Proposed Rule2023-07398
Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3004A, R-3004B, and R-3004C; Fort Gordon, GA
Primary source
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Published
April 10, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend restricted areas R-3004A, R- 3004B, and R-3004C at U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Fort Gordon, GA. The proposed amended airspace would align the lateral boundaries to encompass the majority of the training complex and amend the vertical divisions for better management to activate only the airspace required to support the Army's training. It would also remove restrictions on aircraft operations on weekends, flight above 12,000 feet above ground level (AGL), and the requirement that weather minima exceed standard Visual Flight Rules (VFR) criteria.
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 21146-21148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07398]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2023-0504; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASO-25]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3004A, R-3004B, and R-3004C; Fort
Gordon, GA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend restricted areas R-3004A, R-
3004B, and R-3004C at U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM)
Fort Gordon, GA. The proposed amended airspace would align the lateral
boundaries to encompass the majority of the training complex and amend
the vertical divisions for better management to activate only the
airspace required to support the Army's training. It would also remove
restrictions on aircraft operations on weekends, flight above 12,000
feet above ground level (AGL), and the requirement that weather minima
exceed standard Visual Flight Rules (VFR) criteria.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 25, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-0504 and
Airspace Docket No. 21-ASO-25 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 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, 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 as it amends restricted area airspace at Fort Gordon,
GA, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential U.S. Army
training activities.
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>.
[[Page 21147]]
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, phone number, and hours of
operation). 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.
Background
The U.S. Army submitted a proposal to the FAA to amend the existing
restricted areas at IMCOM Fort Gordon, GA, to realign the lateral
boundaries to encompass the majority of the training complex, to align
with weapon delivery system advancements in aviation and artillery, and
to contain artillery and rockets. Amending the vertical divisions of
the area will align with typical training requirements and would result
in simpler and more efficient scheduling, and release of airspace to
the public when not in use.
The removal of the aircraft weather minima and altitude restriction
will increase aviation-related training opportunities and provide
additional aviation maneuvering space to support training and
operations. The removal of weekend restrictions will provide the
opportunity for National Guard and Reserve units to conduct air
operations and airborne training during their weekend drills.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to amend
restricted areas R-3004A, R-3004B, and R-3004C at U.S. Army IMCOM Fort
Gordon, GA. The three areas share common boundaries that overlie each
other. The proposed changes are described below.
R-3004A: R-3004A currently extends from the surface to but not
including 3,500 feet mean sea level (MSL). This proposal would lower
the ceiling of R-3004A to read ``to but not including 2,500 feet MSL.''
This change would contain the majority of day-to-day training
requirements so that, as amended, only R-3004A would need to be
activated on a regular basis.
R-3004B: R-3004B currently extends from 3,500 feet MSL to 7,000
feet MSL. The floor of R-3004B would be lowered from 3,500 feet MSL to
2,500 feet MSL in conjunction with the amended ceiling of R-3004A,
described above. The ceiling of R-3004B would be raised from 7,000 feet
MSL to but not including 10,000 feet MSL. This change would better
align restricted airspace with Fort Gordon's typical training
requirements.
R-3004C: R-3004C currently extends from 7,000 feet MSL to 16,000
feet MSL. This proposal would raise the floor of R-3004C from 7,000
feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL, in conjunction with the change to R-3004B,
described above.
The proposed changes to the restricted area altitudes described
above would reduce the need to activate all three restricted areas to
accomplish daily training. This would provide the flexibility to
activate only those restricted area segments required for the planned
training events, while leaving the unused segment(s) available for
access by other aviation users.
The current lateral configuration of R-3004A, B, and C is not large
enough to allow for the use of realistic tactics and procedures to
support current and emerging training requirements at Fort Gordon. The
southwest boundary of the restricted areas extends slightly beyond the
installation property line. This proposal would adjust the southwest
boundary so that the boundary is contained within installation
property. Additionally, the proposal would expand the lateral limits R-
3004A, B, and C farther to the north and northeast to incorporate the
majority of Fort Gordon property. This expansion would be fully
contained within the current boundaries of federally owned land within
the Fort Gordon range complex.
The time of designation for all three restricted areas would remain
``By NOTAM 24 hours in advance.''
The current descriptions of R-3004A, B, and C contain certain terms
and conditions that limit aircraft activities in the airspace as
follows:
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.
These conditions were implemented in 1984 when the U.S. Air Force
began using the restricted areas to conduct air-to-surface inert and
practice ordnance delivery. The Air Force no longer uses the restricted
areas for delivery of aerial munitions, so these terms and conditions
now restrict combined arms and joint service training opportunities
(involving aircraft) for units that train at Fort Gordon.
Consequently, this proposal would remove the restrictions on
aircraft activities on weekends and remove the restrictions on aircraft
activities above 12,000 feet AGL and remove the overly restrictive
weather minima. However, the following limitations would be retained:
``Aircraft activities must not be conducted on national holidays,
or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Tournament through the Monday
after (and subsequent weather days if required).''
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 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.
[[Page 21148]]
Sec. 73.30 Georgia [Amended]
0
2. Section 73.30 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-3004A Fort Gordon, GA [Amended]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 33[deg]25'03''N, long.
82[deg]12'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'48''N, long. 82[deg]08'56''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'20''N, long. 82[deg]08'33''W;
to lat. 33[deg]21'33''N, long. 82[deg]09'10''W;
to lat. 33[deg]20'15''N, long. 82[deg]10'57''W.,
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]16'11''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'23''N, long. 82[deg]16'17''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'22''N, long. 82[deg]16'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'29''N, long. 82[deg]16'52''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'57''N, long. 82[deg]17'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'56''N, long. 82[deg]18'50''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'27''N, long. 82[deg]21'19''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]22'35''W;
to lat. 33[deg]19'26''N, long. 82[deg]22'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'37''N, long. 82[deg]16'58''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'50''N, long. 82[deg]14'03''W;
to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes. Surface to but not including 2,500 feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM 24 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Atlanta ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding Officer, Fort Gordon, GA.
Remarks. Aircraft activities must not be conducted on national
holidays or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament
through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required).
R-3004B Fort Gordon, GA [Amended]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 33[deg]25'03''N, long.
82[deg]12'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'48''N, long. 82[deg]08'56''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'20''N, long. 82[deg]08'33''W;
to lat. 33[deg]21'33''N, long. 82[deg]09'10''W;
to lat. 33[deg]20'15''N, long. 82[deg]10'57''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]16'11''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'23''N, long. 82[deg]16'17''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'22''N, long. 82[deg]16'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'29''N, long. 82[deg]16'52''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'57''N, long. 82[deg]17'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'56''N, long. 82[deg]18'50''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'27''N, long. 82[deg]21'19''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]22'35''W;
to lat. 33[deg]19'26''N, long. 82[deg]22'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'37''N, long. 82[deg]16'58''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'50''N, long. 82[deg]14'03''W;
to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes. 2,500 feet MSL to but not including 10,000
feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM 24 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Atlanta ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding Officer, Fort Gordon, GA.
Remarks. Aircraft activities must not be conducted on national
holidays or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament
through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required).
R-3004C Fort Gordon, GA [Amended]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 33[deg]25'03''N, long.
82[deg]12'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'48''N, long. 82[deg]08'56''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'20''N, long. 82[deg]08'33''W;
to lat. 33[deg]21'33''N, long. 82[deg]09'10''W;
to lat. 33[deg]20'15''N, long. 82[deg]10'57''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]16'11''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'23''N, long. 82[deg]16'17''W;
to lat. 33[deg]18'22''N, long. 82[deg]16'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'29''N, long. 82[deg]16'52''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'57''N, long. 82[deg]17'39''W;
to lat. 33[deg]16'56''N, long. 82[deg]18'50''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'27''N, long. 82[deg]21'19''W;
to lat. 33[deg]17'41''N, long. 82[deg]22'35''W;
to lat. 33[deg]19'26''N, long. 82[deg]22'15''W;
to lat. 33[deg]22'37''N, long. 82[deg]16'58''W;
to lat. 33[deg]23'50''N, long. 82[deg]14'03''W;
to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes. 10,000 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.
Remarks. Aircraft activities must not be conducted on national
holidays or from the Sunday prior to the Masters Golf Tournament
through the Monday after (and subsequent weather days if required).
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on April 4, 2023.
Brian Konie,
Acting Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2023-07398 Filed 4-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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