Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Atlanta, GA, 6801-6803 [2014-02327]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6801-6803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02327]



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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 24 / Wednesday, February 5, 2014 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 6801]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0891; Airspace Docket No. 12-ASO-37]
RIN 2120-AA66


Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Atlanta, GA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action establishes nine low-altitude RNAV routes (T-
routes) in the Atlanta, GA, area. The new routes enhance the efficiency 
of the National Airspace System (NAS) by providing routing through, 
around and over the busy Atlanta terminal airspace and by providing 
connectivity to the existing airway structure.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 3, 2014. 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 Policy and 
Regulations Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

History

    On November 15, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish nine new RNAV routes 
in the Atlanta, GA area (78 FR 68777). Interested parties were invited 
to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments 
on the proposal. Four comments were received.

Discussion of Comments

    The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and a pilot who 
often flies in the area, both wrote in support of the proposal. Two 
other commenters, the City of College Park, GA, and the Woodward 
Academy, expressed concerns about the proximity of proposed route T-319 
to the Woodward Academy campus in College Park, GA. The City and the 
Academy stated concerns about possible environmental and related 
economic impacts that might result from the establishment of the route. 
Additionally, the City advised that they had not been informed as to 
potential changes to the types and frequency of traffic along the path 
due to the creation of T-319. The commenters also were concerned about 
the potential impact of helicopter noise from T-319.
    Route T-319 is almost congruent with an existing VOR Federal airway 
(V-97) which passes through the same area near the Woodward Academy 
campus. Additionally, this area has long been used by air traffic 
control (ATC) as a corridor to vector aircraft north and south over the 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport (ATL). We do not 
anticipate an increase in traffic with the establishment of T-319. Air 
traffic is already utilizing that airspace. There are no plans to move 
additional small propeller aircraft, small jets or helicopters over 
this route. Further, the route is being established for aircraft 
transiting through the area and is not intended for aircraft or 
helicopters circling the area. Aircraft using T-319 will be assigned an 
altitude of 5,000 feet MSL or 6,000 feet MSL as they are today in the 
corridor. Additionally, with this RNAV route, ATC will be able to move 
some traffic through the area at higher altitudes (e.g., 12,000 feet 
MSL and 13,000 feet MSL). This should reduce the potential for noise 
impacts. The commenters recommended that the FAA consider moving T-319 
to the east along a line approximately 0.3 miles east of Harrison Road 
(the east edge of the City). Regarding the placement of T-319, the 
route must be located as proposed in the NPRM so that separation can be 
provided between the transiting traffic and ATL departures that are 
climbing to 10,000 feet MSL when ATL is on either an east or west 
operation.

Differences from the NPRM

    The description of T-297 in the NPRM contained a one minute error 
in the longitude coordinate of the RKMRT, GA, waypoint. The NPRM read 
``long. 85[deg]14'03'' W.'' The correct point is ``long. 85[deg]15'03'' 
W.''
    The NPRM stated that this action would support the Atlanta 
Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in a Metroplex (OAPM) Project. 
That statement resulted in some confusion over the status of the T-
route proposal versus the Metroplex project. While these new routes 
will enhance airspace efficiency in the Atlanta terminal area, the T-
routes in this rule have independent utility from the Metroplex 
project, and environmental evaluations were conducted independently.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 to establish nine low altitude RNAV routes (T-routes) in the 
Atlanta, GA, area to provide published routes for aircraft to use to 
circumnavigate the busy Atlanta terminal area airspace. The new routes 
are described below.
    T-290: T-290 provides a route south of Atlanta from the SCAIL, AL, 
waypoint (WP), near Tallapoosa County, AL, to the JACET, GA, WP, near 
Augusta, GA.
    T-292: T-292 provides a route to the north of Atlanta from the 
RKMRT, GA, WP (near Polk County Airport, GA) to the JACET, GA, WP.
    T-293: T-293 extends around the west of the Atlanta area from the 
CHUTT, AL, WP, in Alabama (south of Columbus, GA) to the DAISI, GA, WP 
(near Pickens County Airport, GA [JZP]). Aligning the route segments 
between the RTLRY, HONRR and POLLL waypoints keeps T-293 within Atlanta 
TRACON's airspace and provides vertical and lateral separation from 
three separate published arrival procedures used by aircraft descending 
to land at airports within the Metroplex area.
    T-294: T-294 provides an alternative RNAV route through the Atlanta 
area on the southwest side, between the GRANT, GA, WP (near Thomaston, 
GA) and the HEFIN, AL, WP (near Heflin, AL).

[[Page 6802]]

    T-296: T-296 provides a route southeast of Atlanta between the 
JMPPR, GA, WP (near Woodbury, GA) and the TACKL, GA, WP (southwest of 
Athens, GA).
    T-297: T-297 provides an alternative route around the west side of 
the Atlanta area between the PAIRA, GA, WP (south of Atlanta, near 
Geneva, GA) and the REELL, GA, WP (northwest of Athens, GA). The route 
has altitude limitations so that T-297 flights are procedurally 
separated from all optimized published departure and arrival 
procedures.
    T-319: T-319 provides an RNAV route directly over the Hartsfield-
Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for aircraft transitioning 
Class B airspace from north-to-south and vice versa.
    T-321: T-321 provides a north-south oriented route east of ATL, 
between the BBOAT, GA, WP (near Eatonton, GA) and the BIGNN, GA, WP 
(abeam Habersham County, GA). The BBOAT and BIGNN waypoints also 
connect to T-290 and T-323, respectively, enabling more flexibility in 
routing options.
    T-323: T-323 allows aircraft to transition the Atlanta area between 
a point approximately 110 NM northeast of ATL from the HIGGI, NC, WP 
and a point 110 NM southeast of ATL at the CROCS, GA, WP. T-323 
intersects the new T-290 and T-321 enabling alternative routing between 
the Knoxville, TN, area and locations south of the Atlanta area.
    These new T-routes provide access through, around and over the 
Atlanta terminal area that are procedurally deconflicted from arrivals, 
departures and other airspace areas. This will benefit the efficiency 
and safety of the NAS by establishing published routes that are more 
direct and by reducing air traffic controller and pilot workload.
    Low altitude RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA 
Order 7400.9X dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 2013, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV routes 
listed in this document will be published subsequently 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 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.
    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 modifies the route structure as required to enhance the 
safe and efficient flow of air traffic in the Atlanta, GA area.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 311a. This airspace action is not expected to 
cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no 
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an 
environmental assessment.

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:

    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 7400.9X, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 7, 2013, and 
effective September 15, 2013, is amended as follows:

    Paragraph 6011--United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-290 SCAIL, AL to JACET, GA [New]
 
 SCAIL, AL              WP                     (lat. 33[deg]02'01'' N., long. 85[deg]39'32'' W.)
BBAIT, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]07'14'' N., long. 84[deg]46'13'' W.)
BBASS, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]11'33'' N., long. 83[deg]59'21'' W.)
BBOAT, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]16'51'' N., long. 83[deg]28'10'' W.)
BOBBR, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]19'57'' N., long. 83[deg]08'19'' W.)
JACET, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]29'41'' N., long. 82[deg]06'28'' W.)
 
T-292 RKMRT, GA to JACET, GA [New]
 
RKMRT, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]03'37'' N., long. 85[deg]15'03'' W.)
POLLL, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]08'57'' N., long. 84[deg]46'50'' W.)
CCATT, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]16'15'' N., long. 84[deg]09'05'' W.)
REELL, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
TRREE, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]47'15'' N., long. 82[deg]55'30'' W.)
JACET, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]29'41'' N., long. 82[deg]06'28'' W.)
 
T-293 CHUTT, AL to DAISI, GA [New]
 
CHUTT, AL               WP                     (lat. 32[deg]13'23'' N., long. 85[deg]03'06'' W.)
NFTRY, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]02'03'' N., long. 85[deg]09'06'' W.)
RTLRY, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]45'18'' N., long. 85[deg]07'48'' W.)
HONRR, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]57'35'' N., long. 85[deg]01'28'' W.)

[[Page 6803]]

 
POLLL, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]08'57'' N., long. 84[deg]46'50'' W.)
DAISI, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]26'08'' N., long. 84[deg]25'51'' W.)
 
T-294 HEFIN, AL to GRANT, GA [New]
 
HEFIN, AL               Fix                    (lat. 33[deg]35'55'' N., long. 85[deg]25'11'' W.)
BBAIT, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]07'14'' N., long. 84[deg]46'13'' W.)
JMPPR, GA               WP                     (lat. 32[deg]57'42'' N., long. 84[deg]33'19'' W.)
GRANT, GA               Fix                    (lat. 32[deg]49'45'' N., long. 84[deg]22'36'' W.)
 
T-296 JMPPR, GA to TACKL, GA [New]
 
JMPPR, GA               WP                     (lat. 32[deg]57'42'' N., long. 84[deg]33'19'' W.)
BBASS, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]11'33'' N., long. 83[deg]59'21'' W.)
TATRS, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]20'37'' N., long. 83[deg]51'37'' W.)
TACKL, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]44'25'' N., long. 83[deg]30'31'' W.)
 
T-297 PAIRA, GA to REELL, GA [New]
 
PAIRA, GA               WP                     (lat. 32[deg]31'48'' N., long. 84[deg]31'42'' W.)
NFTRY, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]02'03'' N., long. 85[deg]09'06'' W.)
HEFIN, AL               Fix                    (lat. 33[deg]35'55'' N., long. 85[deg]25'11'' W.)
RKMRT, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]03'37'' N., long. 85[deg]15'03'' W.)
CHTTE, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]23'18'' N., long. 84[deg]52'55'' W.)
DAISI, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]26'08'' N., long. 84[deg]25'51'' W.)
AWSON. GA               Fix                    (lat. 34[deg]28'49'' N., long. 83[deg]59'03'' W.)
REELL, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
 
T-319 CCLAY, GA to BLEWW, GA [New]
 
CCLAY, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]18'11'' N., long. 84[deg]24'41'' W.)
DUNCS, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]27'34'' N., long. 84[deg]25'23'' W.)
SHURT, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]32'13'' N., long. 84[deg]25'50'' W.)
KLOWD, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]43'59'' N., long. 84[deg]26'05'' W.)
BLEWW, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]58'14'' N., long. 84[deg]25'43'' W.)
 
T-321 BBOAT, GA to BIGNN, GA [New]
 
BBOAT, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]16'51'' N., long. 83[deg]28'10'' W.)
TACKL, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]44'25'' N., long. 83[deg]30'31'' W.)
REELL, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
BIGNN, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]20'34'' N., long. 83[deg]33'07'' W.)
 
T-323 CROCS, GA to HIGGI, NC [New]
 
CROCS, GA               WP                     (lat. 32[deg]27'18'' N., long. 82[deg]46'29'' W.)
BOBBR, GA               WP                     (lat. 33[deg]19'57'' N., long. 83[deg]08'19'' W.)
BIGNN, GA               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]20'34'' N., long. 83[deg]33'07'' W.)
ZPPLN, NC               WP                     (lat. 34[deg]59'47'' N., long. 83[deg]49'38'' W.)
HIGGI, NC               WP                     (lat. 35[deg]26'47'' N., long. 83[deg]46'41'' W.)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2014.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2014-02327 Filed 2-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P