Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Areas R-2920A and R-2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL., 11415-11417 [2017-03537]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
traffic from hazards associated with live
fire training.
Based on impacts mitigation
coordinated with the Los Angeles Air
Route Traffic Control Center, the
maximum altitude will be FL 220
generally. However, at certain times for
a period of 4 hours on 2 days of the
exercise, the maximum altitude will be
FL400. R–2509W would have a ceiling
of 8,000 feet MSL and R–2509N would
have a ceiling of 16,000 feet MSL.
Supersonic flight will not be conducted
as part of the above aviation training
activities.
The times of use for R–2509E, R–
2509W, and R–2509N would be by
NOTAM, and activations of R–2509E
above FL220 would have the NOTAM
issued 48 hours in advance. Expected
usage would be 12 hours per day for 10
days up to 16,000 feet and 16 hours per
day for 6 days up to FL220.
The lateral boundaries of the
proposed areas would be as follows:
Temporary R–2509E—Beginning at
lat. 34°40′30″ N., long. 116°29′43″ W., to
lat. 34°36′00″ N., long. 116°28′03″ W.; to
lat. 34°31′30″ N., long. 116°26′48″ W.; to
lat. 34°30′00″ N., long. 116°26′23″ W.; to
lat. 34°21′35″ N., long. 116°21′38″ W.; to
lat. 34°19′30″ N., long. 116°20′29″ W.; to
lat. 34°17′38″ N., long. 116°19′19″ W.; to
lat. 34°22′25″ N., long. 116°31′10″ W.; to
lat. 34°34′17″ N., long. 116°35′52″ W.; to
the point of beginning.
Temporary R–2509W—Beginning at
lat. 34°35′03″ N., long. 116°36′10″ W.; to
lat. 34°22′25″ N., long. 116°31′10″ W.; to
lat. 34°27′38″ N., long. 116°40′34″ W.; to
lat. 34°27′59″ N., long. 116°42′51″ W.; to
lat. 34°29′44″ N., long. 116°42′51″ W.; to
the point of beginning.
Excluding that airspace within a 3.4mile radius of point in space
coordinates at lat. 34°25′32″ N., long.
116°36′52″ W.; surface to 1,500 feet
AGL.
Temporary R–2509N—Beginning at
lat. 34°35′03″ N., long. 116°36′10″ W.; to
lat. 34°40′30″ N., long. 116°29′43″ W.; to
lat. 34°34′17″ N., long. 116°35′52″ W.; to
the point of beginning.
These temporary restricted areas
would automatically expire on August
26, 2017.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:38 Feb 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
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 1050.1F,
‘‘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.
§ 73.25 California
[Amended]
2. § 73.25 is amended as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
■
R–2509E Twentynine Palms, CA [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°40′30″ N.,
long. 116°29′43″ W.; to lat. 34°36′00″ N.,
long. 116°28′03″ W.; to lat. 34°31′30″ N.,
long. 116°26′48″ W.; to lat. 34°30′00″ N.,
long. 116°26′23″ W.; to lat. 34°21′35″ N.,
long. 116°21′38″ W.; to lat. 34°19′30″ N.,
long. 116°20′29″ W.; to lat. 34°17′38″ N.,
long. 116°19′19″ W.; to lat. 34°22′25″ N.,
long. 116°31′10″ W.; to lat. 34°34′17″ N.,
long. 116°35′52″ W.; to the point of
beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 400.
Time of designation. Intermittent by
NOTAM during the period from August 7 to
August 26, 2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air
Route Traffic Control Center.
Using agency. Commanding General,
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
(MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.
R–2509W Twentynine Palms, CA [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°35′03″ N.,
long. 116°36′10″ W.; to lat. 34°22′25″ N.,
long. 116°31′10″ W.; to lat. 34°27′38″ N.,
long. 116°40′34″ W.; to lat. 34°27′59″ N.,
long. 116°42′51″ W.; to lat. 34°29′44″ N.,
long. 116°42′51″ W.; to the point of
beginning.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
11415
Excluding that airspace within a 3.4-mile
radius of point in space at lat. 34°25′32″ N.,
long. 116°36′52″ W.; surface to 1,500 feet
AGL.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 8,000 feet
MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by
NOTAM during the period from August 7 to
August 26, 2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air
Route Traffic Control Center.
Using agency. Commanding General,
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
(MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.
R–2509N
Twentynine Palms, CA [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 34°35′03″ N.,
long. 116°36′10″ W.; to lat. 34°40′30″ N.,
long. 116°29′43″ W.; to lat. 34°34′17″ N.,
long. 116°35′52″ W.; to the point of
beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 16,000 feet
MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent by
NOTAM during the period from August 7 to
August 26, 2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air
Route Traffic Control Center.
Using agency. Commanding General,
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
(MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, CA.
Issued in Washington, DC on February 7,
2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017–03535 Filed 2–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9594; Airspace
Docket No. 16–ASO–20]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Temporary
Restricted Areas R–2920A and R–
2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish two temporary restricted areas,
designated R–2920A and R–2920B,
south of the Eglin Air Force Base (AFB),
FL, Range Complex and within the 14
CFR part 93 ‘‘Valparaiso, Florida,
Terminal Area’’ Special Air Traffic
Rules Area. The purpose of the
proposed areas is to test counterunmanned aircraft systems capabilities.
The temporary restricted areas would be
in effect from May 11 to May 18, 2017.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before March 27, 2017.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23FEP1.SGM
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11416
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules
Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1
(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify FAA Docket No. FAA–
2016–9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16–
ASO–20, 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
should be directed to: April Lawrence,
Civ, USAF, 96 CEG/CEIEA, Eglin AFB,
FL 32542; telephone: (850) 882–3016.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Docket Office between
9:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Office (telephone 1 (800) 647–
5527), is on the ground floor of the
building at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, Office
of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
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
establish temporary restricted areas near
Santa Rosa Island, FL, to enhance
aviation safety and accommodate
essential testing requirements.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:38 Feb 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2016–9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16–
ASO–20) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management Facility (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the Internet at
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–2016–9594 and
Airspace Docket No. 16–ASO–20.’’ 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
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at https://
www.faa.gov/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 Docket 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 Eastern Service Center, Federal
Aviation Administration, Room 210,
1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA,
30337.
Background
The U.S. Air Force submitted a
proposal to the FAA to establish two
temporary restricted areas south of the
Eglin AFB, FL, Range Complex. The
areas would contain hazardous
activities to be conducted in support of
exercise Black Dart 2017, from May 11
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
to May 18, 2017. Specifically, the areas
would be used to test counterunmanned aircraft systems capabilities.
A temporary flight restriction (TFR) of
similar size and shape to the proposed
temporary restricted areas was exercised
in September 2016 with no issues from
non-participating air traffic.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to 14 CFR part 73 to establish two
temporary restricted areas, designated
R–2920A and R–2920B, south of the
Eglin AFB Range Complex, in the
vicinity of Santa Rosa Island, FL. They
would extend from the surface to but
not including 8,500 feet MSL,
underlying a portion of existing
restricted area R–2915C. The planned
time of designation for the areas is 0900
to 1600 local time. Approximately 20–
30 sorties per day are expected to use
the temporary restricted areas. The areas
would be in effect only during the
period May 11 to May 18, 2017.
The proposed temporary restricted
areas are required to contain hazardous
activities associated with testing
counter-unmanned aircraft systems
capabilities. These activities would
include the use of Directed Energy
(laser) devices and Electronic Attack
jamming and disruptions. All hazard
zones would be contained within the
proposed temporary restricted areas,
existing restricted airspace, or existing
offshore warning areas. Eglin AFB air
and surface assets would surveil and
clear the mission and hazard areas prior
to execution of hazardous activity.
Should a stray aircraft or surface vessel
approach a hazard zone, all hazardous
activity would be halted until the area
is again reported clear. The Eglin AFB
Range Complex utilizes extensive range
safety procedures to manage all
hazardous activities.
The proposed areas are contained
within the west section of the East/West
Corridor of the 14 CFR part 93 Special
Air Traffic Rule: ‘‘Valparaiso, Florida
Terminal Area.’’ In accordance with 14
CFR 93.81: Unless otherwise authorized
by ATC (including the Eglin Radar
Control Facility), no person may operate
an aircraft in flight within the East-West
Corridor unless—
(1) Before operating within the
corridor, that person establishes twoway radio communications with Eglin
Radar Control Facility or an appropriate
FAA ATC facility and receives an ATC
advisory concerning operations being
conducted therein; and
(2) That person maintains two-way
radio communications with the Eglin
Radar Control Facility or an appropriate
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 35 / Thursday, February 23, 2017 / Proposed Rules
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
FAA ATC facility while within the
corridor.
To minimize impacts to nonparticipating aircraft, in addition to the
existing part 93 requirement that aircraft
operating in the East/West Corridor
must establish and maintain two-way
radio contact with ATC, the Eglin Radar
Control Facility would reroute all nonparticipating aircraft north of the
temporary restricted airspace, through
the southern portion of restricted area
R–2915B. That airspace would be
scheduled for use by ATC and nonparticipating air traffic when the
temporary restricted areas are active.
This alternative routing has been
successfully used in the past to mitigate
impacts on non-participating aircraft
when the west section of the East/West
Corridor was unavailable. Emergency air
traffic requiring access to the airspace
would be given priority access under
the control of the Eglin Radar Control
Facility, which has direct
communications with the Test Director
to halt hazardous activity in the area.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and
Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) would
be published at least 24 hours in
advance of the daily activation of R–
2920A and R–2920B. The Eglin AFB
Public Affairs office would issue a press
release 30 days prior to the exercise to
advise the public of the exercise, the
activity, and impacted locations. The
Eglin AFB Flight Safety Office would
advise local airports and airspace users
of the proposed restricted airspace, its
impacts and planned mitigations.
Since R–2920A and R–2920B are
temporary areas, they would not be
depicted on the New Orleans Sectional
Aeronautical Chart or the IFR Enroute
Low Altitude Chart, L–22. However, a
notice and graphic depiction would be
published in the Notices to Airmen
Publication (NTAP). The NTAP is
available on line at https://www.faa.gov/
air_traffic/publications/notices/.
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:38 Feb 22, 2017
Jkt 241001
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 1050.1F,
‘‘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.
§ 73.29
Florida (Amended)
2. § 73.29 is amended as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
■
R–2920A Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30°22′53″ N.,
long. 86°50′57″ W.; thence along the
shoreline to lat. 30°23′35″ N., long. 86°44′24″
W.; to lat. 30°20′34″ N., long. 86°44′07″ W.;
thence 3 NM from and parallel to the
shoreline to lat. 30°19′53″ N., long. 86°50′39″
W.; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not
including 8,500 feet MSL.
Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local
time, during the period May 11 to May 18,
2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville
ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander,
96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL.
R–2920B Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30°23′35″ N.,
long. 86°44′24″ W.; thence along the
shoreline to lat. 30°23′40″ N., long. 86°42′52″
W.; to lat. 30°20′40″ N., long. 86°42′35″ W.;
thence 3 NM from and parallel to the
shoreline to lat. 30°20′34″ N., long. 86°44′07″
W.; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not
including 8,500 feet MSL.
Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local
time, during the period May 11 to May 18,
2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville
ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander,
96th Test Wing, Eglin AFB, FL.
*
PO 00000
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Frm 00005
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Fmt 4702
*
Sfmt 4702
11417
Issued in Washington, DC on February 8,
2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017–03537 Filed 2–22–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9591; Airspace
Docket No. 16–ASW–21]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Temporary
Restricted Area R–5602; Fort Sill, OK
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish temporary restricted area R–
5602, over the Fort Sill, OK, R–5601
restricted area complex, to support the
U.S. Army Maneuver & Fires Integration
Experiment (MFIX) 2018 scheduled for
December 2017. MFIX 2018 is planned
to exercise hazardous laser operations
conducting counter unmanned aircraft
systems (UAS) activities. The temporary
restricted area would be in effect from
December 4 through December 15, 2017.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 10, 2017.
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:
1 (800) 647–5527, or telephone: (202)
366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2016–9591 and
Airspace Docket No. 16–ASW–21, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at www.regulations.gov. You
may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office between
9:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–
5527), is on the ground floor of the
building at the above address.
Comments on environmental and land
use aspects to should be directed to:
U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate of
Public Works, Attn: IMSI–PWE (Sarah
Sminkey), Environmental Quality
Division, Fort Sill, OK 73503–5100;
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23FEP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 35 (Thursday, February 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11415-11417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03537]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9594; Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment of Temporary Restricted Areas R-2920A and
R-2920B; Santa Rosa Island, FL.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish two temporary restricted
areas, designated R-2920A and R-2920B, south of the Eglin Air Force
Base (AFB), FL, Range Complex and within the 14 CFR part 93
``Valparaiso, Florida, Terminal Area'' Special Air Traffic Rules Area.
The purpose of the proposed areas is to test counter-unmanned aircraft
systems capabilities. The temporary restricted areas would be in effect
from May 11 to May 18, 2017.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 27, 2017.
[[Page 11416]]
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No.
FAA-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20, 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 should be directed to: April Lawrence, Civ, USAF, 96 CEG/CEIEA,
Eglin AFB, FL 32542; telephone: (850) 882-3016. You may review the
public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any
final disposition in person in the Docket Office between 9:00a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket
Office (telephone 1 (800) 647-5527), is on the ground floor of the
building at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, 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 establish temporary restricted areas near Santa
Rosa Island, FL, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential
testing requirements.
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-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the
Internet at 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-2016-9594 and Airspace Docket No. 16-ASO-20.''
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 comment
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
Internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at https://www.faa.gov/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 Docket
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 Eastern Service Center, Federal
Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park,
GA, 30337.
Background
The U.S. Air Force submitted a proposal to the FAA to establish two
temporary restricted areas south of the Eglin AFB, FL, Range Complex.
The areas would contain hazardous activities to be conducted in support
of exercise Black Dart 2017, from May 11 to May 18, 2017. Specifically,
the areas would be used to test counter-unmanned aircraft systems
capabilities. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) of similar size and
shape to the proposed temporary restricted areas was exercised in
September 2016 with no issues from non-participating air traffic.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish
two temporary restricted areas, designated R-2920A and R-2920B, south
of the Eglin AFB Range Complex, in the vicinity of Santa Rosa Island,
FL. They would extend from the surface to but not including 8,500 feet
MSL, underlying a portion of existing restricted area R-2915C. The
planned time of designation for the areas is 0900 to 1600 local time.
Approximately 20-30 sorties per day are expected to use the temporary
restricted areas. The areas would be in effect only during the period
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
The proposed temporary restricted areas are required to contain
hazardous activities associated with testing counter-unmanned aircraft
systems capabilities. These activities would include the use of
Directed Energy (laser) devices and Electronic Attack jamming and
disruptions. All hazard zones would be contained within the proposed
temporary restricted areas, existing restricted airspace, or existing
offshore warning areas. Eglin AFB air and surface assets would surveil
and clear the mission and hazard areas prior to execution of hazardous
activity. Should a stray aircraft or surface vessel approach a hazard
zone, all hazardous activity would be halted until the area is again
reported clear. The Eglin AFB Range Complex utilizes extensive range
safety procedures to manage all hazardous activities.
The proposed areas are contained within the west section of the
East/West Corridor of the 14 CFR part 93 Special Air Traffic Rule:
``Valparaiso, Florida Terminal Area.'' In accordance with 14 CFR 93.81:
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC (including the Eglin Radar Control
Facility), no person may operate an aircraft in flight within the East-
West Corridor unless--
(1) Before operating within the corridor, that person establishes
two-way radio communications with Eglin Radar Control Facility or an
appropriate FAA ATC facility and receives an ATC advisory concerning
operations being conducted therein; and
(2) That person maintains two-way radio communications with the
Eglin Radar Control Facility or an appropriate
[[Page 11417]]
FAA ATC facility while within the corridor.
To minimize impacts to non-participating aircraft, in addition to
the existing part 93 requirement that aircraft operating in the East/
West Corridor must establish and maintain two-way radio contact with
ATC, the Eglin Radar Control Facility would reroute all non-
participating aircraft north of the temporary restricted airspace,
through the southern portion of restricted area R-2915B. That airspace
would be scheduled for use by ATC and non-participating air traffic
when the temporary restricted areas are active. This alternative
routing has been successfully used in the past to mitigate impacts on
non-participating aircraft when the west section of the East/West
Corridor was unavailable. Emergency air traffic requiring access to the
airspace would be given priority access under the control of the Eglin
Radar Control Facility, which has direct communications with the Test
Director to halt hazardous activity in the area.
Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) would be
published at least 24 hours in advance of the daily activation of R-
2920A and R-2920B. The Eglin AFB Public Affairs office would issue a
press release 30 days prior to the exercise to advise the public of the
exercise, the activity, and impacted locations. The Eglin AFB Flight
Safety Office would advise local airports and airspace users of the
proposed restricted airspace, its impacts and planned mitigations.
Since R-2920A and R-2920B are temporary areas, they would not be
depicted on the New Orleans Sectional Aeronautical Chart or the IFR
Enroute Low Altitude Chart, L-22. However, a notice and graphic
depiction would be published in the Notices to Airmen Publication
(NTAP). The NTAP is available on line at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/notices/.
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 1050.1F, ``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
0
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. 73.29 Florida (Amended)
0
2. Sec. 73.29 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-2920A Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]22'53'' N., long.
86[deg]50'57'' W.; thence along the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]23'35''
N., long. 86[deg]44'24'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'34'' N., long.
86[deg]44'07'' W.; thence 3 NM from and parallel to the shoreline to
lat. 30[deg]19'53'' N., long. 86[deg]50'39'' W.; to the point of
beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 8,500 feet
MSL.
Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local time, during the period
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin
AFB, FL.
R-2920B Santa Rosa Island, FL [Temporary]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]23'35'' N., long.
86[deg]44'24'' W.; thence along the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]23'40''
N., long. 86[deg]42'52'' W.; to lat. 30[deg]20'40'' N., long.
86[deg]42'35'' W.; thence 3 NM from and parallel to the shoreline to
lat. 30[deg]20'34'' N., long. 86[deg]44'07'' W.; to the point of
beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 8,500 feet
MSL.
Time of designation. 0900 to 1600 local time, during the period
May 11 to May 18, 2017.
Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Air Force, Commander, 96th Test Wing, Eglin
AFB, FL.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC on February 8, 2017.
Leslie M. Swann,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-03537 Filed 2-22-17; 8:45 am]
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