and other persons on the Entity
prevailing clouds or obscuring phenomena Removal of Certain Entities From the List pursuant to sections of part 744
no greater than five-tenths coverage of the Entity List; and Revisions of Entries on (Control Policy: End-User and End-Use
sky and bases no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. the Entity List Based) and part 746 (Embargoes and
R–3004B Fort Gordon, GA [Amended] AGENCY: Bureau of Industry and Other Special Controls) of the EAR.
By removing the current designated Security, Commerce. The End-User Review Committee
altitudes and aircraft activity limitations and (ERC), composed of representatives of
ACTION: Final rule.
inserting the following in their places: the Departments of Commerce (Chair),
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:53 Sep 22, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25SER1.SGM 25SER1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_44697/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:44:32
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:44:32
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | Effective date: 0901 UTC, December 7, 2017. | |
| Contact | Paul Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267- 8783. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 44513 | |
| CFR Associated | Airspace; Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR