Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-56 in the Vicinity of Atlanta, GA, 16539-16541 [2020-06052]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations That airspace extending upward from the surface within 1.1 miles on each side of the Manchester VOR/DME 231° radial extending from the 5-mile radius to 8.4 miles northeast of Boire Field. This Class E airspace area is effective during the specific dates and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The effective date and time will thereafter be continuously published in the Chart Supplement. Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More Above the Surface of the Earth. * * * * * ANE NH E5 Nashua, NH [Amended] Boire Field, NH (Lat. 42°46′57″ N, long. 71°30′51″ W) That airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 7.9-mile radius of Boire Field Issued in College Park, Georgia, on March 11, 2020. Ryan Almasy, Manager, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic Organization. [FR Doc. 2020–05989 Filed 3–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https:// www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can contact the Rules and Regulations 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 7400.11D at NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. 14 CFR Part 71 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [Docket No. FAA–2020–0274; Airspace Docket No. 20–ASO–8] Authority for This Rulemaking RIN 2120–AA66 Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q–56 in the Vicinity of Atlanta, GA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This action amends area navigation (RNAV) route Q–56 in the vicinity of Atlanta, GA, by reestablishing the route over the KBLER, GA, waypoint, which was recently removed from the route. Subsequent to the recent publication of the rule that removed the KBLER waypoint from Q– 56, the FAA has identified safety related issues resulting from the removal of the waypoint and the resultant relocation of the affected route segment. This action amends Q–56 to reflect the route as it was charted prior to the KBLER waypoint being removed, addresses the safety issues created by the removal of the waypoint from the route, and restores the safety and efficiency of the high altitude enroute structure supporting the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas. SUMMARY: lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES Effective date 0901 UTC, May 21, 2020. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments. DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 route structure in the National Airspace System as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. History In 2014, the FAA established 14 RNAV Q-routes and modified 4 Q-routes to enhance the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) by improving the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas. One of the Q-routes established at that time was Q–56, which was designed with the KBLER, GA, waypoint included in the route PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 16539 between the CATLN, AL, fix and the KELLN, SC, waypoint. The FAA recently published a rule in the Federal Register for Docket No. FAA–2018–0817 (85 FR 3814; January 23, 2020) to amend and establish multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes due to the planned decommissioning of the Hobby, TX, VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid. One of the routes amended in that action was Q–56, which included an amendment removing the KBLER, GA, waypoint. The removal of the KBLER, GA, waypoint from Q–56 has inadvertently created safety issues within the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) airspace by effectively moving the affected route segment 3 miles to the south at a heavily used choke point east of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. By moving the affected route segment south in that area, controllers are now required to ensure that point-out coordination of aircraft on Q–56 is accomplished because the route in that area is less than 2.5 miles from the adjacent ATC sector boundaries. If air traffic control misses this additional point-out coordination, the result will be an airspace violation and possible loss of aircraft separation. The unintended airway change also effects how aircraft inbound to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport are handled via the JONZE standard terminal arrival route (STAR). The original Q–56 route design, with the KBLER waypoint included, ensured that Charlotte/Douglas International Airport arrival aircraft flying the JONZE STAR would diverge from Q–56 at a point where Atlanta ARTCC controllers were able to transition the arrival aircraft through overflight traffic in the area in a manner that would meet descent restrictions established by the Charlotte Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) controllers based on current traffic flows. With the affected Q–56 route segment being relocated closer to the adjacent ATC sector boundaries, it has created additional safety concerns associated with ATC being able to descend Charlotte/Douglas International Airport arrival aircraft in a timely manner to meet descent restrictions and impacting the efficiencies realized by the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures. Further, the possibility that ATC may be unable to meet descent restrictions for Charlotte/ Douglas International Airport arrival aircraft could also result in the Charlotte TRACON being unable to accept the E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM 24MRR1 16540 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations arrival aircraft into their airspace; thus creating airspace congestion and safety issues for ATC to resolve. Lastly, the RNAV Q-routes that were established in 2014 within Atlanta ARTCC’s airspace, which included Q– 56, were designed to ensure the required separation between the routes to integrate the departure flows from two of the top 10 busiest airports, HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. To support the integration of departure flows, procedural separation was leveraged for as long as possible in order to establish air traffic flow efficiencies supporting both airports. With the affected Q–56 route segment now relocated 3 miles south of its original position, another unintended safety issue has been created by changing the point where conflictions between Q–56 and Q–64 occur. Absent the procedural separation benefits associated with Q–56 being charted over the KBLER waypoint, the complexity of separating aircraft operating on Q–56 and Q–64 is increased significantly; requiring additional controllers to overcome potential loss of separation safety issues. RNAV Q-routes are published in paragraph 2006 of FAA Order 7400.11D, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV Q-route listed in this rule will be subsequently published in the Order. FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. The Rule The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by modifying RNAV route Q–56. Specifically, this action re-establishes Q–56 Q–56 over the KBLER, GA, waypoint to resolve safety issues resulting from the waypoint having been removed from the route recently. Unanticipated safety issues identified subsequent to the publication of the rule that removed the KBLER waypoint from Q–56 have made this action necessary. The revised Q–56 RNAV route, overlying the KBLER waypoint, will reduce the unintended safety related issues of increased ATC sectors workload and complexity, reduce the increased ATC coordination and pilot-to-controller communications requirements, and safely restore the high altitude enroute structure supporting previous air traffic flows and capacity efficiencies in the Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas. Because the issues described above require prompt resolution, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. The RNAV route modification accomplished by this action is outlined below. Q–56: Q–56 extends between the San Antonio, TX, VHF Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid and the KIWII, VA, waypoint (WP). The KBLER, GA, WP is added between the CATLN, AL, fix and the KELLN, SC, WP. The unaffected portions of the existing route remain as charted. near Atlanta, GA, qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 1500, and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, Paragraph 5– 6.5a, which categorically excludes from further environmental impact review rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace areas, airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; and Reporting Points). As such, this action is not expected to result in any potentially significant environmental impacts. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5–2 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this action for factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis. The FAA has determined no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact study. 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. The Amendment Environmental Review The FAA has determined that this action of modifying RNAV route Q–56 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959– 1963 Comp., p. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows: ■ Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes. * * * San Antonio, TX (SAT) to KIWII, VA [Amended] San Antonio, TX (SAT) MOLLR, TX PEKON, LA Harvey, LA (HRV) VerDate Sep<11>2014 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 VORTAC WP FIX VORTAC Frm 00022 (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. Fmt 4700 29°38′38.51″ 29°39′20.23″ 29°37′22.88″ 29°51′00.70″ Sfmt 4700 N, N, N, N, long. long. long. long. 098°27′40.73″ 095°16′35.83″ 092°55′26.37″ 090°00′10.74″ E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM W) W) W) W) 24MRR1 * * Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 57 / Tuesday, March 24, 2020 / Rules and Regulations Semmes, AL (SJI) CATLN, AL KBLER, AL KELLN, SC KTOWN, NC BYSCO, NC JOOLI, NC NUUMN, NC ORACL, NC KIWII, VA * * * * VORTAC FIX WP WP WP WP WP WP WP WP * Issued in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2020. Scott M. Rosenbloom, Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group. [FR Doc. 2020–06052 Filed 3–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 14 CFR Part 1204 [Document Number NASA–20–035; Docket Number–NASA–2020–0003] RIN 2700–AE55 NASA Guidance Procedures National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This final rule incorporates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) existing internal policy and procedures relating to the issuance of guidance documents into the Code of Federal Regulations. DATES: Effective: April 23, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nanette Jennings, Directives and Regulations Management, Mission Support Directorate, (202) 358–0819, nanette.jennings@nasa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with RULES SUMMARY: I. Background Executive Order 13891, Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents, requires agencies to finalize regulations to set forth processes and procedures for issuing guidance documents to include: • Requirements for each guidance document to clearly state that it does not bind the public, except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract. • Procedures for the public to petition for withdrawal or modification of a particular guidance document, including a designation of the officials to which the petition should be directed. • Provisions requiring significant guidance documents, unless exempted VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:59 Mar 23, 2020 Jkt 250001 (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. (Lat. 30°43′33.53″ 31°18′26.03″ 33°43′20.65″ 34°31′33.22″ 35°11′49.14″ 35°46′09.25″ 35°54′55.21″ 36°09′53.78″ 36°28′01.58″ 36°34′56.91″ N, N, N, N, N, N, N, N, N, N, long. long. long. long. long. long. long. long. long. long. for reasons of exigency, safety, health, or other compelling cause as determined by NASA and the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) Administrator, to undergo a 30-day public notice and comment period; be approved on a non-delegable basis by the NASA Administrator; be reviewed by OIRA; and comply with the applicable requirements for guidance documents including significant regulatory actions. This final rule also incorporates NASA’s existing internal policy and procedures, NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 1400.2, Publishing NASA Documents in the Federal Register and Responding to Regulatory Actions, into the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) in response to the order. NPD 1400.2 establishes the Agency’s policy, procedures, and responsibilities for issuing guidance documents to ensure that the required review and clearance is obtained before issuance and all stages of the rulemaking process are followed. II. Regulatory Analysis Executive Order 12866—Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563—Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. This rule is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132—Federalism Executive Order 13132 requires agencies to ensure meaningful and timely input by state and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that may have a substantial, direct effect on the states, on the relationship between the National PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 088°21′33.46″ 087°34′47.75″ 083°43′13.71″ 082°10′16.92″ 081°03′18.27″ 080°04′33.85″ 079°49′16.24″ 079°23′38.70″ 078°52′14.80″ 078°40′03.92″ 16541 W) W) W) W) W) W) W) W) W) W) Government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in the order, and NASA has determined that this action will not have a substantial direct effect or federalism implications on the states and would not preempt any state law or regulation or affect the states’ ability to discharge traditional state governmental functions. Therefore, consultation with the states is not necessary. Executive Order 13175—Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This final rule has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 13175. NASA has determined that because this rulemaking does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of the Indian tribal governments or impose substantial direct compliance costs on them, the funding and consultation requirements of Executive Order 13175 does not apply. Executive Order 13771—Reducing Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs This rule is not an E.O. 13771 regulatory action because this rule is not significant under E.O. 12866. Regulatory Flexibility Act It has been certified that this rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601) because it would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Administrative Procedure Act This final rule merely incorporates requirements of the order and NASA’s existing internal policy and procedures for issuing guidance documents into the CFR. Therefore, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553, the Administrator of NASA has concluded that there is good cause to publish this rule without prior opportunity for public comment because the action is of Agency E:\FR\FM\24MRR1.SGM 24MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 24, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16539-16541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06052]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0274; Airspace Docket No. 20-ASO-8]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-56 in the Vicinity of 
Atlanta, GA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action amends area navigation (RNAV) route Q-56 in the 
vicinity of Atlanta, GA, by re-establishing the route over the KBLER, 
GA, waypoint, which was recently removed from the route. Subsequent to 
the recent publication of the rule that removed the KBLER waypoint from 
Q-56, the FAA has identified safety related issues resulting from the 
removal of the waypoint and the resultant relocation of the affected 
route segment. This action amends Q-56 to reflect the route as it was 
charted prior to the KBLER waypoint being removed, addresses the safety 
issues created by the removal of the waypoint from the route, and 
restores the safety and efficiency of the high altitude enroute 
structure supporting the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the 
Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, May 21, 2020. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual 
revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can 
contact the Rules and Regulations 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 7400.11D at NARA, email: 
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, 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 route structure in the National Airspace 
System as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air 
traffic.

History

    In 2014, the FAA established 14 RNAV Q-routes and modified 4 Q-
routes to enhance the efficiency of the National Airspace System (NAS) 
by improving the flow of air traffic in the vicinity of the Atlanta, 
GA, and Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas. One of the Q-routes established 
at that time was Q-56, which was designed with the KBLER, GA, waypoint 
included in the route between the CATLN, AL, fix and the KELLN, SC, 
waypoint.
    The FAA recently published a rule in the Federal Register for 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0817 (85 FR 3814; January 23, 2020) to amend and 
establish multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes due to the planned 
decommissioning of the Hobby, TX, VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance 
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigation aid. One of the routes amended 
in that action was Q-56, which included an amendment removing the 
KBLER, GA, waypoint.
    The removal of the KBLER, GA, waypoint from Q-56 has inadvertently 
created safety issues within the Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control 
Center (ARTCC) airspace by effectively moving the affected route 
segment 3 miles to the south at a heavily used choke point east of the 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. By moving the 
affected route segment south in that area, controllers are now required 
to ensure that point-out coordination of aircraft on Q-56 is 
accomplished because the route in that area is less than 2.5 miles from 
the adjacent ATC sector boundaries. If air traffic control misses this 
additional point-out coordination, the result will be an airspace 
violation and possible loss of aircraft separation.
    The unintended airway change also effects how aircraft inbound to 
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport are handled via the JONZE 
standard terminal arrival route (STAR). The original Q-56 route design, 
with the KBLER waypoint included, ensured that Charlotte/Douglas 
International Airport arrival aircraft flying the JONZE STAR would 
diverge from Q-56 at a point where Atlanta ARTCC controllers were able 
to transition the arrival aircraft through overflight traffic in the 
area in a manner that would meet descent restrictions established by 
the Charlotte Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) controllers 
based on current traffic flows. With the affected Q-56 route segment 
being relocated closer to the adjacent ATC sector boundaries, it has 
created additional safety concerns associated with ATC being able to 
descend Charlotte/Douglas International Airport arrival aircraft in a 
timely manner to meet descent restrictions and impacting the 
efficiencies realized by the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport 
Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures. Further, the possibility 
that ATC may be unable to meet descent restrictions for Charlotte/
Douglas International Airport arrival aircraft could also result in the 
Charlotte TRACON being unable to accept the

[[Page 16540]]

arrival aircraft into their airspace; thus creating airspace congestion 
and safety issues for ATC to resolve.
    Lastly, the RNAV Q-routes that were established in 2014 within 
Atlanta ARTCC's airspace, which included Q-56, were designed to ensure 
the required separation between the routes to integrate the departure 
flows from two of the top 10 busiest airports, Hartsfield-Jackson 
Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte/Douglas International 
Airport. To support the integration of departure flows, procedural 
separation was leveraged for as long as possible in order to establish 
air traffic flow efficiencies supporting both airports. With the 
affected Q-56 route segment now relocated 3 miles south of its original 
position, another unintended safety issue has been created by changing 
the point where conflictions between Q-56 and Q-64 occur. Absent the 
procedural separation benefits associated with Q-56 being charted over 
the KBLER waypoint, the complexity of separating aircraft operating on 
Q-56 and Q-64 is increased significantly; requiring additional 
controllers to overcome potential loss of separation safety issues.
    RNAV Q-routes are published in paragraph 2006 of FAA Order 
7400.11D, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV Q-route listed in 
this rule will be subsequently published in the Order.
    FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is 
published yearly and effective on September 15.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 
2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    The FAA is amending Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by modifying RNAV route Q-56. Specifically, this action re-
establishes Q-56 over the KBLER, GA, waypoint to resolve safety issues 
resulting from the waypoint having been removed from the route 
recently. Unanticipated safety issues identified subsequent to the 
publication of the rule that removed the KBLER waypoint from Q-56 have 
made this action necessary. The revised Q-56 RNAV route, overlying the 
KBLER waypoint, will reduce the unintended safety related issues of 
increased ATC sectors workload and complexity, reduce the increased ATC 
coordination and pilot-to-controller communications requirements, and 
safely restore the high altitude enroute structure supporting previous 
air traffic flows and capacity efficiencies in the Atlanta, GA, and 
Charlotte, NC, Metroplex areas. Because the issues described above 
require prompt resolution, notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b) are unnecessary.
    The RNAV route modification accomplished by this action is outlined 
below.
    Q-56: Q-56 extends between the San Antonio, TX, VHF Omnidirectional 
Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid and the KIWII, 
VA, waypoint (WP). The KBLER, GA, WP is added between the CATLN, AL, 
fix and the KELLN, SC, WP. The unaffected portions of the existing 
route remain as charted.

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 modifying RNAV route Q-
56 near Atlanta, GA, qualifies for categorical exclusion under the 
National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations at 
40 CFR part 1500, and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, 
Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, Paragraph 5-6.5a, which 
categorically excludes from further environmental impact review 
rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace areas, 
airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation 
of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; 
and Reporting Points). As such, this action is not expected to result 
in any potentially significant environmental impacts. In accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding Extraordinary 
Circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this action for factors and 
circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may 
have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis. The 
FAA has determined no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant 
preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
study.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 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(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 7400.11D, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and 
effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-56 San Antonio, TX (SAT) to KIWII, VA [Amended]
 
San Antonio, TX (SAT)                             VORTAC                        (Lat. 29[deg]38'38.51'' N, long. 098[deg]27'40.73'' W)
MOLLR, TX                                         WP                            (Lat. 29[deg]39'20.23'' N, long. 095[deg]16'35.83'' W)
PEKON, LA                                         FIX                           (Lat. 29[deg]37'22.88'' N, long. 092[deg]55'26.37'' W)
Harvey, LA (HRV)                                  VORTAC                        (Lat. 29[deg]51'00.70'' N, long. 090[deg]00'10.74'' W)

[[Page 16541]]

 
Semmes, AL (SJI)                                  VORTAC                        (Lat. 30[deg]43'33.53'' N, long. 088[deg]21'33.46'' W)
CATLN, AL                                         FIX                           (Lat. 31[deg]18'26.03'' N, long. 087[deg]34'47.75'' W)
KBLER, AL                                         WP                            (Lat. 33[deg]43'20.65'' N, long. 083[deg]43'13.71'' W)
KELLN, SC                                         WP                            (Lat. 34[deg]31'33.22'' N, long. 082[deg]10'16.92'' W)
KTOWN, NC                                         WP                            (Lat. 35[deg]11'49.14'' N, long. 081[deg]03'18.27'' W)
BYSCO, NC                                         WP                            (Lat. 35[deg]46'09.25'' N, long. 080[deg]04'33.85'' W)
JOOLI, NC                                         WP                            (Lat. 35[deg]54'55.21'' N, long. 079[deg]49'16.24'' W)
NUUMN, NC                                         WP                            (Lat. 36[deg]09'53.78'' N, long. 079[deg]23'38.70'' W)
ORACL, NC                                         WP                            (Lat. 36[deg]28'01.58'' N, long. 078[deg]52'14.80'' W)
KIWII, VA                                         WP                            (Lat. 36[deg]34'56.91'' N, long. 078[deg]40'03.92'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-06052 Filed 3-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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