Proposed Amendment and Removal of VOR Federal Airways in the Vicinity of Lansing, MI, and Pontiac, MI, 34272-34274 [2017-15390]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[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]


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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.

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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).

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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]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P