Establishment of Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Northeast United States, 37261-37263 [2011-15885]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Material Incorporated by Reference (q) You must use Bombardier Task 284000–417 in Section 4–1, Fuel System Limitations, of Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 5, dated April 21, 2010, of Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1– 84–7, and the service information contained in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The revision level for Bombardier Task 284000–417 in Section 4– 1, Fuel System Limitations, of Part 2— Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 5, dated April 21, 2010, of Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1–84–7, is specified only on the title page and page 1 of the record of Revisions of that document. Page 4 of Section 4–1, Fuel System Limitations, of Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 5, dated April 21, 2010, of Bombardier Q400 Dash 8 Maintenance Requirements Manual, PSM 1– 84–7, is not listed in the Table of Contents of that document. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in ˆ this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´ Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514– 855–7401; e-mail 37261 thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. TABLE 2—SERVICE BULLETINS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Document Bombardier Bombardier Bombardier Bombardier Bombardier Revision Service Service Service Service Service Bulletin Bulletin Bulletin Bulletin Bulletin 84–28–03 84–28–04 84–28–05 84–28–07 84–57–09 ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–15364 Filed 6–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0078; Airspace Docket No. 10–AEA–20] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action establishes helicopter RNAV routes as part of the U.S. air traffic service route (ATS) structure and designates two helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) in the northeast corridor between the Washington, DC, and New York City metropolitan areas. The TK-routes are for use by helicopters having IFRapproved Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. The FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace for en route IFR helicopter operations. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:55 Jun 24, 2011 Jkt 223001 C ................................................. B .................................................. Original ........................................ Original ........................................ B .................................................. May 15, 2009 October 21, 2009 June 28, 2006 August 1, 2008 September 3, 2008 Effective date 0901 UTC, August 25, 2011. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and publication of conforming amendments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: History Establishment of Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Northeast United States SUMMARY: Date On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish two helicopter RNAV routes in Northeast United States (76 FR 12643). Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. Four people submitted comments on the proposal. Discussion of Comments Two commenters wrote expressing support for the proposal. Two commenters raised several issues which are discussed below. One commenter questioned the need for a new type of airway for helicopters stating that the existing system of VOR Federal airways and RNAV T-routes should be sufficient. The commenter wrote, in the past, the FAA had designated routes for helicopters in the northeast, but they were seldom available for use. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Additionally, the commenter asked if the air traffic control separation standards for IFR helicopters differ from those that apply to fixed-wing aircraft; contending that, if they are the same, there is no need for helicopter airways. The past routes noted by the commenter were initiated in FAA Advisory Circular AC 73–2, ‘‘IFR Helicopter Operations in the Northeast Corridor,’’ dated June 11, 1979. AC 73– 2 advised of special RNAV helicopter routes between Washington, DC, and Boston, MA. The routes were developed consistent with conventional traffic flows for use by helicopters under IFR conditions. Use of these routes was limited only to those operators that met specified criteria and were issued a letter of authorization from the FAA. Therefore, the routes were not available for general use and they were not depicted on IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts. The Advisory Circular was subsequently cancelled because the routes were designed for first generation RNAV systems which lacked the accuracy and reliability of satellite navigation and other advanced RNAV systems. Additionally, it was determined that the routes do not meet current Air Traffic Service route criteria. On March 26, 2007, the FAA issued a Letter to Airmen containing new routings to be filed with a ‘‘fix-to-fix’’ flight plan along the ‘‘old’’ IFR northeast corridor. As with the Advisory Circular routes, these routes are not depicted on IFR En route Low Altitude charts. The new TK routes in this rule approximate the former northeast corridor route E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1 jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES 37262 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2011 / Rules and Regulations tracks. In addition, the new TK routes are public routes that will be depicted on the IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts and available for use by suitably equipped helicopters. Regarding IFR separation standards, there is no difference between IFR helicopters and IFR fixed wing aircraft. The question of establishing a new type of route for IFR helicopters was raised in response to user requests. In March 2006, the Helicopter Association International (HAI) requested that the FAA take action to develop and chart IFR RNAV airways for use by helicopters having IFR-approved GPS equipment. Of particular interest was the use of RNAV to assist IFR helicopter pilots transiting though busy terminal airspace areas while providing routes separate from fixed-wing traffic. This issue was studied by members of the Government/Industry Aeronautical Charting Forum (ACF), which is comprised of both FAA and Industry participants. The ACF supported the establishment of RNAV helicopter routes and concluded that a unique prefix should be used to identify these routes. Establishment of charted helicopter RNAV TK-routes will enhance safety and facilitate more flexible and efficient access to the NAS for IFR helicopter operations. In addition, the TK-routes will enable the designation of waypoints and feeder routes that would provide a connection between the NAS and instrument procedures serving helicopter landing/ departure facilities. Among the potential benefits of these routes are more efficient and safer operations for helicopter emergency medical services flights. One commenter asked if he could file a TK-route for a flight in a Cessna 150. The answer is no, due in part to the differing missions of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, TK-routes may start and end at locations inappropriate for fixed wing aircraft, such as in the vicinity of hospital or other helipad locations. Due to this difference TKroutes will be designated specifically for helicopter use; therefore, only suitably equipped helicopters will be able to file for the routes. A commenter asked about the expected usage of the routes and the altitudes flown. It is anticipated the average usage rate would be around 30 to 50 flights per month for those route segments between the Philadelphia and the New York City areas. Usage of the full route between New York and Washington, DC, is expected to be about five per month. Altitude use on the routes will vary as with other ATS routes. Each TK-route will have a VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Jun 24, 2011 Jkt 223001 designated minimum en route IFR altitude (MEA). Assigned altitudes will be determined based on the requested altitude filed in the flight plan by the pilot and ATC requirements. The FAA received one request to extend the comment period. We feel that sufficient information was received to issue a final rule; therefore, an extension is not needed. One commenter questioned whether an environmental categorical exclusion (CATEX), as noted in the NPRM, was appropriate for this rule. This comment is addressed in the ‘‘Environmental Review’’ section, below. The Rule The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 adding low altitude helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) to the U.S. ATS route structure and designating the first two such helicopter RNAV routes. Helicopter RNAV routes will be identified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prefix ‘‘TK’’ followed by a 3-digit number. ICAO has allocated the number block 501 through 650 for U.S. use in identifying the routes. The two new routes in this rule, designated TK–502 and TK–504, will provide more direct routing for IFR helicopters in the northeast corridor between the New York City and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas. The routes will serve New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC area airports/heliports. The helicopter RNAV routes will be depicted on the appropriate IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts. Only GNSS equipped RNAV helicopters may file for the TK-routes. Helicopter RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6012 of FAA Order 7400.9U dated August 18, 2010 and effective September 15, 2010, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The helicopter RNAV routes listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order. 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. Therefore, this regulation: (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 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 certified that this 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. 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 designates new helicopter RNAV air traffic service routes to enhance the safe and efficient use of the NAS in the northeastern United States. Environmental Review The TK routes have been determined to be Categorically Excluded from further environmental review in accordance with paragraphs 311a of FAA Order 1050.1E and documented under the provisions outlined in paragraph 305 of that order. The estimated number of daily helicopter operations is low, with an estimate of less than 50 helicopter operations on the routes per month. Based on the low number of operations, no noise analysis was needed as per FAA Order 1050.1E. Other environmental impact categories were considered as well as the potential for extraordinary circumstances before reaching this environmental determination of CATEX. The Air Traffic Initial Environmental Review (IER) is not a mandatory document and was not required for this action. The FAA issued a Categorical Exclusion/ Record of Decision dated June 14, 2011. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). Adoption of the Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2011 / Rules and Regulations Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959– 1963 Comp., p.389. § 71.1 [Amended] effective September 15, 2010, is amended as follows: 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9U, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, Dated August 18, 2010 and ■ Paragraph 6012 Routes [New] Helicopter Area Navigation * * TK–502 Westminster (EMI), MD to DECKR, PA [New] Westminster VORTAC (Lat. 39°29′42″ N., long. 76°58′43″ (EMI), MD TAYLO, MD WP (Lat. 39°39′48″ N., long. 76°27′43″ WINGO, PA WP (Lat. 39°45′59″ N., long. 76°06′55″ SINON, PA WP (Lat. 40°02′14″ N., long. 75°34′46″ GRIBL, PA WP (Lat. 40°14′30″ N., long. 74°53′31″ TOLAN, NJ WP (Lat. 40°21′58″ N., long. 74°25′23″ BALDE, NJ WP (Lat. 40°28′42″ N., long. 74°11′33″ SPATE, NY WP (Lat. 40°31′22″ N., long. 74°07′31″ DECKR, NY WP (Lat. 40°39′07″ N., long. 74°02′42″ * * * TK–504 RUSEY, MD to BANKA, NJ RUSEY, MD WP (Lat. CIDOB, MD WP (Lat. HAMOR, PA WP (Lat. ARCUM, PA WP (Lat. TULLY, PA WP (Lat. BORKE, NJ WP (Lat. BANKA, NJ WP (Lat. Issued in Washington, DC, on June 20, 2011. Gary A. Norek, Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group. [FR Doc. 2011–15885 Filed 6–24–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 97 * [New] 39°16′07″ 39°25′47″ 39°51′21″ 40°01′26″ 40°10′38″ 40°10′12″ 40°22′53″ * N., N., N., N., N., N., N., This rule is effective June 27, 2011. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 27, 2011. DATES: Availability of matter incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows: For Examination— 1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located; 3. The National Flight Procedures Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or, 4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. Availability—All SIAPs are available online free of charge. Visit nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This rule establishes, amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:08 Jun 24, 2011 Jkt 223001 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 * * * W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) * 76°11′19″ 75°58′43″ 75°47′17″ 75°20′54″ 74°51′48″ 74°22′32″ 74°03′04″ promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports. ADDRESSES: [Docket No. 30789; Amdt. No. 3431] * long. long. long. long. long. long. long. 37263 W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) W.) 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA– 200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; or 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harry J. Hodges, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AFS–420) Flight Technologies and Programs Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125) telephone: (405) 954–4164. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule amends Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97) by amending the referenced SIAPs. The complete regulatory description of each SIAP is listed on the appropriate FAA Form 8260, as modified by the National Flight Data Center (FDC)/Permanent Notice to Airmen (P–NOTAM), and is incorporated by reference in the amendment under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and § 97.20 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The large number of SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Further, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, but refer to their graphic depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. Thus, the advantages of incorporation E:\FR\FM\27JNR1.SGM 27JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 123 (Monday, June 27, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37261-37263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15885]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0078; Airspace Docket No. 10-AEA-20]


Establishment of Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; 
Northeast United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action establishes helicopter RNAV routes as part of the 
U.S. air traffic service route (ATS) structure and designates two 
helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) in the northeast corridor between 
the Washington, DC, and New York City metropolitan areas. The TK-routes 
are for use by helicopters having IFR-approved Global Positioning 
System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment. The 
FAA is taking this action to enhance safety and to improve the 
efficient use of the navigable airspace for en route IFR helicopter 
operations.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, August 25, 2011. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations 
and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the FAA published in the Federal 
Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to establish two helicopter 
RNAV routes in Northeast United States (76 FR 12643). Interested 
parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by 
submitting written comments on the proposal. Four people submitted 
comments on the proposal.

Discussion of Comments

    Two commenters wrote expressing support for the proposal. Two 
commenters raised several issues which are discussed below. One 
commenter questioned the need for a new type of airway for helicopters 
stating that the existing system of VOR Federal airways and RNAV T-
routes should be sufficient. The commenter wrote, in the past, the FAA 
had designated routes for helicopters in the northeast, but they were 
seldom available for use. Additionally, the commenter asked if the air 
traffic control separation standards for IFR helicopters differ from 
those that apply to fixed-wing aircraft; contending that, if they are 
the same, there is no need for helicopter airways.
    The past routes noted by the commenter were initiated in FAA 
Advisory Circular AC 73-2, ``IFR Helicopter Operations in the Northeast 
Corridor,'' dated June 11, 1979. AC 73-2 advised of special RNAV 
helicopter routes between Washington, DC, and Boston, MA. The routes 
were developed consistent with conventional traffic flows for use by 
helicopters under IFR conditions. Use of these routes was limited only 
to those operators that met specified criteria and were issued a letter 
of authorization from the FAA. Therefore, the routes were not available 
for general use and they were not depicted on IFR Enroute Low Altitude 
charts. The Advisory Circular was subsequently cancelled because the 
routes were designed for first generation RNAV systems which lacked the 
accuracy and reliability of satellite navigation and other advanced 
RNAV systems. Additionally, it was determined that the routes do not 
meet current Air Traffic Service route criteria. On March 26, 2007, the 
FAA issued a Letter to Airmen containing new routings to be filed with 
a ``fix-to-fix'' flight plan along the ``old'' IFR northeast corridor. 
As with the Advisory Circular routes, these routes are not depicted on 
IFR En route Low Altitude charts. The new TK routes in this rule 
approximate the former northeast corridor route

[[Page 37262]]

tracks. In addition, the new TK routes are public routes that will be 
depicted on the IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts and available for use 
by suitably equipped helicopters.
    Regarding IFR separation standards, there is no difference between 
IFR helicopters and IFR fixed wing aircraft. The question of 
establishing a new type of route for IFR helicopters was raised in 
response to user requests. In March 2006, the Helicopter Association 
International (HAI) requested that the FAA take action to develop and 
chart IFR RNAV airways for use by helicopters having IFR-approved GPS 
equipment. Of particular interest was the use of RNAV to assist IFR 
helicopter pilots transiting though busy terminal airspace areas while 
providing routes separate from fixed-wing traffic. This issue was 
studied by members of the Government/Industry Aeronautical Charting 
Forum (ACF), which is comprised of both FAA and Industry participants. 
The ACF supported the establishment of RNAV helicopter routes and 
concluded that a unique prefix should be used to identify these routes. 
Establishment of charted helicopter RNAV TK-routes will enhance safety 
and facilitate more flexible and efficient access to the NAS for IFR 
helicopter operations. In addition, the TK-routes will enable the 
designation of waypoints and feeder routes that would provide a 
connection between the NAS and instrument procedures serving helicopter 
landing/departure facilities. Among the potential benefits of these 
routes are more efficient and safer operations for helicopter emergency 
medical services flights.
    One commenter asked if he could file a TK-route for a flight in a 
Cessna 150. The answer is no, due in part to the differing missions of 
fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, TK-routes may start and end at 
locations inappropriate for fixed wing aircraft, such as in the 
vicinity of hospital or other helipad locations. Due to this difference 
TK-routes will be designated specifically for helicopter use; 
therefore, only suitably equipped helicopters will be able to file for 
the routes.
    A commenter asked about the expected usage of the routes and the 
altitudes flown. It is anticipated the average usage rate would be 
around 30 to 50 flights per month for those route segments between the 
Philadelphia and the New York City areas. Usage of the full route 
between New York and Washington, DC, is expected to be about five per 
month. Altitude use on the routes will vary as with other ATS routes. 
Each TK-route will have a designated minimum en route IFR altitude 
(MEA). Assigned altitudes will be determined based on the requested 
altitude filed in the flight plan by the pilot and ATC requirements.
    The FAA received one request to extend the comment period. We feel 
that sufficient information was received to issue a final rule; 
therefore, an extension is not needed.
    One commenter questioned whether an environmental categorical 
exclusion (CATEX), as noted in the NPRM, was appropriate for this rule. 
This comment is addressed in the ``Environmental Review'' section, 
below.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 adding low altitude helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) to the 
U.S. ATS route structure and designating the first two such helicopter 
RNAV routes. Helicopter RNAV routes will be identified by the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prefix ``TK'' followed 
by a 3-digit number. ICAO has allocated the number block 501 through 
650 for U.S. use in identifying the routes. The two new routes in this 
rule, designated TK-502 and TK-504, will provide more direct routing 
for IFR helicopters in the northeast corridor between the New York City 
and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas. The routes will serve New York 
City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC area airports/
heliports. The helicopter RNAV routes will be depicted on the 
appropriate IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts. Only GNSS equipped RNAV 
helicopters may file for the TK-routes.
    Helicopter RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6012 of FAA Order 
7400.9U dated August 18, 2010 and effective September 15, 2010, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The helicopter RNAV routes 
listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order.
    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. 
Therefore, this regulation: (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 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.
    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 designates new helicopter RNAV air traffic service routes to 
enhance the safe and efficient use of the NAS in the northeastern 
United States.

Environmental Review

    The TK routes have been determined to be Categorically Excluded 
from further environmental review in accordance with paragraphs 311a of 
FAA Order 1050.1E and documented under the provisions outlined in 
paragraph 305 of that order. The estimated number of daily helicopter 
operations is low, with an estimate of less than 50 helicopter 
operations on the routes per month. Based on the low number of 
operations, no noise analysis was needed as per FAA Order 1050.1E. 
Other environmental impact categories were considered as well as the 
potential for extraordinary circumstances before reaching this 
environmental determination of CATEX. The Air Traffic Initial 
Environmental Review (IER) is not a mandatory document and was not 
required for this action. The FAA issued a Categorical Exclusion/Record 
of Decision dated June 14, 2011.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 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 part 71 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 37263]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 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 7400.9U, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, Dated August 18, 2010 and 
effective September 15, 2010, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6012 Helicopter Area Navigation Routes [New]

* * * * *

TK-502 Westminster (EMI), MD to DECKR, PA [New]
Westminster (EMI), MD   VORTAC                 (Lat. 39[deg]29'42'' N., long. 76[deg]58'43'' W.)
TAYLO, MD               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]39'48'' N., long. 76[deg]27'43'' W.)
WINGO, PA               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]45'59'' N., long. 76[deg]06'55'' W.)
SINON, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]02'14'' N., long. 75[deg]34'46'' W.)
GRIBL, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]14'30'' N., long. 74[deg]53'31'' W.)
TOLAN, NJ               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]21'58'' N., long. 74[deg]25'23'' W.)
BALDE, NJ               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]28'42'' N., long. 74[deg]11'33'' W.)
SPATE, NY               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]31'22'' N., long. 74[deg]07'31'' W.)
DECKR, NY               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]39'07'' N., long. 74[deg]02'42'' W.)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
TK-504 RUSEY, MD to BANKA, NJ [New]
RUSEY, MD               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]16'07'' N., long. 76[deg]11'19'' W.)
CIDOB, MD               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]25'47'' N., long. 75[deg]58'43'' W.)
HAMOR, PA               WP                     (Lat. 39[deg]51'21'' N., long. 75[deg]47'17'' W.)
ARCUM, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]01'26'' N., long. 75[deg]20'54'' W.)
TULLY, PA               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]10'38'' N., long. 74[deg]51'48'' W.)
BORKE, NJ               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]10'12'' N., long. 74[deg]22'32'' W.)
BANKA, NJ               WP                     (Lat. 40[deg]22'53'' N., long. 74[deg]03'04'' W.)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 20, 2011.
Gary A. Norek,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.

[FR Doc. 2011-15885 Filed 6-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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