Proposed Rule2024-25706
Proposed Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-162 and Q-166; Southwest United States.
Primary source
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Published
November 7, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to establish Area Navigation (RNAV) routes Q-162 and Q-166 in the Southwest United States. The proposed new RNAV routes would provide alternative routing for air traffic travelling between southwest Arizona and western Texas in response to severe weather events during the spring and summer months. Additionally, the new RNAV routes would expand the availability of RNAV routing in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) from a ground-based to satellite-based system for navigation.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 88178-88180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25706]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2444; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-7]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-162 and
Q-166; Southwest United States.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Area Navigation (RNAV)
routes Q-162 and Q-166 in the Southwest United States. The proposed new
RNAV routes would provide alternative routing for air traffic
travelling between southwest Arizona and western Texas in response to
severe weather events during the spring and summer months.
Additionally, the new RNAV routes would expand the availability of RNAV
routing in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS)
from a ground-based to satellite-based system for navigation.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 23, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2444 and
Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-7 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.
[[Page 88179]]
FAA Order JO 7400.11J, 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, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration,
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; 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 National Airspace System (NAS) as
necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
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 Operations Support Group,
Central Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Incorporation by Reference
United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph
2006 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 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective
September 15, 2024. 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 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
Background
During the spring and summer months each year, the FAA experiences
severe dry-line thunderstorm weather activity across central Arizona
and New Mexico, and western Texas that impact air traffic operations
transiting that area. When the severe weather activity events occur,
the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) issues radar
vectors to affected aircraft to minimize the operational impact to the
operators and to the NAS as a whole.
To further mitigate severe weather-related impacts for aircraft
operations flying through the southwest United States during the spring
and summer months, the FAA is proposing to establish two new RNAV
routes, Q-162 and Q-166, within Albuquerque ARTCC airspace. The
proposed Q-162 route would transition west to east across the northern
portion of Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace and the proposed Q-166 route
would transition west to east across the southern portion of
Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace. Instrument flight rules pilots with RNAV-
equipped aircraft would be able to navigate north or south of the
severe weather events and affected areas without further contributing
to air traffic control (ATC) workload associated with sequencing and
separating affected aircraft via radar vectors around the severe
weather events and affected areas.
Having experienced a 24 percent increase of enroute air traffic
through Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace in the last 10 years, the proposed
routes would support the increased enroute operations and establish
much-needed published holding information that would increase safety
for both pilots and controllers by reducing phraseology/frequency
congestion and depicting predictable holding locations during days that
require restraints as a result of system overload due to a high volume
of traffic. Moreover, the proposed Q-routes would add structure for
overflight air traffic in concert with new Phoenix Terminal Radar
Approach Control (TRACON) and Tucson TRACON procedures when the
traditional route structure is inadequate.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish RNAV routes Q-162 and Q-166
in the southwest United States. The proposed new RNAV Q-routes are
described below.
Q-162: Q-162 is a proposed new route that would extend between the
HAHAA, AZ, Waypoint (WP), located approximately 20 nautical miles (NM)
northwest of the Flagstaff, AZ, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional
Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the AGGIY, TX,
WP, located approximately 36 NM northeast of the Panhandle, TX, VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). This Q-route would provide a routing
alternative along the northern portion of
[[Page 88180]]
Albuquerque ARTCC airspace between the Flagstaff, AZ, area and the
Borger, TX, area when severe weather events impact the high altitude
enroute structure through central Arizona and New Mexico, and western
Texas.
Q-166: Q-166 is a proposed new route that would extend between the
MOHAK, AZ, Fix, located approximately 32 NM east of the Bard, CA,
VORTAC and the MRTHN, TX, WP, located approximately 55 NM southeast of
the Fort Stockton, TX, VORTAC. This Q-route would also provide a
routing alternative along the southern portion of Albuquerque ARTCC
airspace between the Wellton, AZ, area and the Longfellow, TX, area
when severe weather events impact the high altitude enroute structure
through central Arizona and New Mexico, and western Texas.
This proposal to establish RNAV routes Q-162 and Q-166 would reduce
air traffic control (ATC) sector workload and complexity, reduce pilot-
to-controller communication requirements, and increase NAS safety and
capacity in areas effected by severe weather events in the southwest
United States. These new RNAV Q-routes would also assist ATC when non-
radar procedures are required and provide additional RNAV enroute
structure supporting the FAA's NextGen efforts to make flying safer,
more efficient, and more predictable within the NAS.
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 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 7400.11J,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 2024, and
effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
Q-162 HAHAA, AZ to AGGIY, TX [New]
HAHAA, AZ WP (Lat. 35[deg]27'21.83'' N, long. 111[deg]51'43.96'' W)
Gallup, NM (GUP) VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]28'33.60'' N, long. 108[deg]52'21.41'' W)
DRICC, NM WP (Lat. 35[deg]41'21.20'' N, long. 105[deg]22'08.78'' W)
MIRME, NM WP (Lat. 35[deg]47'00.72'' N, long. 103[deg]50'31.88'' W)
AGGIY, TX WP (Lat. 35[deg]48'20.71'' N, long. 101[deg]28'38.83'' W)
* * * * *
Q-166 MOHAK, AZ to MRTHN, TX [New]
MOHAK, AZ FIX (Lat. 32[deg]46'33.04'' N, long. 113[deg]58'19.55'' W)
Gila Bend, AZ (GBN) VORTAC (Lat. 32[deg]57'22.53'' N, long. 112[deg]40'27.38'' W)
Stanfield, AZ (TFD) VORTAC (Lat. 32[deg]53'09.08'' N, long. 111[deg]54'31.44'' W)
OLIIN, AZ FIX (Lat. 32[deg]03'45.69'' N, long. 110[deg]11'23.06'' W)
GRNNT, NM WP (Lat. 31[deg]53'00.00'' N, long. 108[deg]07'00.00'' W)
SWIMS, TX WP (Lat. 31[deg]50'35.65'' N, long. 106[deg]35'10.22'' W)
El Paso, TX (ELP) VORTAC (Lat. 31[deg]48'57.28'' N, long. 106[deg]16'54.78'' W)
FNLAY, TX WP (Lat. 31[deg]10'24.00'' N, long. 105[deg]20'29.00'' W)
TRQSE, TX WP (Lat. 31[deg]01'00.41'' N, long. 105[deg]05'22.81'' W)
Marfa, TX (MRF) VOR/DME (Lat. 30[deg]17'54.14'' N, long. 103[deg]57'17.12'' W)
MRTHN, TX WP (Lat. 30[deg]04'59.00'' N, long. 102[deg]38'47.00'' W)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 31, 2024.
Brian Eric Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-25706 Filed 11-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 7, 2024.
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