Proposed Establishment of and Modification to Restricted Areas; Fort Sill, OK, 63153-63155 [2015-26499]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions required in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD. (i) Inspect for Corrosion If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further flight, inspect for corrosion following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015. (1) If no evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD. (2) If evidence of corrosion is found during the inspection required in paragraph (i) of this AD, before further flight, obtain and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD. At the operator’s discretion, assistance may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. After obtaining and implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (j) Inspect for Deformation If you find, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, before further flight, do a visual inspection for skin or stringer deformation. (1) If no evidence of deformation is found during the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD. (2) If any visible deformation is found during the inspection required in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight, obtain and implement an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD. At the operator’s discretion, assistance may be provided by contacting Piper Aircraft, Inc. at the address identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. After obtaining and implementing an FAA-approved corrective action, approved specifically for this AD, before further flight, rework the stringers and apply sealant as required in paragraph (k) of this AD. (k) Rework Stringers and Seal Skin Joints If any inspection required by paragraphs (g) through (j) of this AD reveals discrepancies (no sealant/inadequate sealant, evidence of water intrusion/moisture, corrosion, or deformation), before further flight, after completing any necessary corrective actions, rework wing stringers and seal skin joints following Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262B, dated April 23, 2015. (l) Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service Information Actions done before the effective date of this AD following Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262, dated October 16, 2013; or Part I and Part II of Piper Aircraft, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 1262A, dated November 14, 2013, as applicable, are VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Oct 16, 2015 Jkt 238001 considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) (including subparagraphs) of this AD. Additional inspections beyond Service Bulletin No. 1262 are required to fully comply with paragraph (j) of this AD. (m) Special Flight Permit (1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed to a location to do the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD. (2) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.23, a single flight is allowed to a location to do the inspections, rework and installation of sealant required in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD. Prior to the flight to perform the inspections, rework, and installation of sealant, the following inspection must be performed: If the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD reveals no sealant, inspect for evidence of wing damage (skin or stringer deformation, e.g. buckling). Any wing damage that is found must be repaired before further flight and before any special flight permit is authorized. (n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (o) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Gregory ‘‘Keith’’ Noles, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5551; fax: (404) 474–5606; email: gregory.noles@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Piper Aircraft, Inc., Customer Service, 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32960; telephone: (877) 879– 0275; fax: none; email: customer.service@ piper.com; Internet: www.piper.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 7, 2015. Pat Mullen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–26230 Filed 10–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 63153 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA–2015–3680; Airspace Docket No. 13–ASW–15] RIN 2120–AA66 Proposed Establishment of and Modification to Restricted Areas; Fort Sill, OK Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to establish 2 new restricted areas (R–5601G and R–5601H) to expand the special use airspace (SUA) complex located at Fort Sill, OK, to provide additional maneuvering airspace for current and planned training activities determined to be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. Specifically, the proposed restricted areas would provide participating fighter or bomber aircraft with laser-firing and maneuvering airspace when training at the Falcon Bombing Range contained in R–5601C, at the West Range Target Area contained in R–5601B, or at the East Range Target Area contained in R–5601A. In addition, the using agency for all Fort Sill restricted areas would be updated to reflect the current organization tasked with that responsibility. The U.S. Army requested that the FAA take this action to allow realistic training on current tactics developed and refined during recent combat operations for employing hazardous targeting laser systems and weapons capabilities at longer ranges from the target area. DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 3, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone: (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–2015–3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13–ASW–15, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be directed to: Mr. Glen Wheat, U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate of Public Works, IMWE– SIL–PWE, 5503 NW. Currie Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503–9051; email: glen.wheat@us.army.mil and telephone: (580) 442–2715. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1 63154 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 restructure the restricted airspace at Fort Sill, OK, to enhance safety and accommodate essential military training. Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2015–3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13– ASW–15) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA–2015–3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13–ASW–15.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Oct 16, 2015 Jkt 238001 proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRM’s An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https:// www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_ traffic/publications/airspace_ amendments/. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person at the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267–9677, for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. Background Military use of the airspace at Fort Sill, OK, can be traced back to 1949. Today, the Fort Sill SUA complex consists of six restricted areas, designated R–5601A, R–5601B, R– 5601C, R–5601D, R–5601E, and R– 5601F. The three ranges (Falcon Range, West Range, and East Range) contained within the Fort Sill SUA complex are used for a wide variety of military air and ground activities; including, but not limited to, air-to-surface weapons delivery training, laser systems, artillery, and joint air and ground forces exercises. Weapons events include high-, medium-, and low-altitude bombing runs, to include level, climbing, and diving deliveries. Today, real-world combat tactics for employing targeting lasers and weapons systems at distances farther from the target are driving the requirement for increased lateral dimensions of the Fort Sill SUA complex to support aircrew training in laser employment and weapons delivery PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 tactics. Although the R–5601A, R– 5601B, R–5601C, and R–5601F airspace areas extend to a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the relatively small north to south dimensions of the restricted areas (approximately 9 nautical miles (NM) at its widest point) is not sufficient to provide the required distance from targets needed by aircrews employing current combat laser targeting or weapons deliveries tactics. Since there is no alternative SUA complex within 200 NM where combat lasers may be employed, aircrew training is significantly restricted at the Fort Sill ranges. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish 2 new restricted areas (designated R–5601G and R–5601H) at Fort Sill, OK. This action would establish restricted area R– 5601G with a ceiling to, but not including, 8,000 feet MSL under the Washita Military Operations Area (MOA), and establish restricted area R– 5601H with a ceiling of Flight Level (FL) 400 to match the adjacent restricted areas; thus, expanding the lateral limits of restricted area airspace at the Fort Sill SUA complex. Restricted area R–5601G would abut the existing restricted area complex to the north, underlying the Washita MOA, and extend from 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to, but not including, 8,000 feet MSL. R–5601G would extend approximately three quarters of the existing restricted area complex northward, between 5 NM to 11 NM, to provide the required expanded lateral space from the current range boundaries. Restricted area R– 5601H would extend from the surface to FL400. R–5601H would fill a small airspace area surrounded by two continuously active restricted areas (R– 5601A and R–5601B) extending from the surface to FL400 and a MOA extending from 8,000 feet MSL to, but not including, FL180. Additionally, when active, R–5601H would overlay the Fort Sill post and a portion of the Class D airspace supporting the nonjoint use military airfield located at Fort Sill. The two new restricted areas would allow participating aircraft to maneuver within the current Fort Sill Approach Control Airspace and contain the hazardous combat laser energy (not eyesafe) within restricted airspace. As proposed, R–5601G would only be used for aircraft maneuvering and combat laser targeting employment and R– 5601H would only be used for aircraft conducting Close Air Support (CAS) training. There would be no changes to E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS the existing pattern of firing, ordnance delivery runs, or weapons impact areas and all weapons release would continue to occur in R–5601A, R–5601B, or R– 5601C, as they are now. Additionally, no supersonic flight will occur. In addition to the proposed establishment of R–5601G and R– 5601H, the following minor changes to the descriptions of the six existing Fort Sill restricted areas would be made. The using agency for R–5601A–E would be changed from ‘‘U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Sill, OK,’’ to ‘‘U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.’’ The using agency for R–5601F would be changed from ‘‘Commanding General, United States Army Field Artillery Center (USAFACFS), Fort Sill, OK,’’ to ‘‘U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.’’ This change would reflect the current organizational responsibilities. The new using agency would also apply to the proposed R–5601G and R–5601H. The boundaries, designated altitudes, times of designation, and controlling agency information for restricted areas R– 5601A–F would not be changed by this proposal. The FAA does not anticipate any aeronautical impacts as a result of this proposed action since Fort Sill Approach Control has radar coverage over the proposed restricted areas and already controls the airspace from surface to 7,000 feet MSL. Procedures will be established to continue allowing non-participating aircraft access to the airspace even when the restricted areas are in use. Pilots seeking information about the activity status of R–5601G and R–5601H should contact Fort Sill Approach Control on the frequency listed in the ‘‘Special Use Airspace’’ panel of the Dallas—Ft. Worth Sectional Aeronautical Chart. Fort Sill Approach Control will continue to provide VFR traffic advisories, as they do today, to non-participating aircraft requesting them. 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 Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:25 Oct 16, 2015 Jkt 238001 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 subjected to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,’’ prior to any FAA final regulatory action. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas. The Proposed Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows: PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE 1. The authority citation for 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. § 73.56 ■ (Amended) 2. § 73.56 is amended as follows: R–5601A Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601B Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601C Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601D Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601E Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 63155 R–5601F Fort Sill, OK [Amended] By removing the current using agency and substituting the following: Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601G Fort Sill, OK [New] Boundaries. Beginning at Lat. 34°46′07″ N., long. 98°25′50″ W.; to Lat. 34°45′03″ N., long. 98°29′46″ W.; thence counterclockwise via the 46 NM arc of SPS VORTAC to Lat. 34°43′46″ N., long. 98°49′55″ W.; to Lat. 34°47′00″ N., long. 98°51′00″ W.; to Lat. 34°50′30″ N., long. 98°46′02″ W.; to Lat. 34°57′51″ N., long. 98°25′47″ W.; to the point of beginning. Designated altitudes. 500 feet AGL to, but not including, 8,000 feet MSL. Time of designation. Sunrise to 2200 local time, Monday–Friday; other times by NOTAM. Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth ARTCC. Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. R–5601H Fort Sill, OK [New] Boundaries. Beginning at Lat. 34°38′15″ N., long. 98°20′56″ W.; to Lat. 34°38′30″ N., long. 98°21′41″ W.; to Lat. 34°38′50″ N., long. 98°22′06″ W.; to Lat. 34°39′53″ N., long. 98°22′16″ W.; to Lat. 34°40′47″ N., long. 98°23′09″ W.; thence counterclockwise along an arc, 3-mile radius centered at Lat. 34°38′18″ N., long. 98°24′07″ W.; to Lat. 34°40′12″ N., long. 98°26′18″ W.; to Lat. 34°38′15″ N., long. 98°26′19″ W.; to the point of beginning. Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 400. Time of designation. By NOTAM. Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth Center. Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK. Issued in Washington, DC on October 8, 2015. Gary A. Norek, Manager, Airspace Policy Group. [FR Doc. 2015–26499 Filed 10–16–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 16 CFR Parts 1112, 1130, and 1232 [Docket No. CPSC–2015–0029] Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Danny Keysar Child Product Safety Notification Act, Section 104 of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (‘‘CPSIA’’) requires the United States Consumer SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\19OCP1.SGM 19OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63153-63155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26499]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3680; Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15]
RIN 2120-AA66

Proposed Establishment of and Modification to Restricted Areas;
Fort Sill, OK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish 2 new restricted areas (R-
5601G and R-5601H) to expand the special use airspace (SUA) complex
located at Fort Sill, OK, to provide additional maneuvering airspace
for current and planned training activities determined to be hazardous
to non-participating aircraft. Specifically, the proposed restricted
areas would provide participating fighter or bomber aircraft with
laser-firing and maneuvering airspace when training at the Falcon
Bombing Range contained in R-5601C, at the West Range Target Area
contained in R-5601B, or at the East Range Target Area contained in R-
5601A. In addition, the using agency for all Fort Sill restricted areas
would be updated to reflect the current organization tasked with that
responsibility. The U.S. Army requested that the FAA take this action
to allow realistic training on current tactics developed and refined
during recent combat operations for employing hazardous targeting laser
systems and weapons capabilities at longer ranges from the target area.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001;
telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2015-
3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to
should be directed to: Mr. Glen Wheat, U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate
of Public Works, IMWE-SIL-PWE, 5503 NW. Currie Road, Fort Sill, OK
73503-9051; email: glen.wheat@us.army.mil and telephone: (580) 442-
2715.

[[Page 63154]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group,
Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 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 restructure the restricted airspace at Fort Sill, OK, to
enhance safety and accommodate essential military training.

Comments Invited

Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No.
FAA-2015-3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2015-3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15.''
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified closing date
for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for
examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date
for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.

Availability of NPRM's

An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at https://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person at the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. 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, 2601 Meacham Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX 76137.
Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future
NPRMs should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677,
for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application
procedure.

Background

Military use of the airspace at Fort Sill, OK, can be traced back
to 1949. Today, the Fort Sill SUA complex consists of six restricted
areas, designated R-5601A, R-5601B, R-5601C, R-5601D, R-5601E, and R-
5601F. The three ranges (Falcon Range, West Range, and East Range)
contained within the Fort Sill SUA complex are used for a wide variety
of military air and ground activities; including, but not limited to,
air-to-surface weapons delivery training, laser systems, artillery, and
joint air and ground forces exercises. Weapons events include high-,
medium-, and low-altitude bombing runs, to include level, climbing, and
diving deliveries. Today, real-world combat tactics for employing
targeting lasers and weapons systems at distances farther from the
target are driving the requirement for increased lateral dimensions of
the Fort Sill SUA complex to support aircrew training in laser
employment and weapons delivery tactics. Although the R-5601A, R-5601B,
R-5601C, and R-5601F airspace areas extend to a maximum altitude of
40,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the relatively small north to south
dimensions of the restricted areas (approximately 9 nautical miles (NM)
at its widest point) is not sufficient to provide the required distance
from targets needed by aircrews employing current combat laser
targeting or weapons deliveries tactics. Since there is no alternative
SUA complex within 200 NM where combat lasers may be employed, aircrew
training is significantly restricted at the Fort Sill ranges.

The Proposal

The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish 2
new restricted areas (designated R-5601G and R-5601H) at Fort Sill, OK.
This action would establish restricted area R-5601G with a ceiling to,
but not including, 8,000 feet MSL under the Washita Military Operations
Area (MOA), and establish restricted area R-5601H with a ceiling of
Flight Level (FL) 400 to match the adjacent restricted areas; thus,
expanding the lateral limits of restricted area airspace at the Fort
Sill SUA complex. Restricted area R-5601G would abut the existing
restricted area complex to the north, underlying the Washita MOA, and
extend from 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to, but not including,
8,000 feet MSL. R-5601G would extend approximately three quarters of
the existing restricted area complex northward, between 5 NM to 11 NM,
to provide the required expanded lateral space from the current range
boundaries. Restricted area R-5601H would extend from the surface to
FL400. R-5601H would fill a small airspace area surrounded by two
continuously active restricted areas (R-5601A and R-5601B) extending
from the surface to FL400 and a MOA extending from 8,000 feet MSL to,
but not including, FL180. Additionally, when active, R-5601H would
overlay the Fort Sill post and a portion of the Class D airspace
supporting the non-joint use military airfield located at Fort Sill.
The two new restricted areas would allow participating aircraft to
maneuver within the current Fort Sill Approach Control Airspace and
contain the hazardous combat laser energy (not eye-safe) within
restricted airspace. As proposed, R-5601G would only be used for
aircraft maneuvering and combat laser targeting employment and R-5601H
would only be used for aircraft conducting Close Air Support (CAS)
training. There would be no changes to

[[Page 63155]]

the existing pattern of firing, ordnance delivery runs, or weapons
impact areas and all weapons release would continue to occur in R-
5601A, R-5601B, or R-5601C, as they are now. Additionally, no
supersonic flight will occur.
In addition to the proposed establishment of R-5601G and R-5601H,
the following minor changes to the descriptions of the six existing
Fort Sill restricted areas would be made. The using agency for R-5601A-
E would be changed from ``U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Sill,
OK,'' to ``U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of
Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.'' The using agency for R-5601F
would be changed from ``Commanding General, United States Army Field
Artillery Center (USAFACFS), Fort Sill, OK,'' to ``U.S. Army,
Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE),
Fort Sill, OK.'' This change would reflect the current organizational
responsibilities. The new using agency would also apply to the proposed
R-5601G and R-5601H. The boundaries, designated altitudes, times of
designation, and controlling agency information for restricted areas R-
5601A-F would not be changed by this proposal.
The FAA does not anticipate any aeronautical impacts as a result of
this proposed action since Fort Sill Approach Control has radar
coverage over the proposed restricted areas and already controls the
airspace from surface to 7,000 feet MSL. Procedures will be established
to continue allowing non-participating aircraft access to the airspace
even when the restricted areas are in use. Pilots seeking information
about the activity status of R-5601G and R-5601H should contact Fort
Sill Approach Control on the frequency listed in the ``Special Use
Airspace'' panel of the Dallas--Ft. Worth Sectional Aeronautical Chart.
Fort Sill Approach Control will continue to provide VFR traffic
advisories, as they do today, to non-participating aircraft requesting
them.

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
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 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 subjected to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures,'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

The Proposed Amendment

In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

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1. The authority citation for 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. 73.56 (Amended)

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2. Sec. 73.56 is amended as follows:

R-5601A Fort Sill, OK [Amended]