82 FR 6353 - Proposed Modification and Establishment of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; Northcentral United States

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 12 (January 19, 2017)

This action proposes to modify one jet route and five VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways, and establish three Area Navigation (RNAV) T-routes in the northcentral United States. The FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Brainerd, MN (BRD), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the ATS routes proposed to be amended by this action. The T-routes proposed to be established by this action would mitigate potential issues to the National Airspace System (NAS) route structure that may be caused by the proposed ATS route amendments. Overall, this action would enhance the safety and efficient management of aircraft within the NAS.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6353-6356]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01034]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2016-8944; Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-21]
RIN 2120-AA66


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify one jet route and five VHF 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways, and establish three Area 
Navigation (RNAV) T-routes in the northcentral United States. The FAA 
is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the 
Brainerd, MN (BRD), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation 
(VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance 
for portions of the ATS routes proposed to be amended by this action. 
The T-routes proposed to be established by this action would mitigate 
potential issues to the National Airspace System (NAS) route structure 
that may be caused by the proposed ATS route amendments. Overall, this 
action would enhance the safety and efficient management of aircraft 
within the NAS.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 6, 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:

[[Page 6354]]

1(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2016-9319 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-21 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 9:00a.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.
    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_offederal-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-2016-9319 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-21) 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-2016-9319 and Airspace Docket No. 16-AGL-21.'' 
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, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

Background

    The FAA originally considered decommissioning activities for the 
Brainerd, MN (BRD), VOR would take place in 2019 as one of the 
candidate VORs identified for discontinuance by the VOR Minimum 
Operating Network (VOR MON) program and listed in the Final policy 
statement notice, ``Provision of Navigation Services for the Next 
Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Transition to 
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum 
Operational Network),'' published in the Federal Register of July 26, 
2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082. However, the lease for 
the property that the VOR is sited on is expiring in September 2017, 
and the FAA does not expect the lease to be renewed. As a result, the 
ATS routes that use the Brainerd, MN, VORTAC must be amended prior to 
the lease expiring. The affected ATS routes are Jet route J-25 and VOR 
Federal airways V-55, V-82, V-161, V-218, and V-413.
    With the planned decommissioning of the Brainerd, MN, VORTAC, the 
remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to 
enable the continuity of the affected airways. As such, proposed 
modifications to Jet route J-25 and VOR Federal airways V-55, V-82, V-
161, V-218, and V-413 will result in gaps in the route structures. To 
overcome these gaps, the FAA is proposing to establish three new RNAV 
T-routes: T-330, T-354, and T-383.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to amend Jet route J-25 and VOR Federal 
airways V-55, V-82, V-161, V-218, and V-413. Additionally, the FAA is 
also proposing

[[Page 6355]]

to establish RNAV T-Routes T-330, T-354, and T-383. The planned 
decommissioning of the Brainerd VORTAC has made these actions 
necessary.
    The proposed Jet route and VOR Federal airways changes are outlined 
below.
    J-25: J-25 currently extends between the intersection of the United 
States/Mexico border and the Brownsville, TX (BRO), VORTAC 221[deg] 
radial and the Winnipeg, MB, Canada (YWG), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to 
remove the route segment between the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC and the 
Winnipeg, MB, Canada (YWG), VORTAC. The unaffected portion of the 
existing route would remain as charted.
    V-55: V-55 currently extends between the Dayton, OH (DQN), VOR and 
the Bismarck, ND (BIS) VOR. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Siren, WI (RZN), VOR and the Park Rapids, MN (PKD), 
VOR. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as 
charted in the two remaining segments.
    V-82: V-82 currently extends between the Baudette, MN (BDE), VOR 
and the Dells, WI (DLL), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the intersection of the Baudette, MN (BDE), VOR 
194[deg] and Brainerd, MN (BRD), VORTAC 331[deg] radials (the BLUOX 
fix) and the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC. Additionally, the BLUOX fix 
would be redefined in its existing location using radials from the 
Baudette, MN (BDE), VOR and the Park Rapids, MN (PKD) VOR. The 
unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as charted in 
the two remaining segments.
    V-161: V-161 currently extends between the Three Rivers, TX (ECA), 
VOR and the Winnipeg, MB, Canada (YWG), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to 
remove the airway segment between the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC and the 
Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ), VOR. Additionally, the airway segment between 
the Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ), VOR and the International Falls, MN (INL), 
VORTAC would be re-designated as part of V-218. The unaffected portions 
of the existing airway would remain as charted in the two remaining 
segments.
    V-218: V-218 currently extends between the Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ), 
VOR and the Lansing, MI (LAN), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to add the V-
161 airway segment between the Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ), VOR and the 
International Falls, MN (INL), VORTAC to V-218. The existing V-218 
airway will remain as charted with the addition of the airway segment 
from the International Falls, MN (INL), VORTAC to the Grand Rapids, MN 
(GPZ), VOR included so the airway segments remain listed in a west to 
east order.
    V-413: V-413 currently extends between the Ironwood, MI (IWD), 
VORTAC and Brainerd, MN (BRD), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the 
airway segment between the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC and the Brainerd, 
MN (BRD), VORTAC. The unaffected portion of the existing airway will 
remain as charted. Additionally, the airway description for the amended 
airway would be reversed to reflect from the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC 
to the Ironwood, MI (IWD), VORTAC to list the airway segments in a 
south to north order consistent with odd numbered ATS route criteria.
    The proposed RNAV T-routes to be established are outlined below.
    T-330: T-330 would be established from the Grand Forks, MN (GFK), 
VOR to the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC. This new RNAV T-route would extend 
over two existing fixes (WATAM, MN, and DAYLE, MN) and three new 
waypoints (BYZIN, ND; TAMMR, MN; and MAFLN, MN) being established. This 
T-route would mitigate the loss of portions of V-55 and V-413 airway 
segments as proposed and would provide RNAV T-route capability and 
connectivity with a more direct routing between the Grand Forks, ND, 
and Minneapolis, MN, terminal areas.
    T-354: T-354 would be established from the Park Rapids, MN (PKD), 
VOR to the Siren, WI (RZN), VOR. This new RNAV T-route would extend 
over a new waypoint (named BRNRD) that is being established over the 
existing location of the Brainerd, MN (BRD), VORTAC. This T-route would 
mitigate the loss of the V-55 airway segment proposed to be removed.
    T-383: T-383 would be established from the Gopher, MN (GEP), VORTAC 
to the BLUOX, MN, fix that would be redefined in its existing location 
using radials from the Baudette, MN (BDE), VOR and the Park Rapids, MN 
(PKD), VOR. This new RNAV T-route would also extend over the new 
waypoint (BRNRD) that is being established over the existing location 
of the Brainerd, MN (BRD), VORTAC. This T-route would mitigate the loss 
of the V-82 and V-413 airway segments proposed to be removed.
    All radials in the route descriptions below that do not reflect 
True (T)/Magnetic (M) degree radial information are unchanged and 
stated in True degrees.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004, VOR Federal airways are 
published in paragraph 6010(a), and United States Area Navigation 
Routes (low altitude T-routes) are published in paragraph 6011, 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 Jet routes, VOR 
Federal airways, and RNAV T-routes 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(f), 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

[[Page 6356]]

effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *


J-25  [Amended]

    From INT United States/Mexico border and Brownsville, TX, 221[deg] 
radial; Brownsville; INT Brownsville 358[deg] and Corpus Christi, TX, 
178[deg] radials; Corpus Christi; INT Corpus Christi 311[deg] and San 
Antonio, TX, 174[deg] radials; San Antonio; Centex, TX; Waco, TX; 
Ranger, TX; Tulsa, OK; Kansas City, MO; Des Moines, IA; Mason City, IA; 
to Gopher, MN.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010 Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *


V-55  [Amended]

    From Dayton, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; Goshen, IN; Gipper, MI; Keeler, 
MI; Pullman, MI; Muskegon, MI; INT Muskegon 327[deg] and Green Bay, WI, 
116[deg] radials; Green Bay; Stevens Point, WI; INT Stevens Point 
281[deg] and Eau Claire, WI, 107[deg] radials; Eau Claire; to Siren, 
WI. From Park Rapids, MN; Grand Forks, ND; INT Grand Forks 239[deg] and 
Bismarck, ND, 067[deg] radials; to Bismarck.
* * * * *


V-82  [Amended]

    From Baudette, MN; to INT Baudette 194[deg] and Park Rapids, MN, 
003[deg]T/359[deg]M radials. From Gopher, MN; Farmington, MN; 
Rochester, MN; Nodine, MN; to Dells, WI.
* * * * *


V-161  [Amended]

    From Three Rivers, TX; Center Point, TX; Llano, TX; INT Llano 
026[deg] and Millsap, TX, 193[deg] radials; Millsap; Bowie, TX; 
Ardmore, OK; Okmulgee, OK; Tulsa, OK; Oswego, KS; Butler, MO; Napoleon, 
MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, IA; Mason City, IA; Rochester, MN; 
Farmington, MN; to Gopher, MN. From International Falls, MN; to 
Winnipeg, MB, Canada, excluding the airspace within Canada.
* * * * *


V-218  [Amended]

    From International Falls, MN; Grand Rapids, MN; Gopher, MN; Waukon, 
IA; to Rockford, IL. From Keeler, MI; to Lansing, MI.
* * * * *


V-413  [Amended]

    From Gopher, MN; INT Gopher 109[deg] and Eau Claire, WI, 269[deg] 
radials; Eau Claire; to Ironwood, MI.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-330 Grand Forks, ND (GFK) to Gopher, MN (GEP) [New]
Grand Forks, ND (GFK)                          VOR/DME                       (Lat. 47[deg]57'17.39'' N., long. 097[deg]11'07.33'' W.)
BYZIN, ND                                      WP                            (Lat. 47[deg]29'03.97''N., long. 096[deg]13'28.09''W.)
TAMMR, MN                                      WP                            (Lat. 46[deg]53'33.48''N., long. 095[deg]42'56.42''W.)
WATAM, MN                                      FIX                           (Lat. 46[deg]25'52.91''N., long. 095[deg]09'06.92''W.)
MAFLN, MN                                      WP                            (Lat. 46[deg]02'22.73''N., long. 094[deg]37'21.86''W.)
DAYLE, MN                                      FIX                           (Lat. 45[deg]37'24.75''N., long. 093[deg]55'34.20''W.)
Gopher, MN (GEP)                               VORTAC                        (Lat. 45[deg]08'44.47''N., long. 093[deg]22'23.45''W.)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-354 Park Rapids, MN (PKD) to Siren, WI (RZN) [New]
Park Rapids, MN (PKD)                          VOR/DME                       (Lat. 46[deg]53'53.34''N., long. 095[deg]04'15.21''W.)
BRNRD, MN                                      WP                            (Lat. 46[deg]20'53.81''N., long. 094[deg]01'33.54''W.)
Siren, WI (RZN)                                VOR/DME                       (Lat. 45[deg]49'13.60''N., long. 092[deg]22'28.26''W.)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-383 Gopher, MN (GEP) to BLUOX, MN [New]
Gopher, MN (GEP)                               VORTAC                        (Lat. 45[deg]08'44.47''N., long. 093[deg]22'23.45''W.)
BRNRD, MN                                      WP                            (Lat. 46[deg]20'53.81''N., long. 094[deg]01'33.54''W.)
BLUOX, MN                                      FIX                           (Lat. 47[deg]34'33.13'' N., long. 095[deg]01'29.11'' W.)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-01034 Filed 1-18-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P