Proposed Rule2023-22472
Modification of Restricted Areas R-4201A and R-4201B; Camp Grayling, MI
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Published
October 13, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to modify the designated altitudes of restricted area R-4201B, Camp Grayling, MI, by raising the restricted area ceiling from 9,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) to 23,000 feet MSL to match the ceiling of the adjacent restricted area R-4201A, Camp Grayling, MI. Additionally, this action proposes to make minor administrative changes to the R-4201B time of designation information and the R-4201A and R- 4201B using agency information to standardize the format of the information provided describing these restricted areas.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 197 (Friday, October 13, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 197 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70915-70917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-22472]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1972; Airspace Docket No. 22-AGL-39]
RIN 2120-AA66
Modification of Restricted Areas R-4201A and R-4201B; Camp
Grayling, MI
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify the designated altitudes of
restricted area R-4201B, Camp Grayling, MI, by raising the restricted
area ceiling
[[Page 70916]]
from 9,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) to 23,000 feet MSL to match the
ceiling of the adjacent restricted area R-4201A, Camp Grayling, MI.
Additionally, this action proposes to make minor administrative changes
to the R-4201B time of designation information and the R-4201A and R-
4201B using agency information to standardize the format of the
information provided describing these restricted areas.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 27, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-1972 and
Airspace Docket No. 22-AGL-39 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.
Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be
directed to: Major Anthony E. Hylko, Alpena Environmental Manager,
Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), Alpena, MI, 49707;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef8e819b87808196c18796838480c1ddaf9a9cc18e89c1828683"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0c6d627864636275226475606763223e4c797f226d6a22616560">[email protected]</span></a> or telephone: (989) 354-6212 (comm).
FAA Order JO 7400.10E, Special Use Airspace, 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: Colby Abbott, 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 modify the restricted area airspace at Camp
Grayling, MI, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential U.S.
Army training requirements.
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, 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
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 Operations Support Group, Central
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Background
The Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), located in
Alpena, MI, is a regional hub for the Air National Guard (ANG) and
hosts Department of Defense (DoD) Large Force Exercises (LFE) every
year; serving as a deployed location. Activities within the Alpena CRTC
airspace complex allow combat air forces to practice weapon attack
mechanics, target acquisition, and reaction to simulated surface-to-air
threats while coordinating with friendly ground elements.
The Alpena Airspace Complex was originally created to support
aircrew training during the buildup for World War II and has continued
as a valuable training area for aircrews since. As the development of
advanced 4th generation and current 5th generation fighter aircraft
progressed, the airspace complex was not updated concurrently to take
advantage of the full spectrum of training needs required to meet the
changing tactics. In particular, the development of next generation
fighters and weapons with advanced sensors and significantly greater
standoff capabilities has created the requirement for additional
hazardous activities maneuver airspace to set up for the employment of
current weapons systems at the Grayling Range restricted areas. The DoD
seeks to amend Military Operations Areas (MOA) and restricted areas in
the Alpena Airspace Complex to address these changing needs. This
proposed rule addresses the proposed changes to 14 CFR part 73 to amend
the Grayling Range restricted areas.
The DoD has already initiated proposed changes to the Alpena MOAs
as a part of a separate action. At the request of the United States Air
Force
[[Page 70917]]
(USAF), the FAA circulated a proposal to establish five new MOAs,
modify the boundaries of three MOAs, and return one MOA to the National
Airspace System (NAS).\1\ Mission profiles in the proposed Alpena MOA
airspace included typical MOA flight operations conducting tactical
combat maneuvering by attack and transport category fixed wing aircraft
involving abrupt, unpredictable changes in altitude, attitude, and
direction of flight. The FAA accepted comments on the proposed MOA
amendments from June 16 to August 3, 2023. These amendments do not
require the FAA to conduct rulemaking or amend 14 CFR part 73.
Accordingly, the FAA will document the MOA amendments in a separate
non-regulatory publication.
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\1\ Airspace Study No. 23-AGL-361-NR circularized by the Central
Service Center Operations Support Group on June 16, 2023, with a
public comment period that ended August 3, 2023.
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Collectively, the proposed changes to the MOAs and the proposed
Grayling Range restricted area amendments would support DoD training
scenarios designed to ensure air dominance of the airspace over the
battlefield. Connecting the proposed Grayling Range R-4201A and R-4201B
restricted areas with the proposed Alpena CRTC MOA airspace areas would
enable the ANG to host and DoD to conduct training scenarios where
fighter aircraft would fight their way into a target area, employ
ordnance, and then egress from either low or high altitudes depending
on the training threats confronted.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 by amending the
Camp Grayling, MI, restricted areas R-4201A and R-4201B. This action
would raise the ceiling of R-4201B from 9,000 feet MSL to 23,000 feet
MSL to match the adjacent R-4201A ceiling, add a ``tie-in'' boundary
point in the R-4201A boundaries description to ensure a shared R-4201A
and R-4201B boundary, and make minor administrative changes to the
existing R-4201B time of designation and the R-4201A and R-4201B using
agency information.
The proposed amendment to raise the R-4201B ceiling to 23,000 feet
MSL would match the restricted area ceiling with the adjacent R-4201A
ceiling and connect the eastern boundaries of the two restricted areas
equally with two new MOAs proposed to be established as part of the
previously published non-rulemaking proposal to amend the Alpena CRTC
Airspace Complex. Further, the proposed R-4201B 23,000-foot MSL ceiling
would accommodate additional hazardous activity maneuvering airspace,
longer standoff distance capabilities for using advanced targeting pod
non-eye-safe combat lasers, and extended munition release distances
required in support of current USAF precision guided munitions tactics
and training. The proposed amendment to increase the ceiling of R-4201B
would also support United States Army requirements for high-angle
artillery fires with high-arching trajectories.
The proposed amendment to add an additional boundary point to the
existing southern boundary of R-4201A would ensure a shared boundary
with the northern boundary of R-4201B. The inclusion of the additional
geographic coordinates located at latitude 44[deg]47'00'' N, longitude
84[deg]38'00'' W in the R-4201A description matches the geographic
coordinates of the northwest corner of R-4201B and would not change the
boundaries alignment for either restricted area.
The proposed administrative change to the existing R-4201B time of
designation would not change when the restricted area is available to
be scheduled. The proposed change would simply restate the existing
times and days when the restricted area may be scheduled consistent
with the FAA's special use airspace description format guidance.
Additionally, administrative changes to the R-4201A and R-4201B using
agency information would preface the existing using agency with ``U.S.
Army.'' These administrative changes would not affect the scheduling,
use, or activities conducted within the restricted areas.
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 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 14 CFR 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. 73.42 Michigan (MI) [Amended]
0
2. Amend Sec. 73.42 to read as follows:
R-4201A Camp Grayling, MI [Amended]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 44[deg]56'00'' N, long.
84[deg]29'00'' W; to lat. 44[deg]47'00'' N, long. 84[deg]29'00'' W;
to lat. 44[deg]47'00'' N, long. 84[deg]38'00'' W; to lat.
44[deg]47'00'' N, long. 84[deg]39'00'' W; to lat. 44[deg]56'00'' N,
long. 84[deg]39'00'' W; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 23,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. 0800-1600 local time, Tuesday-Saturday;
other times by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Minneapolis ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commander, Camp Grayling, Grayling, MI.
R-4201B Camp Grayling, MI [Amended]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 44[deg]47'00'' N, long.
84[deg]29'00'' W; to lat. 44[deg]41'00'' N, long. 84[deg]29'00'' W;
to lat. 44[deg]41'00'' N, long. 84[deg]40'00'' W; to lat.
44[deg]43'00'' N, long. 84[deg]40'00'' W; to lat. 44[deg]43'00'' N,
long. 84[deg]38'00'' W; to lat. 44[deg]47'00'' N, long.
84[deg]38'00'' W; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 23,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. 0000-2359 local time, Saturday-Sunday;
other times by NOTAM.
Controlling agency. FAA, Minneapolis ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Army, Commander, Camp Grayling, Grayling, MI.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 5, 2023.
Karen L. Chiodini,
Acting Manager, Policy and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2023-22472 Filed 10-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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