Proposed Amendment and Removal of VOR Federal Airways in the Vicinity of Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI, 34272-34274 [2017-15390]
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34272
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 140
Monday, July 24, 2017
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0724; Airspace
Docket No. 17–AGL–1]
Proposed Amendment and Removal of
VOR Federal Airways in the Vicinity of
Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
modify VHF Omnidirectional Range
(VOR) Federal airways V–2, V–26, V–84,
V–218, and V–510 in the vicinity of
Lansing, MI, and to remove airway V–
410 in the vicinity of Pontiac, MI. The
proposed modifications are required
due to the planned decommissioning of
the Lansing, MI, VHF Omnidirectional
Range/Tactical Air Navigation
(VORTAC) and the Pontiac, MI,
VORTAC navigation aids which provide
navigation guidance for portions of the
above routes. Three additional VOR
Federal airways impacted by the
planned Lansing VORTAC
decommissioning (V–45, V–103, and V–
233) were proposed for amendment
previously in a separate NPRM.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 7, 2017.
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–2017–0724 and Airspace Docket
No. 17–AGL–1 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov. You may review
the public docket containing the
proposal, any comments received, and
any final disposition in person in the
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:46 Jul 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
Dockets Office between 9:00 a.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.
FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
you can contact the Airspace Policy
Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202)
741–6030, or go to http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
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 modifies the
National Airspace System (NAS) route
structure as necessary to preserve the
safe and efficient flow of air traffic
within the NAS.
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Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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–
2017–0724 and Airspace Docket No. 17–
AGL–1) 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 http://
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–2017–0724 and
Airspace Docket No. 17–AGL–1.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date 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 http://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at http://
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 in the Dockets Office (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
E:\FR\FM\24JYP1.SGM
24JYP1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 140 / Monday, July 24, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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, 10101 Hillwood Blvd.,
Fort Worth, TX, 76177.
mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with PROPOSALS
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
dated August 3, 2016, and effective
September 15, 2016. FAA Order
7400.11A is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.
Background
The FAA is planning
decommissioning activities for the
Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI, VORTACs
to take place in 2018. These VORTACs
were identified for discontinuance by
the VOR Minimum Operating Network
(VOR MON) program and listed in the
Final policy statement notice,
‘‘Provision of Navigation Services for
the Next Generation Air Transportation
System (NextGen) Transition to
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN)
(Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum
Operational Network),’’ published in the
Federal Register of July 26, 2016 (81FR
48694), Docket No. FAA–2011–1082.
With the planned decommissioning of
the Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI,
VORTACs, the FAA has determined the
remaining ground-based NAVAID
coverage in the areas is insufficient to
enable the continuity of the affected
airways. As such, proposed
modifications to VOR Federal airways
V–2, V–26, V–84, V–218, and V–510
will result in gaps in the route
structures. Additionally, the V–410 is
proposed to be removed as well. To
overcome the gaps that would result in
the route structures, the FAA plans to
amend the current fixes contained
within the project area by converting
them into RNAV waypoints that would
remain in place to assist pilots and air
traffic controllers already familiar with
them, for navigation purposes.
Instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic
could file point-to-point through the
affected area using the waypoint fixes
that will remain in place, or could
receive air traffic control (ATC) radar
vectors through the area. VFR pilots
who elect to navigate via airways
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:46 Jul 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
through the affected area could also take
advantage of the waypoint fixes or ATC
services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 71 to modify the
descriptions of VOR Federal airways V–
2, V–26, V–84, V–218, and V–510; and
to remove V–410, due to the planned
decommissioning of the Lansing, MI,
and Pontiac, MI, VORTACs. Three
additional VOR Federal airways
impacted by the planned
decommissioning of the Lansing and
Pontiac VORTACs (V–45, V–103, and
V–233) have been proposed for
amendment in a separate NPRM (82 FR
11859, February 27, 2017) and are not
addressed in this action. The proposed
route changes for this action are
described below.
V–2: V–2 currently extends between
the Seattle, WA, VORTAC and the
Gardner, MA, VOR/DME, excluding the
airspace within Canada. In a separate
NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove the
airway segment between the Lansing,
MI, VORTAC and the Buffalo, NY, VOR/
DME and the exclusion statement for
the airspace within Canada (82 FR
11859, February 27, 2017). The FAA
now proposes to remove the airway
segment between the intersection of the
Nodine, MN, 122°(T)/121°(M) and
Waukon, IA, 053°(T)/048°(M) radials
(WEBYE fix) and the Lansing, MI,
VORTAC in this NPRM. The unaffected
portions of the existing airway would
remain as charted in the two remaining
segments.
V–26: V–26 currently extends
between the Blue Mesa, CO, VOR/DME
and the Dryer, OH, VOR/DME,
excluding the airspace within Canada.
In a separate NPRM, the FAA proposed
to remove the airway segment between
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC and the
Dryer, OH, VOR/DME and the exclusion
statement for the airspace within
Canada (82 FR 11859, February 27,
2017). The FAA now proposes to
remove the airway segment between the
White Cloud, MI, VOR/DME and the
Lansing, MI, VORTAC in this NPRM.
The unaffected portions of the existing
airway would remain as charted.
V–84: V–84 currently extends
between the Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME
and the Flint, MI, VORTAC; and
between the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and
the Syracuse, NY, VORTAC. In a
separate NPRM, the FAA proposed to
remove the airway segment between the
Lansing, MI, VORTAC and the Flint, MI,
VORTAC (82 FR 11859, February 27,
2017). The FAA proposes to remove the
airway segment between the Pullman,
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
34273
MI, VOR/DME and the Lansing, MI,
VORTAC in this NPRM. The unaffected
portions of the existing airway would
remain as charted in the two remaining
segments.
V–218: V–218 currently extends
between the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR/
DME and the Rockford, IL, VOR/DME;
and between the Keeler, MI, VOR/DME
and the Lansing, MI, VORTAC. In a
separate final rule action effective
August 17, 2017, the FAA added and redesignated a portion of the V–161
airway between the International Falls,
MN, VORTAC and the Grand Rapids,
MN, VOR/DME to V–218 (82 FR 27986,
June 20, 2017). The FAA now proposes
to remove the airways segments
between the Waukon, IA, VORTAC and
the Rockford, IL, VOR/DME; and
between the Keeler, MI, VOR/DME and
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC in this
NPRM. The unaffected portion of the
existing airway would remain as
charted.
V–410: V–410 currently extends
between the Pontiac, MI, VORTAC and
the London, ON, Canada VOR/DME,
excluding the airspace within Canada.
The FAA proposes to remove the airway
in its entirety.
V–510: V–510 currently extends
between the Dickinson, ND, VORTAC
and the Dells, WI, VORTAC; and
between the Oshkosh, WI, VORTAC and
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC; and between
the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the
Rochester, NY, VOR/DME. The FAA
proposes to remove the airway segment
between the Oshkosh, WI, VORTAC and
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC. The
unaffected portions of the existing
airway will remain as charted in the two
remaining segments.
All radials in the route descriptions
below that do not reflect True (T)/
Magnetic (M) degree radial information
are unchanged and stated in True
degrees.
VOR Federal airways are published in
paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order
7400.11A, dated August 3, 2016, and
effective September 15, 2016, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The VOR Federal airways listed in
this document will be subsequently
published in the Order.
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
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24JYP1
34274
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 140 / Monday, July 24, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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 subject 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 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the
Federal Aviation Administration
proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as
follows:
PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,
B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for part 71
continues to read as follows:
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■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:46 Jul 21, 2017
Jkt 241001
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.
INT Green Bay 116° and White Cloud, MI,
302° radials; to White Cloud.
§ 71.1
V–84
[Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in
14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A,
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 3, 2016 and
effective September 15, 2016, is
amended as follows:
■
Paragraph 6010(a)
Airways.
*
*
*
Domestic VOR Federal
*
*
*
*
*
*
V–26 [Amended]
From Blue Mesa, CO; Montrose, CO; 13
miles, 112 MSL, 131 MSL; Grand Junction,
CO; Meeker, CO; Cherokee, WY; Muddy
Mountain, WY; 14 miles 12 AGL, 37 miles 75
MSL, 84 miles 90 MSL, 17 miles 12 AGL;
Rapid City, SD; Philip, SD; Pierre, SD; Huron,
SD; Redwood Falls, MN; Farmington, MN;
Eau Claire, WI; Waussau, WI; Green Bay, WI;
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
*
*
*
*
[Amended]
From Northbrook, IL; to Pullman, MI. From
Buffalo, NY; Geneseo, NY; INT Geneseo 091°
and Syracuse, NY, 240° radials; to Syracuse.
*
*
V–218
*
*
*
[Amended]
From International Falls, MN; Grand
Rapids, MN; Gopher, MN; to Waukon, IA.
*
V–2 [Amended]
From Seattle, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Moses
Lake, WA; Spokane, WA; Mullan Pass, ID;
Missoula, MT; Helena, MT; INT Helena 119°
and Livingston, MT, 322° radials; Livingston;
Billings, MT; Miles City, MT; 24 miles, 90
miles, 55 MSL, Dickinson, ND; 10 miles, 60
miles, 38 MSL, Bismarck, ND; 14 miles, 62
miles, 34 MSL, Jamestown, ND; Fargo, ND;
Alexandria, MN; Gopher, MN; Nodine, MN;
to INT Nodine 122°(T)/121°(M) and Waukon,
IA, 053°(T)/048°(M) radials. From Buffalo,
NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Utica, NY;
Albany, NY; INT Albany 084° and Gardner,
MA, 284° radials; to Gardner.
*
*
*
V–410
*
*
*
[Removed]
*
V–510
*
*
*
*
[Amended]
From Dickinson, ND; INT Dickinson 078°
and Bismarck, ND, 290° radials, 28 miles, 38
MSL, Bismarck; INT Bismarck 067° and
Jamestown, ND, 279° radials, 14 miles, 65
miles, 34 MSL, Jamestown; Fargo, ND; INT
Fargo 110° and Alexandria, MN, 321° radials;
Alexandria; INT Alexandria 110° and
Gopher, MN, 321° radials; Gopher; INT
Gopher 109° and Nodine, MN, 328° radials;
Nodine; to Dells, WI. From Buffalo, NY; INT
Buffalo 045° and Rochester, NY, 273° radials;
to Rochester.
Issued in Washington, DC, on July 17,
2017.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017–15390 Filed 7–21–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 140 (Monday, July 24, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 34272-34274]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15390]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 140 / Monday, July 24, 2017 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 34272]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0724; Airspace Docket No. 17-AGL-1]
Proposed Amendment and Removal of VOR Federal Airways in the
Vicinity of Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to modify VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)
Federal airways V-2, V-26, V-84, V-218, and V-510 in the vicinity of
Lansing, MI, and to remove airway V-410 in the vicinity of Pontiac, MI.
The proposed modifications are required due to the planned
decommissioning of the Lansing, MI, VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical
Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Pontiac, MI, VORTAC navigation aids
which provide navigation guidance for portions of the above routes.
Three additional VOR Federal airways impacted by the planned Lansing
VORTAC decommissioning (V-45, V-103, and V-233) were proposed for
amendment previously in a separate NPRM.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 7, 2017.
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-2017-0724 and Airspace Docket No. 17-AGL-1 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at http://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 9:00 a.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.
FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go
to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal-regulations/ibr_locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on September 15.
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 modifies the National Airspace System (NAS) route
structure as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air
traffic within the NAS.
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-2017-0724 and Airspace Docket No. 17-AGL-1) 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 http://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-2017-0724 and Airspace Docket No. 17-AGL-1.'' The
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified comment
closing date 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 http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://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 in the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and
[[Page 34273]]
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, 10101 Hillwood
Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, 76177.
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document proposes to amend FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016, and effective
September 15, 2016. FAA Order 7400.11A is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11A lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points.
Background
The FAA is planning decommissioning activities for the Lansing, MI,
and Pontiac, MI, VORTACs to take place in 2018. These VORTACs were
identified for discontinuance by the VOR Minimum Operating Network (VOR
MON) program and listed in the Final policy statement notice,
``Provision of Navigation Services for the Next Generation Air
Transportation System (NextGen) Transition to Performance-Based
Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum Operational
Network),'' published in the Federal Register of July 26, 2016 (81FR
48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082.
With the planned decommissioning of the Lansing, MI, and Pontiac,
MI, VORTACs, the FAA has determined the remaining ground-based NAVAID
coverage in the areas is insufficient to enable the continuity of the
affected airways. As such, proposed modifications to VOR Federal
airways V-2, V-26, V-84, V-218, and V-510 will result in gaps in the
route structures. Additionally, the V-410 is proposed to be removed as
well. To overcome the gaps that would result in the route structures,
the FAA plans to amend the current fixes contained within the project
area by converting them into RNAV waypoints that would remain in place
to assist pilots and air traffic controllers already familiar with
them, for navigation purposes. Instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic
could file point-to-point through the affected area using the waypoint
fixes that will remain in place, or could receive air traffic control
(ATC) radar vectors through the area. VFR pilots who elect to navigate
via airways through the affected area could also take advantage of the
waypoint fixes or ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to modify the descriptions of VOR Federal
airways V-2, V-26, V-84, V-218, and V-510; and to remove V-410, due to
the planned decommissioning of the Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI,
VORTACs. Three additional VOR Federal airways impacted by the planned
decommissioning of the Lansing and Pontiac VORTACs (V-45, V-103, and V-
233) have been proposed for amendment in a separate NPRM (82 FR 11859,
February 27, 2017) and are not addressed in this action. The proposed
route changes for this action are described below.
V-2: V-2 currently extends between the Seattle, WA, VORTAC and the
Gardner, MA, VOR/DME, excluding the airspace within Canada. In a
separate NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove the airway segment between
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC and the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the exclusion
statement for the airspace within Canada (82 FR 11859, February 27,
2017). The FAA now proposes to remove the airway segment between the
intersection of the Nodine, MN, 122[deg](T)/121[deg](M) and Waukon, IA,
053[deg](T)/048[deg](M) radials (WEBYE fix) and the Lansing, MI, VORTAC
in this NPRM. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would
remain as charted in the two remaining segments.
V-26: V-26 currently extends between the Blue Mesa, CO, VOR/DME and
the Dryer, OH, VOR/DME, excluding the airspace within Canada. In a
separate NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove the airway segment between
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC and the Dryer, OH, VOR/DME and the exclusion
statement for the airspace within Canada (82 FR 11859, February 27,
2017). The FAA now proposes to remove the airway segment between the
White Cloud, MI, VOR/DME and the Lansing, MI, VORTAC in this NPRM. The
unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as charted.
V-84: V-84 currently extends between the Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME
and the Flint, MI, VORTAC; and between the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the
Syracuse, NY, VORTAC. In a separate NPRM, the FAA proposed to remove
the airway segment between the Lansing, MI, VORTAC and the Flint, MI,
VORTAC (82 FR 11859, February 27, 2017). The FAA proposes to remove the
airway segment between the Pullman, MI, VOR/DME and the Lansing, MI,
VORTAC in this NPRM. The unaffected portions of the existing airway
would remain as charted in the two remaining segments.
V-218: V-218 currently extends between the Grand Rapids, MN, VOR/
DME and the Rockford, IL, VOR/DME; and between the Keeler, MI, VOR/DME
and the Lansing, MI, VORTAC. In a separate final rule action effective
August 17, 2017, the FAA added and re-designated a portion of the V-161
airway between the International Falls, MN, VORTAC and the Grand
Rapids, MN, VOR/DME to V-218 (82 FR 27986, June 20, 2017). The FAA now
proposes to remove the airways segments between the Waukon, IA, VORTAC
and the Rockford, IL, VOR/DME; and between the Keeler, MI, VOR/DME and
the Lansing, MI, VORTAC in this NPRM. The unaffected portion of the
existing airway would remain as charted.
V-410: V-410 currently extends between the Pontiac, MI, VORTAC and
the London, ON, Canada VOR/DME, excluding the airspace within Canada.
The FAA proposes to remove the airway in its entirety.
V-510: V-510 currently extends between the Dickinson, ND, VORTAC
and the Dells, WI, VORTAC; and between the Oshkosh, WI, VORTAC and the
Lansing, MI, VORTAC; and between the Buffalo, NY, VOR/DME and the
Rochester, NY, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment
between the Oshkosh, WI, VORTAC and the Lansing, MI, VORTAC. The
unaffected portions of the existing airway will remain as charted in
the two remaining segments.
All radials in the route descriptions below that do not reflect
True (T)/Magnetic (M) degree radial information are unchanged and
stated in True degrees.
VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order
7400.11A, dated August 3, 2016, and effective September 15, 2016, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways
listed in this document will be subsequently published in the Order.
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
[[Page 34274]]
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 subject 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 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.
Sec. 71.1 [Amended]
0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11A,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 3, 2016 and
effective September 15, 2016, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-2 [Amended]
From Seattle, WA; Ellensburg, WA; Moses Lake, WA; Spokane, WA;
Mullan Pass, ID; Missoula, MT; Helena, MT; INT Helena 119[deg] and
Livingston, MT, 322[deg] radials; Livingston; Billings, MT; Miles
City, MT; 24 miles, 90 miles, 55 MSL, Dickinson, ND; 10 miles, 60
miles, 38 MSL, Bismarck, ND; 14 miles, 62 miles, 34 MSL, Jamestown,
ND; Fargo, ND; Alexandria, MN; Gopher, MN; Nodine, MN; to INT Nodine
122[deg](T)/121[deg](M) and Waukon, IA, 053[deg](T)/048[deg](M)
radials. From Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; Utica, NY;
Albany, NY; INT Albany 084[deg] and Gardner, MA, 284[deg] radials;
to Gardner.
* * * * *
V-26 [Amended]
From Blue Mesa, CO; Montrose, CO; 13 miles, 112 MSL, 131 MSL;
Grand Junction, CO; Meeker, CO; Cherokee, WY; Muddy Mountain, WY; 14
miles 12 AGL, 37 miles 75 MSL, 84 miles 90 MSL, 17 miles 12 AGL;
Rapid City, SD; Philip, SD; Pierre, SD; Huron, SD; Redwood Falls,
MN; Farmington, MN; Eau Claire, WI; Waussau, WI; Green Bay, WI; INT
Green Bay 116[deg] and White Cloud, MI, 302[deg] radials; to White
Cloud.
* * * * *
V-84 [Amended]
From Northbrook, IL; to Pullman, MI. From Buffalo, NY; Geneseo,
NY; INT Geneseo 091[deg] and Syracuse, NY, 240[deg] radials; to
Syracuse.
* * * * *
V-218 [Amended]
From International Falls, MN; Grand Rapids, MN; Gopher, MN; to
Waukon, IA.
* * * * *
V-410 [Removed]
* * * * *
V-510 [Amended]
From Dickinson, ND; INT Dickinson 078[deg] and Bismarck, ND,
290[deg] radials, 28 miles, 38 MSL, Bismarck; INT Bismarck 067[deg]
and Jamestown, ND, 279[deg] radials, 14 miles, 65 miles, 34 MSL,
Jamestown; Fargo, ND; INT Fargo 110[deg] and Alexandria, MN,
321[deg] radials; Alexandria; INT Alexandria 110[deg] and Gopher,
MN, 321[deg] radials; Gopher; INT Gopher 109[deg] and Nodine, MN,
328[deg] radials; Nodine; to Dells, WI. From Buffalo, NY; INT
Buffalo 045[deg] and Rochester, NY, 273[deg] radials; to Rochester.
Issued in Washington, DC, on July 17, 2017.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2017-15390 Filed 7-21-17; 8:45 am]
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