83_FR_1327 83 FR 1319 - Proposed Amendment for Restricted Area R-4403A; Stennis Space Center, MS

83 FR 1319 - Proposed Amendment for Restricted Area R-4403A; Stennis Space Center, MS

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 8 (January 11, 2018)

Page Range1319-1320
FR Document2018-00370

This action proposes to amend the time of designation for restricted area R-4403A, Stennis Space Center, MS, from ``Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance,'' to ``Intermittent by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.'' The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requested the change to meet requirements of the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage test program.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 8 (Thursday, January 11, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 8 (Thursday, January 11, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1319-1320]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-00370]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1109; Airspace Docket No. 17-ASO-22]


Proposed Amendment for Restricted Area R-4403A; Stennis Space 
Center, MS

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the time of designation for 
restricted area R-4403A, Stennis Space Center, MS, from ``Intermittent, 
1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in 
advance,'' to ``Intermittent by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.'' 
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requested the 
change to meet requirements of the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage 
test program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 26, 2018.

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-2017-1109 and Airspace Docket No. 17-ASO-22, at the beginning of 
your comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use 
aspects should be directed to: Mr. David Lorance, P.E., Center 
Environmental Officer, Center Operations Directorate, NASA Stennis 
Space Center, Roy S. Estess Building 1100, Mail Code RA02, Stennis 
Space Center, MS 39529-6000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, 
Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's 
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described 
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, 
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of 
the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the 
efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority as it would support a change in the time of designation for 
restricted area R-4403A, Stennis Space Center, MS, to accommodate NASA 
rocket engine test 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-2017-1109 and Airspace Docket No. 17-ASO-22) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Office at the address listed above. 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-2017-1109 and Airspace Docket No. 17-ASO-22.'' 
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

[[Page 1320]]

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.
    You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any 
comments received and any final disposition in person at the Docket 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal 
business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Eastern 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., 
College Park, GA 30337.

Background

    R-4403A was established by a final rule published in the Federal 
Register on March 29, 2016 (81 FR 17379) Docket No. 2017-0370, as part 
of the expansion of the former restricted area R-4403. R-4403A was 
designated to contain hazards associated with rocket engine testing. 
The current time of designation, ``Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local 
time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance,'' allows for 
up to 17 hours of daily use. However, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) 
Core Stage test program will require activation of R-4403A for periods 
of 24 to 48 hours which will exceed the current time designation for 
the restricted area.
    The current boundaries and altitudes of R-4403A are sufficient to 
contain the hazards from hydrogen flaring profiles associated with 
propulsion testing and are not affected by this proposal. Additionaly, 
the need for on-going single rocket engine testing in R-4403A remains 
at approximately 20-40 times per year. On average, NASA activates R-
4403A for 7 hours for each event. If technical difficulties or other 
conditions require, R-4403A has been activated for up to 12 hours. 
However, the SLS Core Stage testing program entails the simultaneous 
testing of four rocket engines. The flaring of hydrogen fuel will 
require NASA to activate R-4403A for up to 48 hours because SLS Core 
Stage testing cannot confine the hydrogen flare stack hazards within 
the existing 17-hour daily window available for R-4403A. This 
requirement is expected to occur 2-3 times per year.

The Proposal

    The FAA proposes an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to change the time 
of designation for restricted area R-4403A, Stennis Space Center, MS, 
from ``Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at 
least 24 hours in advance,'' to ``Intermittent by NOTAM at least 24 
hours in advance.''
    This change is required to provide the additional restricted area 
activation time needed to accommodate NASA's SLS Core Stage engine 
testing program. The current boundaries and designated altitude for R-
4403A remain unchanged by this proposal.

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.  73.44  Mississippi [Amended]

0
2. Sec.  73.44 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-4403A Stennis Space Center, MS [Amended]

    By removing the words ``Time of Designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 
0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance,'' 
and adding in their place:
    Time of designation. Intermittent by NOTAM at least 24 hours in 
advance.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 8, 2018.
Rodger A. Dean, Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2018-00370 Filed 1-10-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 8 / Thursday, January 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules 1319 R–2201A Fort Greely, AK [New] Designated altitudes. 6,000 feet MSL to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 63°58′45″ N, 11,000 feet MSL. Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office long. 145°35′06″ W; to lat. 63°58′08″ N, long. Time of designation. By NOTAM 4 hours of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 145°35′05″ W; to lat. 63°57′06″ N, long. in advance. Administration, 800 Independence 145°30′15″ W; to lat. 63°57′11″ N, long. Controlling agency. FAA, Anchorage ARTCC. Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; 145°39′25″ W; to lat. 63°58′48″ N, long. telephone: (202) 267–8783. 145°39′25″ W; to the point of beginning. Using agency. U.S. Army, AK (USARAK), Designated altitudes. Surface to but not Commanding General, Joint Base Elmendorf- SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: including 6,000 feet MSL. Richardson (JBER), AK. Authority for This Rulemaking Time of designation. 0700–1900 local time Issued in Washington, DC, on January 3, Monday–Friday; other times by NOTAM 4 2018. The FAA’s authority to issue rules hours in advance. regarding aviation safety is found in Rodger A. Dean Jr., Controlling agency. FAA, Anchorage Title 49 of the United States Code. ARTCC. Manager, Airspace Policy Group. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the Using agency. U.S. Army, AK (USARAK), [FR Doc. 2018–00371 Filed 1–10–18; 8:45 am] authority of the FAA Administrator. Commanding General, Joint Base Elmendorf- BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, Richardson (JBER), AK. describes in more detail the scope of the R–2201B Fort Greely, AK [New] agency’s authority. This rulemaking is DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION promulgated under the authority Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 63°57′06″ N, long. 145°30′15″ W; thence clockwise along described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Federal Aviation Administration Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that a 6.3–NM radius of Allen AAF; to lat. 63°56′14″ N, long. 145°31′17″ W; to lat. section, the FAA is charged with 63°54′54″ N, long. 145°26′55″ W; thence 14 CFR Part 73 prescribing regulations to assign the use south along Granite Creek; to lat. 63°49′36″ of the airspace necessary to ensure the N, long. 145°34′53″ W; to lat. 63°49′36″ N, [Docket No. FAA–2017–1109; Airspace safety of aircraft and the efficient use of long. 145°40′45″ W; thence north along the Docket No. 17–ASO–22] airspace. This regulation is within the west bank of Jarvis Creek; to lat. 63°52′14″ N, long. 145°41′49″ W; to lat. 63°52′56″ N, long. scope of that authority as it would Proposed Amendment for Restricted support a change in the time of 145°42′52″ W; to lat. 63°55′01″ N, long. Area R–4403A; Stennis Space Center, 145°42′52″ W; to lat. 63°56′20″ N, long. designation for restricted area R–4403A, MS Stennis Space Center, MS, to 145°39′26″ W; to lat. 63°57′11″ N, long. 145°39′25″ W; to the point of beginning. AGENCY: Federal Aviation accommodate NASA rocket engine test Designated altitudes. Surface to but not Administration (FAA), DOT. activities. including 6,000 feet MSL. Time of designation. 0700–1900 local time ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Comments Invited Monday–Friday; other times by NOTAM 4 (NPRM). Interested parties are invited to hours in advance. participate in this proposed rulemaking Controlling agency. FAA, Anchorage SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the time of designation for by submitting such written data, views, ARTCC. restricted area R–4403A, Stennis Space or arguments as they may desire. Using agency. U.S. Army, AK (USARAK), Commanding General, Joint Base Elmendorf- Center, MS, from ‘‘Intermittent, 1000 to Comments that provide the factual basis Richardson (JBER), AK. 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM supporting the views and suggestions at least 24 hours in advance,’’ to presented are particularly helpful in R–2201C Fort Greely, AK [New] developing reasoned regulatory ‘‘Intermittent by NOTAM at least 24 Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 63°58′45″ N, decisions on the proposal. Comments long. 145°35′06″ W; to lat. 63°58′08″ N, long. hours in advance.’’ The National Aeronautics and Space Administration are specifically invited on the overall 145°35′05″ W; to lat. 63°57′06″ N, long. regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 145°30′15″ W; to lat. 63°57′11″ N, long. (NASA) requested the change to meet requirements of the Space Launch environmental, and energy-related 145°39′25″ W; to lat. 63°58′48″ N, long. 145°39′25″ W; to the point of beginning. System (SLS) Core Stage test program. aspects of the proposal. Designated altitudes. 6,000 feet MSL to Communications should identify both DATES: Comments must be received on docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 11,000 feet MSL. or before February 26, 2018. Time of designation. By NOTAM 4 hours 2017–1109 and Airspace Docket No. 17– in advance. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this ASO–22) and be submitted in triplicate Controlling agency. FAA, Anchorage proposal to the U.S. Department of to the Docket Office at the address listed ARTCC. Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 above. You may also submit comments Using agency. U.S. Army, AK (USARAK), New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building through the internet at Commanding General, Joint Base Elmendorf- Ground Floor, Room W12–140, www.regulations.gov. Richardson, AK (JBER), AK. Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1 Commenters wishing the FAA to R–2201D Fort Greely, AK [New] (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You acknowledge receipt of their comments Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 63°57′06″ N, must identify FAA Docket No. FAA– on this action must submit with those long. 145°30′15″ W; thence clockwise along 2017–1109 and Airspace Docket No. 17– comments a self-addressed, stamped a 6.3–NM radius of Allen AAF; to lat. ASO–22, at the beginning of your postcard on which the following 63°56′14″ N, long. 145°31′17″ W; to lat. comments. You may also submit statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA 63°54′54″ N, long. 145°26′55″ W; thence comments through the internet at http:// Docket No. FAA–2017–1109 and sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS south along Granite Creek; to lat. 63°49′36″ www.regulations.gov. Comments on Airspace Docket No. 17–ASO–22.’’ The N, long. 145°34′53″ W; to lat. 63°49′36″ N, environmental and land use aspects postcard will be date/time stamped and long. 145°40′45″ W; thence north along the should be directed to: Mr. David west bank of Jarvis Creek; to lat. 63°52′14″ N, returned to the commenter. long. 145°41′49″ W; to lat. 63°52′56″ N, long. Lorance, P.E., Center Environmental All communications received on or 145°42′52″ W; to lat. 63°55′01″ N, long. Officer, Center Operations Directorate, before the specified closing date for 145°42′52″ W; to lat. 63°56′20″ N, long. NASA Stennis Space Center, Roy S. comments will be considered before 145°39′26″ W; to lat. 63°57′11″ N, long. Estess Building 1100, Mail Code RA02, taking action on the proposed rule. The 145°39′25″ W; to the point of beginning. Stennis Space Center, MS 39529–6000. proposal contained in this action may VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Jan 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1

1320 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 8 / Thursday, January 11, 2018 / Proposed Rules be changed in light of comments for R–4403A. This requirement is § 73.44 Mississippi [Amended] received. All comments submitted will expected to occur 2–3 times per year. ■ 2. § 73.44 is amended as follows: be available for examination in the The Proposal * * * * * public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report The FAA proposes an amendment to R–4403A Stennis Space Center, MS summarizing each substantive public 14 CFR part 73 to change the time of [Amended] contact with FAA personnel concerned designation for restricted area R–4403A, with this rulemaking will be filed in the Stennis Space Center, MS, from By removing the words ‘‘Time of docket. ‘‘Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, Designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 as activated by NOTAM at least 24 local time, as activated by NOTAM at Availability of NPRMs hours in advance,’’ to ‘‘Intermittent by least 24 hours in advance,’’ and adding An electronic copy of this document NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.’’ in their place: may be downloaded through the This change is required to provide the Time of designation. Intermittent by internet at www.regulations.gov. additional restricted area activation time NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance. needed to accommodate NASA’s SLS You may review the public docket Issued in Washington, DC, on January 8, Core Stage engine testing program. The containing the proposal, any comments 2018. current boundaries and designated received and any final disposition in Rodger A. Dean, Jr., altitude for R–4403A remain unchanged person at the Docket Office (see by this proposal. Manager, Airspace Policy Group. ADDRESSES section for address and [FR Doc. 2018–00370 Filed 1–10–18; 8:45 am] phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and Regulatory Notices and Analyses BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, The FAA has determined that this except Federal holidays. An informal proposed regulation only involves an docket may also be examined during established body of technical normal business hours at the office of regulations for which frequent and POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION the Operations Support Group, Eastern routine amendments are necessary to Service Center, Federal Aviation keep them operationally current. It, 39 CFR Part 3050 Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant College Park, GA 30337. regulatory action’’ under Executive [Docket No. RM2018–2; Order No. 4347] Background Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Department of Periodic Reporting Requirements R–4403A was established by a final Transportation (DOT) Regulatory rule published in the Federal Register Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. on March 29, 2016 (81 FR 17379) Docket February 26, 1979); and (3) does not No. 2017–0370, as part of the expansion ACTION:Advance notice of proposed warrant preparation of a regulatory of the former restricted area R–4403. R– rulemaking. evaluation as the anticipated impact is 4403A was designated to contain so minimal. Since this is a routine hazards associated with rocket engine SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a matter that will only affect air traffic recent filing requesting that the testing. The current time of designation, procedures and air navigation, it is ‘‘Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, Commission initiate an informal certified that this proposed rule, when rulemaking proceeding to consider as activated by NOTAM at least 24 promulgated, will not have a significant hours in advance,’’ allows for up to 17 revisions to the periodic reporting economic impact on a substantial requirements codified at 39 CFR part hours of daily use. However, NASA’s number of small entities under the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage 3050. This document informs the public criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. of the filing, invites public comment, test program will require activation of R–4403A for periods of 24 to 48 hours Environmental Review and takes other administrative steps. which will exceed the current time This proposal will be subjected to an DATES: Comments are due: March 7, designation for the restricted area. environmental analysis in accordance 2018; Reply Comments are due: April 6, The current boundaries and altitudes with FAA Order 1050.1F, 2018. of R–4403A are sufficient to contain the ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and ADDRESSES: Submit comments hazards from hydrogen flaring profiles Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final electronically via the Commission’s associated with propulsion testing and regulatory action. Filing Online system at http:// are not affected by this proposal. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit Additionaly, the need for on-going comments electronically should contact single rocket engine testing in R–4403A Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas. the person identified in the FOR FURTHER remains at approximately 20–40 times INFORMATION CONTACT section by per year. On average, NASA activates R– The Proposed Amendment telephone for advice on filing 4403A for 7 hours for each event. If alternatives. In consideration of the foregoing, the technical difficulties or other conditions Federal Aviation Administration require, R–4403A has been activated for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as up to 12 hours. However, the SLS Core David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS follows: Stage testing program entails the 202–789–6820. simultaneous testing of four rocket PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: engines. The flaring of hydrogen fuel will require NASA to activate R–4403A ■ 1. The authority citation for part 73 Table of Contents for up to 48 hours because SLS Core continues to read as follows: I. Introduction Stage testing cannot confine the Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, II. Background hydrogen flare stack hazards within the 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, III. Invitation To Comment existing 17-hour daily window available 1959–1963 Comp., p. 389. IV. Ordering Paragraphs VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:00 Jan 10, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\11JAP1.SGM 11JAP1


Document Created: 2018-01-11 04:54:20
Document Modified: 2018-01-11 04:54:20
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 February 26, 2018.
ContactPaul Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267- 8783.
FR Citation83 FR 1319 
CFR AssociatedAirspace; Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas
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