Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA, 11421-11423 [2021-01021]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
within 330 hours time-in-service, whichever
occurs first, modify the electrical operation of
the throttle twist grip to give priority to the
HydroMechanical Unit flight position when
the microswitch does not operate correctly at
forced idle (corresponds to Airbus
Helicopters Modification (MOD) 073357) as
follows:
(1) For helicopters without MOD 073087
and without MOD 073135 installed:
(i) Install box ‘‘69K’’ on the Full Authority
Digital Engine Control plate, relay ‘‘81K’’ on
frame X1310, install fuses on the console end
comprising circuit-breaker panels ‘‘31
ALPHA’’ and ‘‘32 ALPHA,’’ and modify the
electrical wiring by following the
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph
3.B.2.a. of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. AS350–67.00.43, Revision 3,
dated June 16, 2016 (ASB AS350–67.00.43),
except you are not required to discard parts.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following paragraph 3.B.2.e. of
ASB AS350–67.00.43. If the wiring routing is
incorrect, before further flight, correct the
wiring routing by following paragraph
3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(2) For helicopters with MOD 073087
(series) and without MOD 073135 installed:
(i) Install relays ‘‘54K’’ and ‘‘81K’’ on frame
X1310 and modify the electrical wiring by
following paragraph 3.B.2.b. of ASB AS350–
67.00.43.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following paragraph 3.B.2.e. of
ASB AS350–67.00.43. If the wiring routing is
incorrect, before further flight, correct the
wiring routing by following paragraph
3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(3) For helicopters with MOD 073087
(retrofit) and without MOD 073135 installed:
(i) Install relay ‘‘81K’’ on frame X1310 and
modify the electrical wiring by following
paragraph 3.B.2.c. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following paragraph 3.B.2.e. of
ASB AS350–67.00.43. If the wiring routing is
incorrect, before further flight, correct the
wiring routing by following paragraph
3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(4) For helicopters with MOD 073087 and
with MOD 073135 installed:
(i) Install relay ‘‘81K’’ on frame X1310 and
modify the electrical wiring by following
paragraph 3.B.2.d. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following paragraph 3.B.2.e. of
ASB AS350–67.00.43. If the wiring routing is
incorrect, before further flight, correct the
wiring routing by following paragraph
3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(5) For helicopters with MOD 073084 and
with MOD 073222 installed:
(i) Install relay ‘‘81K’’ on frame X1310 and
modify the electrical wiring by following
paragraph 3.B.2.g. of ASB AS350–67.00.43,
except you are not required to scrap parts.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following paragraph 3.B.2.e. of
ASB AS350–67.00.43. If the wiring routing is
incorrect, before further flight, correct the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Feb 24, 2021
Jkt 253001
wiring routing by following paragraph
3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(6) For helicopters with optional Autopilot
‘‘81K’’ and without MOD 073222 installed:
(i) Position relay ‘‘81K’’ on frame X1310 by
following paragraph 3.B.2.h. of ASB AS350–
67.00.43.
(ii) Inspect the routing of microswitch
electrical harness ‘‘53K’’ for correct
installation by following ASB AS350–
67.00.43, paragraph 3.B.2.e. If the wiring
routing is incorrect, before further flight,
correct the wiring routing by following
paragraph 3.B.2.f. of ASB AS350–67.00.43.
(f) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits are prohibited.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the Strategic Policy
Rotorcraft Section, send it to: Manager,
Strategic Policy Rotorcraft Section, FAA,
10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX
76177; telephone 817–222–5110; email 9ASW-FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(h) Additional Information
(1) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.00.49, Revision 3, dated March 8, 2012,
which is not incorporated by reference,
contains additional information about the
subject of this AD. For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus
Helicopters, 2701 N Forum Drive, Grand
Prairie, TX 75052; telephone 972–641–0000
or 800–232–0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at
https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view the
referenced service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
(2) The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (now
European Union Aviation Safety Agency)
(EASA) AD No. 2017–0035, dated February
20, 2017. You may view the EASA AD on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov in the
AD Docket.
(i) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 7697, Engine Control System Wiring.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
11421
(i) Airbus Helicopters Alert Service
Bulletin No. AS350–67.00.43, Revision 3,
dated June 16, 2016.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone
972–641–0000 or 800–232–0323; fax 972–
641–3775; or at https://www.airbus.com/
helicopters/services/technical-support.html.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 817–222–5110.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on February 4, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03657 Filed 2–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2013–1063; Airspace
Docket No. 13–ASO–25]
RIN 2120–AA66
Amendment of Restricted Areas R–
3008A, R–3008B, R–3008C, and R–
3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range,
GA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action amends the time
of designation for restricted areas R–
3008A, R–3008B, R–3008C, and R–
3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA,
by expanding the timeframe during
which the areas may be activated
without prior issuance of a Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM). The expansion of the
published designated times for these
restricted areas reflects their routine
actual use. This change better informs
the flying public of actual routine use
periods of the restricted areas and
reduces NOTAM System workload.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April
22, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Rules and Regulations Group,
Office of Policy, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\25FER1.SGM
25FER1
11422
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
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 amends
restricted areas R–3008A, R–3008B, R–
3008C, and R–3008D; Grand Bay
Weapons Range, GA, by expanding the
timeframe during which the areas may
be activated reducing the need for the
using agency to issue NOTAMs when
necessary to activate the restricted areas
outside the published ‘‘core hours.’’
Background
The published time of designation for
restricted areas R–3008A, R–3008B, R–
3008C, and R–3008D is ‘‘0700–2200
local time, Monday–Friday; other times
by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.’’ For
many years, the using agency has
routinely extended use of the restricted
areas past the designated 2200 local
time (as authorized by the NOTAM
provision). To exercise this provision,
the using agency must issue NOTAMs
daily in order to activate the airspace
beyond the published ‘‘core hours’’ (i.e.,
0700–2200 local time). Amending the
time of designation to match the
routine, actual usage of the airspace
reduces NOTAM System workload and
better informs the flying public of
expected times the restricted areas will
be active.
History
The FAA published a notice of
proposed rulemaking for Docket No.
FAA–2013–1063 in the Federal Register
(79 FR 6504; February 4, 2014),
amending the time of designation for
restricted areas R–3008A, R–3008B, R–
3008C, and R–3008D; Grand Bay
Weapons Range, GA.
Interested parties were invited to
participate in this rulemaking effort by
submitting written comments on the
proposal. Two comments were received.
Both commenters expressed support for
the proposal.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Feb 24, 2021
Jkt 253001
Differences From the NPRM
The NPRM proposed to change the
time of designation of restricted areas
R–3008A, R–3008B, R–3008C, and R–
3008D from ‘‘0700–2200 local time,
Monday–Friday; other times by NOTAM
6 hours in advance,’’ to ‘‘0800–0130
local time, Monday–Thursday; 0700–
2200 local time Friday; other times by
NOTAM 6 hours in advance.’’ This rule
amends the time of designation for
Friday to read ‘‘0800–2200 local time;
other times by NOTAM 6 hours in
advance.’’
The Rule
This action amends Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 by
changing the time of designation for
restricted areas R–3008A, R–3008B, R–
3008C, and R–3008D from ‘‘0700–2200
local time, Monday–Friday; other times
by NOTAM 6 hours in advance,’’ to
‘‘0800–0130 local time, Monday–
Thursday; 0800–2200 Friday; other
times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.’’
The change captures the vast majority of
the routine operations currently
occurring in the restricted areas. The
amendment provides more accurate
notice to the flying public of when to
expect that the restricted areas will be
in use. Additionally, it reduces the
using agency’s workload by eliminating
the need to issue daily NOTAMs for
routine operations.
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 amending the time of
designation for restricted areas R–
3008A, R–3008B, R–3008C, and R–
3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA,
to match the times that the areas are
routinely activated outside the ‘‘core
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
hours’’ through the issuance of a
NOTAM 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–
6.5c, actions to return all or part of
special use airspace (SUA) to the
National Airspace System (NAS), such
as revocation of airspace, a decrease in
dimensions, or a reduction in times of
use (e.g., from continuous to
intermittent, or use by a Notice to
Airmen (NOTAM)). As such, this action
is not expected to cause 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 that
no extraordinary circumstances exist
that warrant preparation of an
environmental assessment or
environmental impact study.
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
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.
§ 73.30
■
*
Georgia (Amended)
2. § 73.30 is amended as follows:
*
*
*
*
R–3008A, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA
[Amended]
By removing the current time of
designation and inserting the following in its
place:
Time of designation. 0800–0130 local time
Monday–Thursday; 0800–2200 local time
Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in
advance.
R–3008B, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA
[Amended]
By removing the current time of
designation and inserting the following in its
place:
Time of designation. 0800–0130 local time
Monday–Thursday; 0800–2200 local time
Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in
advance.
E:\FR\FM\25FER1.SGM
25FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / Rules and Regulations
R–3008C, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA
[Amended]
By removing the current time of
designation and inserting the following in its
place:
Time of designation. 0800–0130 local time
Monday–Thursday; 0800–2200 local time
Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in
advance.
R–3008D, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA
[Amended]
By removing the current time of
designation and inserting the following in its
place:
Time of designation. 0800–0130 local time
Monday–Thursday; 0800–2200 local time
Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in
advance.
*
*
*
*
*
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 12,
2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations
Group.
[FR Doc. 2021–01021 Filed 2–24–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1197; Airspace
Docket No. 20–AGL–38]
RIN 2120–AA66
Amendment of Restricted Area R–
4305; Lake Superior, MN
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
This action amends the using
agency listed for Restricted Area R–
4305, Lake Superior, MN. Specifically,
this action changes the using agency
from ‘‘USAF, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB,
NE’’ (55th Wing), to ‘‘U.S. Air Force,
148th Fighter Wing, Duluth
International Airport, MN’’ (148th
Fighter Wing). There are no changes to
the boundaries, designated altitudes,
time of designation, or activities
conducted within the restricted area.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April
22, 2021.
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:
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:18 Feb 24, 2021
Jkt 253001
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 updates the
using agency for Restricted Area R–
4305, Lake Superior, MN.
Background
The U.S. Air Force requested that the
Federal Aviation Administration amend
the Restricted Area R–4305, Lake
Superior, MN, description by changing
the using agency from the ‘‘USAF, 55th
Wing, Offutt AFB, NE’’, to the ‘‘U.S. Air
Force, 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth
International Airport, MN’’. Both
military organizations use the restricted
area and support the using agency
change. Since 2011, the 148th Fighter
Wing has fulfilled the scheduling and
utilization reporting responsibilities for
R–4305, even though the 55th Wing was
the using agency of record in the R–
4305 description.
As such, changing the R–4305 using
agency from the 55th Wing, Offutt AFB,
NE, to the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth
International Airport, MN, reflects the
existing responsibilities of the 148th
Fighter Wing for accomplishing the
scheduling and utilization reporting for
the restricted area. Additionally, this
change supports the U.S. Air Force’s
efforts to align the using agency for R–
4305 and the surrounding Military
Operations Areas under the same using
agency to ensure efficient use of the
special use airspace complex.
There are no changes to the
boundaries, designated altitudes, time of
designation, or activities conducted
within the affected restricted area as a
result of changing the R–4305 using
agency.
The Rule
This action amends title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 by
changing the using agency name listed
for restricted area R–4305 over Lake
Superior, MN, from ‘‘USAF, 55th Wing,
Offutt AFB, NE’’ to ‘‘U.S. Air Force,
148th Fighter Wing, Duluth
International Airport, MN’’. This action
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
11423
is necessary in order to reflect the
current military organization tasked
with using agency responsibilities for
the restricted area.
This is an administrative change that
does not affect the overall R–4305
restricted area boundaries, designated
altitudes, time of designation, or
activities conducted within the
restricted area; therefore, notice and
public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)
are unnecessary.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this
action only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
necessary to keep them operationally
current. Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is
not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’
under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not
a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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 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
The FAA has determined that this
action of updating the using agency
information for R–4305, Lake Superior,
MN, qualifies for categorical exclusion
under the National Environmental
Policy Act, and in accordance with FAA
Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts:
Policies and Procedures, paragraph 5–
6.5.d. This airspace action is an
administrative change to the description
of restricted area R–4305, Lake Superior,
MN, to update the using agency name.
It does not alter the restricted area
dimensions, designated altitudes, time
of designation, or use of the airspace.
Therefore, this airspace action is not
expected to result in any significant
environmental impacts. In accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5–
2 regarding Extraordinary
Circumstances, this action has been
reviewed for factors and circumstances
in which a normally categorically
excluded action may have a significant
environmental impact requiring further
analysis, and it is determined that no
extraordinary circumstances exist that
warrant preparation of an
environmental assessment.
E:\FR\FM\25FER1.SGM
25FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11421-11423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01021]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2013-1063; Airspace Docket No. 13-ASO-25]
RIN 2120-AA66
Amendment of Restricted Areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-
3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action amends the time of designation for restricted
areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range,
GA, by expanding the timeframe during which the areas may be activated
without prior issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The expansion of
the published designated times for these restricted areas reflects
their routine actual use. This change better informs the flying public
of actual routine use periods of the restricted areas and reduces NOTAM
System workload.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 22, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Rules and Regulations
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence
[[Page 11422]]
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 amends restricted areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and
R-3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA, by expanding the timeframe during
which the areas may be activated reducing the need for the using agency
to issue NOTAMs when necessary to activate the restricted areas outside
the published ``core hours.''
Background
The published time of designation for restricted areas R-3008A, R-
3008B, R-3008C, and R-3008D is ``0700-2200 local time, Monday-Friday;
other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.'' For many years, the using
agency has routinely extended use of the restricted areas past the
designated 2200 local time (as authorized by the NOTAM provision). To
exercise this provision, the using agency must issue NOTAMs daily in
order to activate the airspace beyond the published ``core hours''
(i.e., 0700-2200 local time). Amending the time of designation to match
the routine, actual usage of the airspace reduces NOTAM System workload
and better informs the flying public of expected times the restricted
areas will be active.
History
The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No.
FAA-2013-1063 in the Federal Register (79 FR 6504; February 4, 2014),
amending the time of designation for restricted areas R-3008A, R-3008B,
R-3008C, and R-3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA.
Interested parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking
effort by submitting written comments on the proposal. Two comments
were received. Both commenters expressed support for the proposal.
Differences From the NPRM
The NPRM proposed to change the time of designation of restricted
areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-3008D from ``0700-2200 local
time, Monday-Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance,'' to
``0800-0130 local time, Monday-Thursday; 0700-2200 local time Friday;
other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.'' This rule amends the time of
designation for Friday to read ``0800-2200 local time; other times by
NOTAM 6 hours in advance.''
The Rule
This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 73 by changing the time of designation for restricted areas R-
3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-3008D from ``0700-2200 local time,
Monday-Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance,'' to ``0800-
0130 local time, Monday-Thursday; 0800-2200 Friday; other times by
NOTAM 6 hours in advance.'' The change captures the vast majority of
the routine operations currently occurring in the restricted areas. The
amendment provides more accurate notice to the flying public of when to
expect that the restricted areas will be in use. Additionally, it
reduces the using agency's workload by eliminating the need to issue
daily NOTAMs for routine operations.
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 amending the time of
designation for restricted areas R-3008A, R-3008B, R-3008C, and R-
3008D; Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA, to match the times that the areas
are routinely activated outside the ``core hours'' through the issuance
of a NOTAM 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 5-6.5c, actions to return
all or part of special use airspace (SUA) to the National Airspace
System (NAS), such as revocation of airspace, a decrease in dimensions,
or a reduction in times of use (e.g., from continuous to intermittent,
or use by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)). As such, this action is not
expected to cause 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 that no extraordinary circumstances
exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment or
environmental impact study.
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. 73.30 Georgia (Amended)
0
2. Sec. 73.30 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-3008A, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA [Amended]
By removing the current time of designation and inserting the
following in its place:
Time of designation. 0800-0130 local time Monday-Thursday; 0800-
2200 local time Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
R-3008B, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA [Amended]
By removing the current time of designation and inserting the
following in its place:
Time of designation. 0800-0130 local time Monday-Thursday; 0800-
2200 local time Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
[[Page 11423]]
R-3008C, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA [Amended]
By removing the current time of designation and inserting the
following in its place:
Time of designation. 0800-0130 local time Monday-Thursday; 0800-
2200 local time Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
R-3008D, Grand Bay Weapons Range, GA [Amended]
By removing the current time of designation and inserting the
following in its place:
Time of designation. 0800-0130 local time Monday-Thursday; 0800-
2200 local time Friday; other times by NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 12, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-01021 Filed 2-24-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
