Rule2026-05580
Renaming of Restricted Areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-2103C; Fort Novosel, AL
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
March 23, 2026
Effective
July 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
This action implements administrative changes to rename the facility associated with restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R- 2103C, Fort Novosel, AL, and to update the using agency description to reflect the change. This action does not alter airspace boundaries or impose additional operating requirements on users of the affected airspace.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 55 (Monday, March 23, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13713-13714]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05580]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2473; Airspace Docket No. 25-ASO-18]
RIN 2120-AA66
Renaming of Restricted Areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-2103C; Fort
Novosel, AL
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action implements administrative changes to rename the
facility associated with restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-
2103C, Fort Novosel, AL, and to update the using agency description to
reflect the change. This action does not alter airspace boundaries or
impose additional operating requirements on users of the affected
airspace.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: A copy of this final rule and all background material may be
viewed online at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> using the FAA Docket number.
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website.
It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic
copy of this document may also be downloaded from
<a href="http://www.federalregister.gov">www.federalregister.gov</a>.
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 updates the information in the airspace descriptions of
restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-2103C, Fort Novosel, AL.
History
On June 11, 2025, the Secretary of Defense directed the United
States Army to change the name of ``Fort Novosel, AL'' by redesignating
it as, ``Fort Rucker, AL.'' Consequently, this rulemaking action
implements the requisite changes to part 73 by updating the airspace
descriptions and titles of restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-
2103C to reflect the new name.
The Rule
This action amends 14 CFR part 73 by updating the airspace titles
and using agency descriptions for restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B,
and R-2103C by removing the name ``Fort Novosel, AL'' and replacing it
with ``Fort Rucker, AL.'' The using agency for all three restricted
areas is changed to the ``Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation
Center, Fort Rucker, AL.''
Good Cause for Bypassing Notice and Comment
Under 5 U.S.C. 553, federal agencies engaged in informal rulemaking
must provide the public with a notice of proposed rulemaking and an
opportunity for public participation. However, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B)
exempts a rule from these requirements ``when the agency for good cause
finds (and incorporates the finding and a brief statement of reasons
therefor in the rules issued) that notice and public procedure thereon
are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.''
Courts have construed these exceptions narrowly but have nonetheless
accepted determinations of good cause that notice and comment is
unnecessary in ``those situations in which the administrative rule is a
routine determination, insignificant in nature and impact, and
inconsequential to the industry and to the public.'' See Mack Trucks,
Inc. v. EPA, 682 F.3d 87, 94 (D.C. Cir. 2012). This action consists of
administrative name changes and minor technical amendments only. It
does not affect the boundaries, altitudes, time of designation,
operating requirements, or activities conducted in the restricted
areas. Therefore, FAA has determined that good cause exists to find
that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this 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
only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified
that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
The FAA has determined that this action of making an administrative
change to rename restricted areas R-2103A, R-2103B, and R-2103C, from
Fort Novosel, AL to Fort Rucker, AL, qualifies for categorical
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321,
et seq.) and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National
Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, paragraph B-2.5(a),
which categorically excludes from further environmental impact review
rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace areas,
airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation
of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes;
and Reporting Points); and paragraph B-2.5(d), which categorically
excludes from further environmental impact review the modification of
the technical description of special use airspace (SUA) that does not
alter the dimensions, altitudes, or times of designation of the
airspace (such as changes in designation of the controlling or using
agency, or correction of typographical errors). As such, this action is
not expected to result in any potentially significant environmental
impacts. In accordance with the FAA's NEPA implementation policy and
procedures regarding extraordinary circumstances, the FAA has reviewed
this action for factors and circumstances in which a normally
categorically excluded action may have a significant environmental
impact requiring further analysis. The FAA has determined that no
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an
environmental
[[Page 13714]]
assessment or environmental impact statement.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.
The Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration amends 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. 73.21 Alabama (AL) [Amended]
0
2. Section 73.21 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-2103A Fort Novosel, AL [Revoke]
R-2103B Fort Novosel, AL [Revoke]
R-2103C Fort Novosel, AL [Revoke]
R-2103A Fort Rucker, AL [Established]
Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at
lat. 31[deg]26'56'' N, long. 085[deg]47'45'' W.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 5,000 feet. MSL.
Time of designation. Continuous.
Controlling agency. U.S. Army, Cairns Approach Control.
Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, Fort
Rucker, AL.
R-2103B Fort Rucker, AL [Established]
Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at
lat. 31[deg]26'56'' N, long. 085[deg]47'45'' W.
Designated altitudes. 5,000 feet MSL to but not including 10,000
feet MSL.
Time of designation. Continuous.
Controlling agency. U.S. Army, Cairns Approach Control.
Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, Fort
Rucker, AL.
R-2103C Fort Rucker, AL [Established]
Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at
lat. 31[deg]26'56'' N, long. 085[deg]47'45'' W.
Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to 15,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. By NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, Fort
Rucker, AL.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2026.
Brian Eric Konie,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2026-05580 Filed 3-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on March 23, 2026.
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