Establishment of Restricted Area R-2507W; Chocolate Mountains, CA, 17936-17938 [2017-07573]

Download as PDF 17936 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations (iii) Compliance with paragraph (f)(2)(i) or (f)(2)(iii) of this AD is terminating action for the initial and repetitive USIs specified by paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (f)—HPC STAGE 8–10 SPOOL S/NS Part Nos. Serial Nos. 1844M90G01 ...................................................................... 1844M90G02 ...................................................................... (2) For all HPC stage 8–10 spools, P/N 1694M80G04, 1844M90G01, or 1844M90G02, perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the stage 8 aft upper face as follows: (i) Perform an initial ECI of the stage 8 aft web upper face at the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD. (ii) Thereafter, perform an ECI of the stage 8 aft web upper face at each subsequent shop visit. (iii) If you performed an ECI of the stage 8 aft web upper surface before the effective date of the AD, you met the requirements of paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD. (3) Remove from service any HPC stage 8– 10 spool that fails the inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) or (2) of this AD, and replace with a spool eligible for installation. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:38 Apr 13, 2017 Jkt 241001 GWNBK753 GWNBK754 GWNBK841 GWNBK842 GWNBK843 GWNBK844 GWNBK952 GWNBK953 GWNBK954 GWNBK955 GWNBK956 GWNBK957 GWNBK958 GWNBK959 GWN01C5N GWN01GE2 GWN01GE3 GWN01GE4 GWN01GE6 GWN01WH1 GWN02688 GWN02689 GWN0268A GWN02DP2 GWN02DP3 GWN02F9F GWN02F9G GWN02L9T GWNBS077 GWNBS078 GWNBS079 GWNBS080 GWNBS081 GWNBS157 GWNBS158 GWNBS159 GWNBS160 GWNBS266 GWNBS267 GWNBS268 GWNBS269 GWNBS270 GWN02N8D GWN02T3R GWN02WGM GWN0311K GWN035PP GWN038TD GWN039TG GWN03G2R GWN03G2W GWN03G30 GWN03JPC GWN03JPD GWN03N8P GWN03N8R phone: 781–238–7756; fax: 781–238–7199; email: john.frost@faa.gov. (2) GE GE90 Service Bulletin (SB) 72–1151, Revision 01, dated September 13, 2016; GE GE90 SB 72–1151, Revision 0, dated June 10, 2016; Chapter 72–31–08, Special Procedures 003; and Chapter 72–00–31, Special Procedures 006, in GE GE90 Engine Manual, GEK100700, Revision 68, dated September 1, 2016, can be obtained from GE using the contact information in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. These SBs describe procedures for an onwing USI of the stage 8 web of the stage 8– 10 spool. These engine manual procedures describe how to perform ECI of the stage 8 aft web of the stage 8–10 spool. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact General Electric Company, GE-Aviation, Room 285, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215, phone: 513–552–3272; fax: 513–552–3329; email: geae.aoc@ge.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. GWNBS497 GWNBS499 GWNBS500 GWNBS501 GWNBS502 GWNBS609 GWNBS610 GWNBS611 GWNBS612 GWNBS613 GWNBS614 GWNBS721 GWNBS722 GWNBS723 GWN03RTM GWN03RTP GWN040RL GWN040RM GWN040RN GWN040RP GWN04202 GWN0435W GWN04360 GWN04361 GWN04362 GWN04ATG GWN04ATH GWN04E20 GWNBS724 GWNBS794 GWNBS810 GWNBS811 GWNBS812 GWNBS813 GWNBS814 GWNBS910 GWNBS911 GWNBS912 GWNBS914 GWNBS915 GWNBS982 GWNBS983 GWN04E21 GWN04GHT GWN04GHW GWN04GJ0 GWN04JW6 GWN04JW7 GWN04JW8 GWN04L7K GWN04L7L GWN04MT7 GWN04MT8 GWNBS984 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Docket No. FAA–2015–2193; Airspace Docket No. 15–AWP–8] Establishment of Restricted Area R– 2507W; Chocolate Mountains, CA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: ACTION: Final rule. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 5, 2017. Carlos A. Pestana, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. This action establishes restricted area R–2507W, Chocolate Mountains, CA, to support training activities that involve the use of advanced weapons systems. This action ensures realistic United States Marine Corps (USMC) training on live fire and non-live fire aviation activities such as Basic Ordinance Delivery, Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Gunnery, Laser Ranging and Designating, and Air Strikes. Restricted area R–2507W will allow the USMC to enhance training and safety requirements in order to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready military forces. [FR Doc. 2017–07476 Filed 4–13–17; 8:45 am] (g) Definition For the purpose of this AD, an engine shop visit is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance during which the compressor discharge pressure seal face is exposed. (i) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact John Frost, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; GWN005MF GWN005MG GWN0087M GWN0087N GWN00DGK GWN00DGL GWNBJ992 GWNBK667 GWNBK674 GWNBK675 GWNBK743 GWNBK744 GWNBK751 GWNBK752 GWN00C2T GWN00C2V GWN00G2N GWN00G2P GWN00PFP GWN00PFR GWN00T2N GWN00YHV GWN0125G GWN0125H GWN0166K GWN01C5K GWN01C5L GWN01C5M DATES: (j) Material Incorporated by Reference None. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 SUMMARY: Effective date 0901 UTC, June 22, 2017. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Ready, 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 establishes the restricted area airspace at Chocolate Mountains, CA, to accommodate essential USMC training requirements and ensure the safety of aircraft otherwise permitted to overfly the location established for USMC training. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES History The FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (80 FR 42761, July 20, 2015), Docket No. FAA–2015–2193, to establish restricted area R–2507W to support hazardous training activities conducted within the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range (CMAGR), special use airspace (SUA) complex. Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. One comment from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was received. Discussion of Comments In their response to the NPRM, AOPA raised several substantive issues. AOPA contended the proposed airspace design would have a negative impact on general aviation aircraft highlighting three main areas of concern: Proximity to Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge; impact on instrument approach into Brawley Municipal Airport (BWC); and impact on instrument approach into Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM). Having considered the issues provided by AOPA, the FAA offers the following responses. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:38 Apr 13, 2017 Jkt 241001 Proximity to Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge AOPA indicated that pilots would prefer additional buffer space between aircraft and the refuge, but R–2057W reduces that margin on the northern coast of the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. The FAA acknowledges the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is located in close proximity to R–2507W and that pilots are encouraged to avoid the refuge, if practical, as Advisory Circular 91–36D states under the paragraph ‘Voluntary Practices.’ As alluded to by AOPA’s comment, navigating along the northern shoreline of the Salton Sea is a common occurrence when operating in the area. The closest point between the proposed airspace and the refuge is approximately 3.7 nautical miles. This distance provides ample maneuver space in a VFR environment for general aviation pilots to avoid both the proposed R–2507W and the wildlife refuge. Additionally, it is important to note that the recognizable geographic boundary of the range from the air is the canal that borders the range. In order to ensure safety, the airspace utilizes that geographic border to visually assist general aviation in identifying the outer edge of the restricted area. Moreover, the R–2507W airspace overlays Controlled Fire Areas which are established over the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunner Range. There are no records at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, of having to take any actions to put the Controlled Fire Areas in cease-fire status due to general aviation activity in/around the underlying ranges. For these reasons, the FAA disagrees that additional clearance is necessary. Impact on Instrument Approach Into Brawley Municipal Airport (BWC) AOPA also expressed concern that an aircraft inbound to BWC via the VOR/ DME B approach originating from the Thermal VORTAC must fly 35 miles to SECAN intersection which is found by cross referencing with the Imperial VORTAC. AOPA suggested that pilot solely utilizing VOR guidance could stray north near the restricted area. The FAA acknowledges that a pilot flying the VOR/DME B approach procedure into BWC and navigating solely off of one VOR has cockpit workload to consider. However, the FAA considers the cockpit workload a factor at the intersection due to switching from VOR to VOR for guidance on when to make the turn does not present any safety concern associated with the establishment of R– PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 17937 2507W. The pilot’s potential to stray beyond the intersection or missing the turn would take the pilot away from the restricted area rather than closer to it. The FAA recognizes ample maneuverability room to complete the initial inbound radial of the approach to the SECAN intersection without being in jeopardy of straying into the new R– 2507W. Impact on Instrument Approach Into Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM) AOPA is concerned the RNAV GPS runway 35 approach will lose safe distance off of the SHADI intersection from the restricted airspace. The FAA concurs with the comment that the feeder route of SHADI intersection to the COSUK intersection (which is an initial approach fix) would be reduced to an unacceptable distance. Therefore, the FAA has reduced the boundary of the northwest corner of R–2507W to provide sufficient protected airspace from the RNAV (GPS) runway 35 approach. Differences From the NPRM Subsequent to publication of the NPRM, in response to a comment from AOPA, the FAA identified a geographic lat./long. coordinate which was adjusted into two geographic lat./long. coordinates to ensure ample separation from the TRM RNAV GPS runway 35 approach feeder route off of SHADI intersection, which is an established approach procedure. The following restricted area updates are incorporated in this action. The geographical lat./long. coordinate for the point located in the northwest corner of R–2507W has been removed and two new points were established. The Rule The FAA is amending title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 to establish a new restricted area R–2507W at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, CA. The FAA is also incorporating the restricted area updates noted in the Differences from the NPRM section. The FAA is taking this action to ensure realistic USMC training on live fire and non-live fire aviation activities such as Basic Ordinance Delivery, Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Gunnery, Laser Ranging and Designating, and Air Strikes. The changes from what was proposed in the NPRM are as follows: R–2507W: The geographic coordinate proposed as ‘‘lat. 33°29′25″ N., long. 115°46′08″ W.’’ in the boundaries description is deleted and replaced by two points identified as ‘‘lat. 33°29′11″ N., long. 115°45′49″ W.’’ and ‘‘lat. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 17938 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 71 / Friday, April 14, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 33°29′36″ N., long. 115°45′36″ W.’’ The rest of the legal description of R–2507W is unchanged from the proposal. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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. jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action of establishing restricted area R– 2507W, Chocolate Mountain, CA, to support USMC training activities that involve the use of advanced weapons systems, qualified for FAA’s environmental impact review and FAA’s adoption of the airspace use portion of the USMC’s Final Environmental Assessment (FEA). In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), its implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, FAA Orders 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, and 7400.2K Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, FAA, as a cooperating agency for this SUA action, conducted an independent environmental impact review of the airspace use portion of the USMC’s Air Station Yuma FEA for the Establishment of Special Use Airspace Restricted Area R–2507W, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Imperial and Riverside Counties, California (June 2014). Based on its review, the FAA has determined that the action that is the subject of this rule does not present any potential for significant impacts to the human environment. The FAA’s Adoption EA and FONSI–ROD are included in the docket for this rulemaking. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas. VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:38 Apr 13, 2017 Jkt 241001 The Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. Section 73.25 is amended as follows: * * * * * ■ R–2507W West Chocolate Mountains, CA [New] Boundaries—Beginning at lat. 33°14′00″ N., long. 115°22′33″ W.; to lat. 33°13′14″ N., long. 115°23′17″ W.; to lat. 33°13′58″ N., long. 115°24′26″ W.; to lat. 33°14′22″ N., long. 115°25′29″ W.; to lat. 33°15′40″ N., long. 115°27′36″ W.; to lat. 33°17′28″ N., long. 115°29′42″ W.; to lat. 33°19′17″ N., long. 115°32′13″ W.; to lat. 33°21′11″ N., long. 115°34′39″ W.; to lat. 33°22′58″ N., long. 115°38′19″ W.; to lat. 33°27′26″ N., long. 115°43′30″ W.; to lat. 33°29′11″ N., long. 115°45′49″ W.; to lat. 33°29′36″ N., long. 115°45′36″ W.; to lat. 33°31′09″ N., long. 115°41′12″ W.; to lat. 33°32′50″ N., long. 115°37′37″ W.; to lat. 33°32′40″ N., long. 115°33′53″ W.; to lat. 33°28′30″ N., long. 115°42′13″ W.; to lat. 33°23′40″ N., long. 115°33′23″ W.; to lat. 33°21′30″ N., long. 115°32′58″ W.; thence to the point of beginning. Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 230. Time of designation. Continuous. Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC). Using agency. USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, AZ. * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, on April 10, 2017. Rodger A. Dean Jr., Manager, Airspace Policy Group. [FR Doc. 2017–07573 Filed 4–13–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION 29 CFR Part 4022 Benefits Payable in Terminated SingleEmployer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Paying Benefits Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ACTION: Final rule. This final rule amends the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans to prescribe interest assumptions under the regulation for valuation dates in May 2017. The interest assumptions are used for paying benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by the pension insurance system administered by PBGC. DATES: Effective May 1, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah C. Murphy (Murphy.Deborah@ pbgc.gov), Assistant General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20005, 202–326– 4400 ext. 3451. (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1–800–877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4400 ext. 3451.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PBGC’s regulation on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR part 4022) prescribes actuarial assumptions—including interest assumptions—for paying plan benefits under terminating single-employer plans covered by title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The interest assumptions in the regulation are also published on PBGC’s Web site (https://www.pbgc.gov). PBGC uses the interest assumptions in Appendix B to part 4022 to determine whether a benefit is payable as a lump sum and to determine the amount to pay. Appendix C to Part 4022 contains interest assumptions for private-sector pension practitioners to refer to if they wish to use lump-sum interest rates determined using PBGC’s historical methodology. Currently, the rates in Appendices B and C of the benefit payment regulation are the same. The interest assumptions are intended to reflect current conditions in the financial and annuity markets. Assumptions under the benefit payments regulation are updated monthly. This final rule updates the benefit payments interest assumptions for May 2017.1 The May 2017 interest assumptions under the benefit payments regulation will be 1.00 percent for the period during which a benefit is in pay status and 4.00 percent during any years preceding the benefit’s placement in pay SUMMARY: 1 Appendix B to PBGC’s regulation on Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans (29 CFR part 4044) prescribes interest assumptions for valuing benefits under terminating covered single-employer plans for purposes of allocation of assets under ERISA section 4044. Those assumptions are updated quarterly. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 71 (Friday, April 14, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17936-17938]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07573]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2193; Airspace Docket No. 15-AWP-8]


Establishment of Restricted Area R-2507W; Chocolate Mountains, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action establishes restricted area R-2507W, Chocolate 
Mountains, CA, to support training activities that involve the use of 
advanced weapons systems. This action ensures realistic United States 
Marine Corps (USMC) training on live fire and non-live fire aviation 
activities such as Basic Ordinance Delivery, Close Air Support, Air-to-
Air Gunnery, Laser Ranging and Designating, and Air Strikes. Restricted 
area R-2507W will allow the USMC to enhance training and safety 
requirements in order to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready 
military forces.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, June 22, 2017.

[[Page 17937]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Ready, 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 establishes the restricted area airspace at Chocolate Mountains, 
CA, to accommodate essential USMC training requirements and ensure the 
safety of aircraft otherwise permitted to overfly the location 
established for USMC training.

History

    The FAA published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) (80 FR 42761, July 20, 2015), Docket No. FAA-2015-
2193, to establish restricted area R-2507W to support hazardous 
training activities conducted within the Chocolate Mountain Aerial 
Gunnery Range (CMAGR), special use airspace (SUA) complex.
    Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking 
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. One comment from 
the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was received.

Discussion of Comments

    In their response to the NPRM, AOPA raised several substantive 
issues. AOPA contended the proposed airspace design would have a 
negative impact on general aviation aircraft highlighting three main 
areas of concern: Proximity to Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge; 
impact on instrument approach into Brawley Municipal Airport (BWC); and 
impact on instrument approach into Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport 
(TRM).
    Having considered the issues provided by AOPA, the FAA offers the 
following responses.

Proximity to Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge

    AOPA indicated that pilots would prefer additional buffer space 
between aircraft and the refuge, but R-2057W reduces that margin on the 
northern coast of the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.
    The FAA acknowledges the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge is 
located in close proximity to R-2507W and that pilots are encouraged to 
avoid the refuge, if practical, as Advisory Circular 91-36D states 
under the paragraph `Voluntary Practices.' As alluded to by AOPA's 
comment, navigating along the northern shoreline of the Salton Sea is a 
common occurrence when operating in the area. The closest point between 
the proposed airspace and the refuge is approximately 3.7 nautical 
miles. This distance provides ample maneuver space in a VFR environment 
for general aviation pilots to avoid both the proposed R-2507W and the 
wildlife refuge. Additionally, it is important to note that the 
recognizable geographic boundary of the range from the air is the canal 
that borders the range. In order to ensure safety, the airspace 
utilizes that geographic border to visually assist general aviation in 
identifying the outer edge of the restricted area. Moreover, the R-
2507W airspace overlays Controlled Fire Areas which are established 
over the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunner Range. There are no records 
at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, of having to take any actions to put 
the Controlled Fire Areas in cease-fire status due to general aviation 
activity in/around the underlying ranges. For these reasons, the FAA 
disagrees that additional clearance is necessary.

Impact on Instrument Approach Into Brawley Municipal Airport (BWC)

    AOPA also expressed concern that an aircraft inbound to BWC via the 
VOR/DME B approach originating from the Thermal VORTAC must fly 35 
miles to SECAN intersection which is found by cross referencing with 
the Imperial VORTAC. AOPA suggested that pilot solely utilizing VOR 
guidance could stray north near the restricted area.
    The FAA acknowledges that a pilot flying the VOR/DME B approach 
procedure into BWC and navigating solely off of one VOR has cockpit 
workload to consider. However, the FAA considers the cockpit workload a 
factor at the intersection due to switching from VOR to VOR for 
guidance on when to make the turn does not present any safety concern 
associated with the establishment of R-2507W. The pilot's potential to 
stray beyond the intersection or missing the turn would take the pilot 
away from the restricted area rather than closer to it. The FAA 
recognizes ample maneuverability room to complete the initial inbound 
radial of the approach to the SECAN intersection without being in 
jeopardy of straying into the new R-2507W.

Impact on Instrument Approach Into Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport 
(TRM)

    AOPA is concerned the RNAV GPS runway 35 approach will lose safe 
distance off of the SHADI intersection from the restricted airspace. 
The FAA concurs with the comment that the feeder route of SHADI 
intersection to the COSUK intersection (which is an initial approach 
fix) would be reduced to an unacceptable distance. Therefore, the FAA 
has reduced the boundary of the northwest corner of R-2507W to provide 
sufficient protected airspace from the RNAV (GPS) runway 35 approach.

Differences From the NPRM

    Subsequent to publication of the NPRM, in response to a comment 
from AOPA, the FAA identified a geographic lat./long. coordinate which 
was adjusted into two geographic lat./long. coordinates to ensure ample 
separation from the TRM RNAV GPS runway 35 approach feeder route off of 
SHADI intersection, which is an established approach procedure. The 
following restricted area updates are incorporated in this action.
    The geographical lat./long. coordinate for the point located in the 
northwest corner of R-2507W has been removed and two new points were 
established.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 to establish a new restricted area R-2507W at the Chocolate 
Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, CA. The FAA is also incorporating the 
restricted area updates noted in the Differences from the NPRM section. 
The FAA is taking this action to ensure realistic USMC training on live 
fire and non-live fire aviation activities such as Basic Ordinance 
Delivery, Close Air Support, Air-to-Air Gunnery, Laser Ranging and 
Designating, and Air Strikes. The changes from what was proposed in the 
NPRM are as follows:
    R-2507W: The geographic coordinate proposed as ``lat. 
33[deg]29'25'' N., long. 115[deg]46'08'' W.'' in the boundaries 
description is deleted and replaced by two points identified as ``lat. 
33[deg]29'11'' N., long. 115[deg]45'49'' W.'' and ``lat.

[[Page 17938]]

33[deg]29'36'' N., long. 115[deg]45'36'' W.'' The rest of the legal 
description of R-2507W is unchanged from the proposal.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
It, therefore: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 
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.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action of establishing restricted 
area R-2507W, Chocolate Mountain, CA, to support USMC training 
activities that involve the use of advanced weapons systems, qualified 
for FAA's environmental impact review and FAA's adoption of the 
airspace use portion of the USMC's Final Environmental Assessment 
(FEA). In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 
its implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508, FAA 
Orders 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, and 
7400.2K Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters, FAA, as a cooperating 
agency for this SUA action, conducted an independent environmental 
impact review of the airspace use portion of the USMC's Air Station 
Yuma FEA for the Establishment of Special Use Airspace Restricted Area 
R-2507W, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Imperial and 
Riverside Counties, California (June 2014). Based on its review, the 
FAA has determined that the action that is the subject of this rule 
does not present any potential for significant impacts to the human 
environment. The FAA's Adoption EA and FONSI-ROD are included in the 
docket for this rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

The Amendment

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

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
1. The authority citation for 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.  73.25  California [Amended]

0
2. Section 73.25 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2507W West Chocolate Mountains, CA [New]

    Boundaries--Beginning at lat. 33[deg]14'00'' N., long. 
115[deg]22'33'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]13'14'' N., long. 115[deg]23'17'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]13'58'' N., long. 115[deg]24'26'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]14'22'' N., long. 115[deg]25'29'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]15'40'' N., 
long. 115[deg]27'36'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]17'28'' N., long. 
115[deg]29'42'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]19'17'' N., long. 115[deg]32'13'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]21'11'' N., long. 115[deg]34'39'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]22'58'' N., long. 115[deg]38'19'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]27'26'' N., 
long. 115[deg]43'30'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]29'11'' N., long. 
115[deg]45'49'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]29'36'' N., long. 115[deg]45'36'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]31'09'' N., long. 115[deg]41'12'' W.; to lat. 
33[deg]32'50'' N., long. 115[deg]37'37'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]32'40'' N., 
long. 115[deg]33'53'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]28'30'' N., long. 
115[deg]42'13'' W.; to lat. 33[deg]23'40'' N., long. 115[deg]33'23'' 
W.; to lat. 33[deg]21'30'' N., long. 115[deg]32'58'' W.; thence to the 
point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 230.
    Time of designation. Continuous.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control 
Center (ARTCC).
    Using agency. USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station 
(MCAS) Yuma, AZ.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 10, 2017.
Rodger A. Dean Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-07573 Filed 4-13-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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