Proposed Rule2023-07296
Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes, Eastern United States
Primary source
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Published
April 10, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to establish 4 low altitude Area Navigation (RNAV) routes (T-routes) in support of the Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The purpose is to enhance the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) by transitioning from ground-based navigation aids to a satellite-based navigation system.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 68 (Monday, April 10, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 68 (Monday, April 10, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21135-21138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07296]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0687; Airspace Docket No. 22-AEA-16]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes, Eastern United
States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish 4 low altitude Area
Navigation (RNAV) routes (T-routes) in support of the Very High
Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum Operational Network
(MON) Program. The purpose is to enhance the efficiency of the National
Airspace System (NAS) by transitioning from ground-based navigation
aids to a satellite-based navigation system.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 25, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-0687 and
Airspace Docket No. 22-AEA-16 using any of the following methods:
* Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> and follow
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
* Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
* Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in
Room W12-140 of the West Building
[[Page 21136]]
Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
* Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> at any time. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points,
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at <a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/</a>. You may also contact the Rules and
Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration,
800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Vidis, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, 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 expand the availability of RNAV in the eastern
United States and improve the efficient flow of air traffic within the
NAS by lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters
should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or
commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments
are filed in writing.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments it receives.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the
commenter provides, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, as described in the system
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
<a href="http://www.dot.gov/privacy">www.dot.gov/privacy</a>.
Availability of Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at
<a href="http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/">www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/</a>.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center,
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Avenue,
College Park, GA, 30337.
Incorporation by Reference
United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph
6011 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual
basis. This document proposes to amend the current version of that
order, FAA Order JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022 and effective
September 15, 2022. These updates would be published in the next update
to FAA Order JO 7400.11. That order is publicly available as listed in
the ADDRESSES section of this document.
FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish 4
low altitude RNAV T-routes in the northeast United States to support
the VOR MON Program, and the transition of the NAS from ground-based
navigation aids to satellite-based navigation. The proposed route
changes are described below.
T-447: T-447 is a proposed new route that would extend from the
Smyrna, DE (ENO), VOR/Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC) to the
DLMAR, PA, waypoint (WP). The route would overlay T-356 from the APEER,
MD, WP to the FOLEZ, PA, WP; VOR Federal airway V-408 from the
Pottstown, PA (PTW), VORTAC to the East Texas, PA (ETX), VOR/Distance
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME); and VOR Federal airway V-164 from the
East Texas, PA (ETX), VOR/DME to the Stonyfork, PA (SFK), VOR/DME.
T-449: T-449 is a proposed new route that would extend from the
KITHE, PA, Fix to the Binghamton, NY (CFB), VOR/DME. The route would
overlay VOR Federal airway V-499 from the KITHE, PA, Fix to the
Binghamton, NY (CFV), VOR/DME.
T-460: T-460 is a proposed new route that would extend from the
Philipsburg, PA (PSB), VORTAC to the GLYDE, MA, Fix. The route would
overlay VOR Federal Airway V-576 from the Philipsburg, PA (PSB), VORTAC
to the Hancock, NY (HNK), VOR/DME, and VOR Federal Airway V-292 from
the Hancock, NY (HNK), VOR/DME, to the GLYDE, MA, Fix.
T-479: T-479 is a proposed new route that would extend from the
DNVIL, VA, WP to the Elkins, WV (EKN), VORTAC. The route would overlay
VOR Federal airway V-258 from the Danville, VA (DAN), VOR to the
Roanoke, VA (ROA), VOR/DME; and VOR Federal airway V-103 from the
Roanoke, VA (ROA), VOR/DME to the Elkins, WV (EKN), VORTAC. In the
route description, the Danville, VA (DAN), VOR would be replaced by the
DNVIL, VA, WP.
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
[[Page 21137]]
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 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 14 CFR 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 JO
7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19,
2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes
* * * * *
T-447 Smyrna, DE (ENO) to DLMAR, PA [New]
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Smyrna, DE (ENO) VORTAC (Lat. 39[deg]13'53.93'' N, long. 075[deg]30'57.49'' W)
CHAZR, DE WP (Lat. 39[deg]29'28.14'' N, long. 075[deg]44'28.13'' W)
APEER, MD WP (Lat. 39[deg]37'32.94'' N, long. 075[deg]50'25.39'' W)
REESY, PA WP (Lat. 39[deg]45'27.94'' N, long. 075[deg]52'07.09'' W)
FOLEZ, PA WP (Lat. 39[deg]55'32.76'' N, long. 075[deg]49'16.49'' W)
HOSKR, PA WP (Lat. 40[deg]05'03.94'' N, long. 075[deg]32'56.13'' W)
Pottstown, PA (PTW) VORTAC (Lat. 40[deg]13'20.04'' N, long. 075[deg]33'36.90'' W)
East Texas, PA (ETX) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]34'51.74'' N, long. 075[deg]41'02.51'' W)
DIANO, PA FIX (Lat. 41[deg]00'01.99'' N, long. 076[deg]13'33.78'' W)
Williamsport, PA (FQM) VOR/DME (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.81'' N, long. 076[deg]46'29.52'' W)
DLMAR, PA WP (Lat. 41[deg]41'42.56'' N, long. 077[deg]25'11.02'' W)
* * * * * * *
T-449 KITHE, PA to Binghamton, NY (CFB) [New]
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KITHE, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]48'35.53'' N, long. 076[deg]17'48.12'' W)
Lancaster, PA (LRP) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]07'11.91'' N, long. 076[deg]17'28.66'' W)
Binghamton, NY (CFB) VOR/DME (Lat. 42[deg]09'26.97'' N, long. 076[deg]08'11.30'' W)
* * * * * * *
T-460 Philipsburg, PA (PSB) to GLYDE, MA [New]
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Philipsburg, PA (PSB) VORTAC (Lat. 40[deg]54'58.53'' N, long. 077[deg]59'33.78'' W)
Williamsport, PA (FQM) VOR/DME (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.81'' N, long. 076[deg]46'29.52'' W)
Hancock, NY (HNK) VOR/DME (Lat. 42[deg]03'47.01'' N, long. 075[deg]18'58.62'' W)
SAGES, NY FIX (Lat. 42[deg]02'46.33'' N, long. 074[deg]19'10.33'' W)
Barnes, MA (BAF) VORTAC (Lat. 42[deg]09'43.05'' N, long. 072[deg]42'58.32'' W)
GLYDE, MA FIX (Lat. 42[deg]16'03.84'' N, long. 071[deg]48'42.76'' W)
* * * * * * *
T-479 DNVIL, VA to Elkins, WV (EKN) [New]
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DNVIL, VA WP (Lat. 36[deg]33'49.53'' N, long. 079[deg]19'53.54'' W)
PIGGS, VA FIX (Lat. 36[deg]56'01.81'' N, long. 079[deg]42'40.61'' W)
Roanoke, VA (ROA) VOR/DME (Lat. 37[deg]20'36.47'' N, long. 080[deg]04'13.43'' W)
Elkins, WV (EKN) VORTAC (Lat. 38[deg]54'51.97'' N, long. 080[deg]05'57.38'' W)
[[Page 21138]]
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 3, 2023.
Brian Konie,
Acting Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2023-07296 Filed 4-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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