Proposed Rule2024-27562
Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-286; Eastern United States
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 26, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action proposes to amend domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-286 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Salisbury, MD (SBY) VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC. This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 228 (Tuesday, November 26, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 26, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 93233-93235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-27562]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2512; Airspace Docket No. 24-AEA-9]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range
(VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-286; Eastern United
States
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend domestic Very High Frequency
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and
V-286 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due
to the planned decommissioning of the Salisbury, MD (SBY) VOR/Tactical
Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC. This
action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON)
Program.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 10, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2512 and
Airspace Docket No. 24-AEA-9 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.
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: Brian Vidis, Rules and Regulations
Group, Policy Directorate, 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 amends the route structure to maintain the efficient
flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS).
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.
[[Page 93234]]
Incorporation by Reference
Domestic VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) 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
The FAA is planning to decommission the Salisbury, MD (SBY), VORTAC
and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC in August 2025. The Salisbury
VORTAC and the Snow Hill VORTAC are candidate navigational aids
(NAVAID) identified for discontinuance by the FAA's VOR MON program and
listed in the Final policy statement notice, ``Provision of Navigation
Services for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)
Transition to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing
a VOR Minimum Operational Network),'' published in the Federal Register
of July 26, 2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082.
The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the planned NAVAID
decommissioning are VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-
286. With the planned decommissioning of the Salisbury VORTAC and the
Snow Hill VORTAC, the remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the
area is insufficient to enable the continuity of the affected ATS
routes. As such, proposed modifications to V-29 and V-286 would result
in the airways being shortened; to V-1 would result in a gap being
created; and to V-38 and V-139 would result in the airway being
redesigned.
To overcome the proposed modifications to the affected routes,
instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use adjacent VOR Federal
Airways V-38, V-139, V-155, and V-376 or receive air traffic control
(ATC) radar vectors to fly through or circumnavigate the affected area.
Additionally, IFR pilots with Area Navigation (RNAV)-equipped aircraft
could also use the adjacent RNAV Routes T-224, T-291, T-303, T-307, T-
315, T-320, and T-335; or navigate point-to-point using the existing
fixes that will remain in place to support continued operations through
the affected area. Visual flight rules (VFR) pilots who elect to
navigate via airways through the affected area could also take
advantage of ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend
domestic VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-29, V-38, V-139, and V-286 to
support the planned decommissioning of the Salisbury, MD (SBY) VORTAC
and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC. This action is in support of the
FAA's VOR MON Program.
V-1: V-1 currently extends between the Craig, FL (CRG), VORTAC and
the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). The
FAA proposes to remove the airway segments between the Norfolk, VA
(ORF), VORTAC and the Waterloo, DE (ATR), VOR/DME due to the scheduled
decommissioning of the Salisbury, MD (SBY), VORTAC. Additionally, the
FAA proposes to add language to the route description that the airway
excludes restricted area R-5002F as it is adjacent to VOR Federal
Airway V-1 and remove language that the airway excludes restricted area
R-4006 as it would no longer be adjacent to VOR Federal Airway V-1.
As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Craig
VORTAC and the Norfolk VORTAC; and between the Waterloo VOR/DME and the
Boston VOR/DME. The portions within R-5002A, R-5002C, R-5002D and R-
5002F are excluded during their times of use.
V-29: V-29 currently extends between the Snow Hill, MD (SWL),
VORTAC and the Syracuse, NY (SYR), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove
the airway segments between the Snow Hill VORTAC and the Smyrna, DE
(ENO), VORTAC due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Snow Hill
VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the
Smyrna VORTAC and the Syracuse VORTAC.
V-38: V-38 currently extends between the Moline, IL (MZV), VOR/DME
and the intersection of the Fort Wayne, IN (FWA), VORTAC 091[deg] and
the Rosewood, OH (ROD), VORTAC 334[deg] radials (WINES Fix); and
between the Appleton, OH (APE), VORTAC and the Cape Charles, VA (CCV),
VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the Cape Charles VORTAC and replace
it with the LNSKY, VA, Fix due to a need for VOR Federal Airway V-38 to
connect to the proposed redesigned VOR Federal Airway V-139 in this
docket. The LNSKY Fix is defined as the intersection of the Harcum, VA
(HCM), VORTAC 100[deg] True (T)/107[deg] Magnetic (M) and the Norfolk,
VA (ORF), VORTAC 026[deg]T/033[deg]M radials, and would be charted on
VOR Federal Airway V-139. As amended, the airway would be changed to
extend between the Moline VOR/DME and the WINES Fix; and between the
Appleton VORTAC and the LNSKY Fix.
V-139: V-139 currently extends between the Florence, SC (FLO),
VORTAC and the Kennebunk, ME (ENE), VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove
the Cape Charles, VA (CCV), VORTAC and the Snow Hill, MD (SWL), VORTAC
from the route and replace them with a route segment directly between
the Norfolk, VA (ORF), VORTAC and the Sea Isle, NJ (SIE), VORTAC due to
the scheduled decommissioning of the Snow Hill VORTAC.
The FAA also proposes to add the SUWHT, VA, Fix and the WINAL, NC,
Fix to the route between the intersection of the New Bern, NC (EWN),
VOR/DME 006[deg] and Norfolk VORTAC 209[deg] radials (PEARS Fix) and
the Norfolk VORTAC due to a need to align this portion of the airway to
the commonly assigned routing between the PEARS Fix; SUWHT Fix; WINAL
Fix; and Norfolk VORTAC. The SUWHT, VA, Fix is defined as the
intersection of the Norfolk, VORTAC 209[deg] T/216[deg] M and Elizabeth
City, NC (ECG), VOR/DME 243[deg] T/250[deg] M radials; and the WINAL,
NC, Fix is defined as the intersection of the Elizabeth City VOR/DME
243[deg] T/250[deg] M and Norfolk VORTAC 194[deg] T/201[deg] M radials.
Additionally, The FAA proposes to add language to the route
description that the airway excludes restricted area R-5301, R-5302, R-
5303, R-5304, and R-5306 as they are adjacent to VOR Federal Airway V-
139; and remove language that the airway excludes restricted area R-
5202 as it is not adjacent to VOR Federal Airway V-139. As amended, the
airway would continue to extend between the Florence VORTAC and the
Kennebunk VOR/DME. The airspace below 2,000 feet mean sea level (MSL)
outside the United States, the airspace below 3,000 feet MSL between
the Kennedy, NY, 087[deg] and 141[deg] radials, and the airspace within
R-5301, R-5302, R-5303, R-5304, R-5306 and R-6604 are excluded.
V-286: V-286 currently extends between the Elkins, WV (EKN), VORTAC
and the Cape Charles, VA (CCV), VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the
airway segment between the Brooke, VA (BRV), VORTAC and the
[[Page 93235]]
Cape Charles VORTAC due to the Brooke VORTAC being out of service and
unable to provide navigational guidance for this airway segment. As
amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Elkins
VORTAC and the Brooke VORTAC.
The full descriptions of the above routes are set forth below in
the proposed amendments to part 71. The NAVAID radials listed in the
VOR Federal airway description regulatory text of this NPRM are stated
in degrees True north. Additionally, minor editorial corrections to the
airway descriptions are made to comply with ATS route formatting
requirements.
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 JO
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31,
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6010(a). Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-1 [Amended]
From Craig, FL; INT Craig 020[deg] and Charleston, SC, 214[deg]
radials; Charleston; Grand Strand, SC; INT Grand Strand 031[deg] and
Kinston, NC, 214[deg] radials; Kinston; Cofield, NC; to Norfolk, VA.
From Waterloo, DE; INT Waterloo 024[deg] and Coyle, NJ, 216[deg]
radials; Coyle; INT Coyle 036[deg] and Kennedy, NY, 209[deg]
radials; Kennedy; Deer Park, NY; Madison, CT; Hartford, CT; INT
Hartford 040[deg] and Boston, MA, 252[deg] radials; to Boston, MA;
excluding the airspace below 2,700 feet MSL outside the United
States between STARY INT and Charleston, SC. The portions within R-
5002A, R-5002C, R-5002D and R-5002F are excluded during their times
of use.
* * * * *
V-29 [Amended]
From Smyrna, DE; Dupont, DE; Modena, PA; Pottstown, PA; East
Texas, PA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; Binghamton, NY; INT Binghamton 005[deg]
and Syracuse, NY, 169[deg] radials; to Syracuse.
* * * * *
V-38 [Amended]
From Moline, IL; INT Moline 082[deg] and Peotone, IL, 281[deg]
radials; Peotone; Fort Wayne, IN; to INT Fort Wayne 091[deg] and
Rosewood, OH, 334[deg] radials. From Appleton, OH; Zanesville, OH;
Parkersburg, WV; Elkins, WV; Gordonsville, VA; Richmond, VA; Harcum,
VA; to INT Harcum 100[deg] T/107[deg] M and Norfolk, VA, 026[deg] T/
033[deg] M radials.
* * * * *
V-139 [Amended]
From Florence, SC; Wilmington, NC; New Bern, NC; INT of New Bern
006[deg] and Norfolk, VA, 209[deg] radials; INT Norfolk 209[deg] T/
216[deg] M and Elizabeth City, NC 243[deg] T/250[deg] M radials; INT
Elizabeth City 243[deg] T/250[deg] M and Norfolk 194[deg] T/201[deg]
M radials; Norfolk; Sea Isle, NJ; INT Sea Isle 050[deg] and Hampton,
NY, 223[deg] radials; Hampton; Providence, RI; INT Providence
079[deg] and Sandy Point, RI, 031[deg] radials; INT Sandy Point
031[deg] and Kennebunk, ME, 180[deg] radials; to Kennebunk. The
airspace below 2,000 feet MSL outside the United States, the
airspace below 3,000 feet MSL between the Kennedy, NY, 087[deg] and
141[deg] radials, and the airspace within R-5301, R-5302, R-5303, R-
5304, R-5306 and R-6604 are excluded.
* * * * *
V-286 [Amended]
From Elkins, WV; Casanova, VA; INT Casanova 142[deg] and Brooke,
VA, 300[deg] radials; to Brooke.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on November 20, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-27562 Filed 11-25-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 26, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.