Proposed Amendment of Restricted Area R-7001C and Establishment of Restricted Areas R-7001D, R-7002A, R-7002B, and R-7002C; Guernsey, WY, 12552-12554 [2021-00748]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
12552
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 41 / Thursday, March 4, 2021 / Proposed Rules
of Martin-Baker supplier P/Ns with Sikorsky
P/Ns and kit P/Ns.
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
Note 3 to paragraph (c): The marking
‘‘SIL831 incorporated’’ or ‘‘SIL833
incorporated,’’ as applicable, could be
located adjacent to identification labels on
the underside of the sitting platform
assembly P/N MBCS4111.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Dorie Resnik, Aerospace Engineer,
Aviation Safety Section, Boston ACO Branch,
FAA, 1200 District Ave., Burlington, MA
01803; phone: (781) 238–7693; email:
dorie.resnik@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact your local Sikorsky Field
Representative or Sikorsky’s Service
Engineering Group at Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, Mailstop K100, 124 Quarry
Road, Trumbull, CT 06611; telephone 1–800–
946–4337 (1–800–Winged–S); email wcs_
cust_service_eng.gr-sik@lmco.com. Operators
may also log on to the Sikorsky 360 website
at https://www.sikorsky360.com. You may
view this referenced 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.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)
Code: 2500, Cabin Equipment/Furnishings;
and 2520, Passenger Compartment
Equipment.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an incident of
a side facing utility seat detaching from wall
attachment points during dynamic testing.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and
address a main back tube, a component of the
main back tube assembly, which does not
meet design requirements. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in
increased surface friction in the direction of
the seat attenuation, failure of proper utility
seat attenuation during a crash event,
excessive lumbar loads in an observer seat
during a crash event, and subsequent
excessive or fatal occupant injury.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
(g) Required Actions
(1) Within 125 hours time-in-service or six
months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, replace each main
back tube assembly by following Section 3.,
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs C.
through E., of ASB 92–25–026; except where
the service information referenced in ASB
92–25–026 specifies destroying and
disposing of parts or discarding parts, this
AD requires removing those parts from
service instead.
Note 4 to paragraph (g)(1): SIL 831 and SIL
833, referred to in ASB 92–25–026, refer to
main back tube assembly as tube assembly,
back main.
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install a Martin-Baker side facing utility
seat identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD
or a Martin-Baker observer seat identified in
paragraph (c)(2) of this AD unless the actions
in paragraph (g)(1) have been accomplished.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:38 Mar 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued on February 19, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–03950 Filed 3–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1053; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ANM–32]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of Restricted
Area R–7001C and Establishment of
Restricted Areas R–7001D, R–7002A,
R–7002B, and R–7002C; Guernsey, WY
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend restricted area R–7001C and
establish three restricted areas, R–
7001D, R–7002A, R–7002B, and R–
7002C at Guernsey, WY. The Wyoming
Army National Guard (WYARNG)
requested the establishment of the new
restricted areas to support its air-toground firing from helicopters and
longer range artillery training. This
additional airspace allows for the
segregation of hazardous activities from
non-participating air traffic. The FAA is
also proposing to amend R–7001C to
correct an inadvertent error to ensure
proper vertical separation.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 19, 2021.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 20590–0001; telephone:
1 (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket Number
FAA–2020–0153; Airspace Docket No.
20–ANM–32 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher McMullin, Rules and
Regulations Group, Office of Policy,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code
(U.S.C.). 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 would
amend and establish restricted area
airspace at Guernsey, WY, to contain
activities deemed hazardous to
nonparticipating aircraft.
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 Number
FAA–2020–0153; Airspace Docket No.
20–ANM–32) 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 https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
E:\FR\FM\04MRP1.SGM
04MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 41 / Thursday, March 4, 2021 / Proposed Rules
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket FAA–2020–0153; Airspace
Docket No. 20–ANM–32.’’ 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.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
Availability of NPRM’s
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
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
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 Western Service Center, Operations
Support Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198.
Background
In a final rule published on February
14, 1962, the FAA established restricted
area R–7001 (27 FR 1355) at Guernsey,
WY, in order to provide special use
airspace for the hazardous artillery
firing conducted by Army National
Guard (Army) units during its annual
summer training periods. Since R–7001
was established, the Army’s activities
and technologies have changed,
requiring amendments to R–7001 and
the establishment of new restricted
areas to ensure non-participating aircraft
are protected from hazardous activity in
the National Airspace System (NAS).
Currently, the restricted areas at
Guernsey, WY, are designated as
R–7001A, R–7001B, and R–7001C. In
August 1979, the FAA divided R–7001
vertically into R–7001A and R–7001B
(44 FR 34114; June 14, 1979) to provide
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:38 Mar 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
greater flexibility for military training
and divide the airspace vertically to
allow non-participating aircraft access
to unused portions of the airspace,
when not in use. The FAA established
R–7001C in February 1985 (50 FR 6156;
February 14, 1985) to protect the NAS
from the high angle fire of various
weapons and permit maximum firing
capability of these weapons.
In order to address the advances in
weapons systems capabilities and
provide the United States Army the
ability to conduct longer range artillery
training, several Controlled Firing Areas
(CFA) were established for use in the
same location as R–7002A, R–7002 B,
and R–7002C. The current configuration
of restricted areas and CFAs can no
longer support the full capability of the
artillery in part, due to the operational
limitations of the CFAs. Camp Guernsey
Joint Training Center hosts several
exercises throughout the year. During
these exercises, 155mm artillery, M270
Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS), and M142 High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) are
fired. Additionally, Guernsey, WY is the
closest restricted area complex to F.E.
Warren Air Force Base, WY. The
development of these new restricted
areas would accommodate the United
States Air Force’s activities and provide
for its ability to train locally for air-toground firing from helicopters, and the
associated Weapon Danger Zones
(WDZ).
Finally, while conducting the
evaluation of the restricted areas at
Guernsey, WY, the FAA noted that R–
7001B and R–7001C were inadvertently
overlapping airspace. The ceiling of R–
7001B stops at 23,500 feet mean sea
level (MSL) and the floor of R–7001C
starts at 23,500 feet MSL. This is an
error and the proposed amendment
would provide the necessary vertical
separation between the two restricted
airspace areas.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 73 to amend restricted
area R–7001C and establish R–7001D,
R–7002A, R–7002B, and R–7002C at
Guernsey, WY. The FAA is proposing
this action at the request of the
WYARNG activities and due to correct
an inadvertent error. Full legal
descriptions are in the ‘‘The Proposed
Amendment’’ section of this NPRM.
The proposed restricted areas are
described below.
R–7001C: R–7001C would retain the
current boundaries, but the floor of the
restricted area would begin at 23,501
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
12553
feet MSL. No other changes would be
made to the legal description.
R–7001D: R–7001D would be
established above R–7001C and would
have the same boundaries as the
existing restricted area. The altitudes
would be from 30,001 to 45,000 feet
MSL. Operations would be limited to 20
days a year.
R–7002A: R–7002A would be
established north of, and sharing its
southern boundary with R–7001A,
R–7001B, and R–7001C. The altitudes
would be from the surface to 23,500 feet
MSL. Operations would be limited to 20
days a year.
R–7002B: R–7002B would be
established on the southeast border, and
sharing its northern boundary with
R–7001A, R–7001B, and R–7001C. The
altitudes would be from the surface to
23,500 feet MSL. Operations would be
limited to 20 days a year.
R–7002C: R–7002C would be
established west of, and sharing its
eastern border with R–7001A, R–7001B,
and R–7001C. The altitudes would be
from the surface to 23,500 feet MSL.
Operations would be limited to 20 days
a year.
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
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 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted
areas.
E:\FR\FM\04MRP1.SGM
04MRP1
12554
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 41 / Thursday, March 4, 2021 / Proposed Rules
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the
Federal Aviation Administration
proposes to amend 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.
§ 73.70
Wyoming [Amended]
2. § 73.70 is amended as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
■
R–7001C Guernsey, WY [Amended]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42°27′30″ N,
long. 104°52′32″ W; to lat. 42°27′30″ N, long.
104°42′32″ W; to lat. 42°22′30″ N, long.
104°42′32″ W; to lat. 42°20′00″ N, long.
104°52′32″ W; to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes: 23,501 feet MSL to
30,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation: Intermittent, 24 hours
in advance by NOTAM.
Controlling agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using agency: Adjutant General, State of
Wyoming.
R–7001D Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42°27′30″ N,
long. 104°52′32″ W; to lat. 42°27′30″ N, long.
104°42′32″ W; to lat. 42°22′30″ N, long.
104°42′32″ W; to lat. 42°20′00″ N, long.
104°52′32″ W; to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes: 30,001 feet MSL to
45,000 feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least
24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of
Wyoming.
R–7002A Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42°27′55″ N,
long. 104°52′33″ W; to lat. 42°27′55″ N, long.
104°51′46″ W; to lat. 42°28′21″ N, long.
104°51′45″ W; to lat. 42°28′21″ N, long.
104°48′46″ W; to lat. 42°27′56″ N, long.
104°48′46″ W; to lat. 42°27′55″ N, long.
104°47′28″ W; to lat. 42°27′30″ N, long.
104°46′43″ W; to lat. 42°27′30″ N, long.
104°52′32″ W; to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500
feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least
24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of
Wyoming.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
R–7002B
Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42°22′24″ N,
long. 104°42′54″ W; to lat. 42°21′41″ N, long.
104°42′52″ W; to lat. 42°21′11″ N, long.
04°43′17″ W; to lat. 42°21′12″ N, long.
104°47′16″ W; to lat. 42°21′19″ N, long.
104°47′16″ W; to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500
feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least
24 hours in advance.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:38 Mar 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of
Wyoming.
R–7002C
Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42°27′03″ N;
long. 104°53′54″ W; to lat. 42°27′03″ N; long.
104°52′32″ W; to lat. 42°20′00″ N; long.
104°52′32″ W; to lat. 42°20′18″ N; long.
104°51′19″ W; to lat. 42°19′42″ N; long.
104°51′17″ W; to lat. 42°19′43″ N; long.
104°53′03″ W; to lat. 42°20′49″ N; long.
104°54′38″ W; to lat. 42°22′43″ N; long.
104°54′38″ W; to lat. 42°22′48″ N; long.
104°53′22″ W; to lat. 42°23′39″ N; long.
104°53′23″ W; to lat. 42°23′40″ N; long.
104°53′58″ W; to the point of beginning;
excluding that airspace 500 feet AGL and
below 1⁄4 mile either side of the BNSF
railroad.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500
feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least
24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of
Wyoming.
*
*
*
*
*
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 11,
2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations
Group.
[FR Doc. 2021–00748 Filed 3–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R04–OAR–2020–0500; FRL–10018–
04–-Region 4]
Air Plan Approval; KY; Removal of
Asbestos Requirements From
Jefferson County Regulations
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to correct the
erroneous incorporation of asbestos
National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
requirements into the Jefferson County
portion of the Kentucky State
Implementation Plan (SIP). The
continued presence of the asbestos
requirements in the Jefferson County
portion of the Kentucky SIP is
inappropriate and potentially confusing
and thus problematic for affected
sources, the Commonwealth, local
agencies, and EPA. EPA is proposing to
remove the asbestos requirements
because these requirements are not
related to the attainment and
maintenance of the national ambient air
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
quality standards (NAAQS) and are
therefore unrelated to the Clean Air Act
(CAA or ‘‘Act’’) requirements for SIPs.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 5, 2021.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R04–
OAR–2020–0500 at
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or removed from Regulations.gov.
EPA may publish any comment received
to its public docket. Do not submit
electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is
considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points
you wish to make. EPA will generally
not consider comments or comment
contents located outside of the primary
submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or
other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, the full
EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
www2.epa.gov/dockets/commentingepa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad
Akers, Air Regulatory Management
Section, Air Planning and
Implementation Branch, Air and
Radiation Division, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth
Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960.
The telephone number is (404) 562–
9089. Mr. Akers can also be reached via
electronic mail at akers.brad@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Section 110 of the CAA requires states
to develop and submit to EPA a SIP to
ensure that state air quality meets the
NAAQS. These ambient air quality
standards currently address six criteria
pollutants: Carbon monoxide, nitrogen
dioxide, ozone, lead, particulate matter,
and sulfur dioxide. Each federallyapproved SIP protects air quality
primarily by addressing air pollution at
its point of origin through air pollution
regulations and control strategies. EPAapproved SIP regulations and control
strategies are federally enforceable.
On October 23, 2001 (66 FR 53658),
EPA approved revisions to the Jefferson
County portion of the Kentucky SIP,1
1 In 2003, the City of Louisville and Jefferson
County governments merged and the ‘‘Jefferson
E:\FR\FM\04MRP1.SGM
04MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 41 (Thursday, March 4, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12552-12554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-00748]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1053; Airspace Docket No. 20-ANM-32]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Amendment of Restricted Area R-7001C and Establishment
of Restricted Areas R-7001D, R-7002A, R-7002B, and R-7002C; Guernsey,
WY
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend restricted area R-7001C and
establish three restricted areas, R-7001D, R-7002A, R-7002B, and R-
7002C at Guernsey, WY. The Wyoming Army National Guard (WYARNG)
requested the establishment of the new restricted areas to support its
air-to-ground firing from helicopters and longer range artillery
training. This additional airspace allows for the segregation of
hazardous activities from non-participating air traffic. The FAA is
also proposing to amend R-7001C to correct an inadvertent error to
ensure proper vertical separation.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 19, 2021.
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 20590-0001;
telephone: 1 (800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA
Docket Number FAA-2020-0153; Airspace Docket No. 20-ANM-32 at the
beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McMullin, 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 (U.S.C.). 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 would amend and establish restricted area airspace at
Guernsey, WY, to contain activities deemed hazardous to
nonparticipating aircraft.
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
Number FAA-2020-0153; Airspace Docket No. 20-ANM-32) 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 https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
[[Page 12553]]
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to FAA Docket FAA-2020-0153; Airspace Docket No. 20-ANM-32.'' 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 NPRM's
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://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 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 Western Service Center, Operations
Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198.
Background
In a final rule published on February 14, 1962, the FAA established
restricted area R-7001 (27 FR 1355) at Guernsey, WY, in order to
provide special use airspace for the hazardous artillery firing
conducted by Army National Guard (Army) units during its annual summer
training periods. Since R-7001 was established, the Army's activities
and technologies have changed, requiring amendments to R-7001 and the
establishment of new restricted areas to ensure non-participating
aircraft are protected from hazardous activity in the National Airspace
System (NAS). Currently, the restricted areas at Guernsey, WY, are
designated as R-7001A, R-7001B, and R-7001C. In August 1979, the FAA
divided R-7001 vertically into R-7001A and R-7001B (44 FR 34114; June
14, 1979) to provide greater flexibility for military training and
divide the airspace vertically to allow non-participating aircraft
access to unused portions of the airspace, when not in use. The FAA
established R-7001C in February 1985 (50 FR 6156; February 14, 1985) to
protect the NAS from the high angle fire of various weapons and permit
maximum firing capability of these weapons.
In order to address the advances in weapons systems capabilities
and provide the United States Army the ability to conduct longer range
artillery training, several Controlled Firing Areas (CFA) were
established for use in the same location as R-7002A, R-7002 B, and R-
7002C. The current configuration of restricted areas and CFAs can no
longer support the full capability of the artillery in part, due to the
operational limitations of the CFAs. Camp Guernsey Joint Training
Center hosts several exercises throughout the year. During these
exercises, 155mm artillery, M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS),
and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) are fired.
Additionally, Guernsey, WY is the closest restricted area complex to
F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY. The development of these new restricted
areas would accommodate the United States Air Force's activities and
provide for its ability to train locally for air-to-ground firing from
helicopters, and the associated Weapon Danger Zones (WDZ).
Finally, while conducting the evaluation of the restricted areas at
Guernsey, WY, the FAA noted that R-7001B and R-7001C were inadvertently
overlapping airspace. The ceiling of R-7001B stops at 23,500 feet mean
sea level (MSL) and the floor of R-7001C starts at 23,500 feet MSL.
This is an error and the proposed amendment would provide the necessary
vertical separation between the two restricted airspace areas.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 to amend restricted area R-7001C and
establish R-7001D, R-7002A, R-7002B, and R-7002C at Guernsey, WY. The
FAA is proposing this action at the request of the WYARNG activities
and due to correct an inadvertent error. Full legal descriptions are in
the ``The Proposed Amendment'' section of this NPRM.
The proposed restricted areas are described below.
R-7001C: R-7001C would retain the current boundaries, but the floor
of the restricted area would begin at 23,501 feet MSL. No other changes
would be made to the legal description.
R-7001D: R-7001D would be established above R-7001C and would have
the same boundaries as the existing restricted area. The altitudes
would be from 30,001 to 45,000 feet MSL. Operations would be limited to
20 days a year.
R-7002A: R-7002A would be established north of, and sharing its
southern boundary with R-7001A, R-7001B, and R-7001C. The altitudes
would be from the surface to 23,500 feet MSL. Operations would be
limited to 20 days a year.
R-7002B: R-7002B would be established on the southeast border, and
sharing its northern boundary with R-7001A, R-7001B, and R-7001C. The
altitudes would be from the surface to 23,500 feet MSL. Operations
would be limited to 20 days a year.
R-7002C: R-7002C would be established west of, and sharing its
eastern border with R-7001A, R-7001B, and R-7001C. The altitudes would
be from the surface to 23,500 feet MSL. Operations would be limited to
20 days a year.
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 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 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.
[[Page 12554]]
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 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. 73.70 Wyoming [Amended]
0
2. Sec. 73.70 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-7001C Guernsey, WY [Amended]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long.
104[deg]52'32'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long. 104[deg]42'32''
W; to lat. 42[deg]22'30'' N, long. 104[deg]42'32'' W; to lat.
42[deg]20'00'' N, long. 104[deg]52'32'' W; to the point of
beginning.
Designated altitudes: 23,501 feet MSL to 30,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation: Intermittent, 24 hours in advance by NOTAM.
Controlling agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using agency: Adjutant General, State of Wyoming.
R-7001D Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long.
104[deg]52'32'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long. 104[deg]42'32''
W; to lat. 42[deg]22'30'' N, long. 104[deg]42'32'' W; to lat.
42[deg]20'00'' N, long. 104[deg]52'32'' W; to the point of
beginning.
Designated Altitudes: 30,001 feet MSL to 45,000 feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of Wyoming.
R-7002A Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42[deg]27'55'' N, long.
104[deg]52'33'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'55'' N, long. 104[deg]51'46''
W; to lat. 42[deg]28'21'' N, long. 104[deg]51'45'' W; to lat.
42[deg]28'21'' N, long. 104[deg]48'46'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'56'' N,
long. 104[deg]48'46'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'55'' N, long.
104[deg]47'28'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long. 104[deg]46'43''
W; to lat. 42[deg]27'30'' N, long. 104[deg]52'32'' W; to the point
of beginning.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500 feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of Wyoming.
R-7002B Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42[deg]22'24'' N, long.
104[deg]42'54'' W; to lat. 42[deg]21'41'' N, long. 104[deg]42'52''
W; to lat. 42[deg]21'11'' N, long. 04[deg]43'17'' W; to lat.
42[deg]21'12'' N, long. 104[deg]47'16'' W; to lat. 42[deg]21'19'' N,
long. 104[deg]47'16'' W; to the point of beginning.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500 feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of Wyoming.
R-7002C Guernsey, WY [New]
Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 42[deg]27'03'' N; long.
104[deg]53'54'' W; to lat. 42[deg]27'03'' N; long. 104[deg]52'32''
W; to lat. 42[deg]20'00'' N; long. 104[deg]52'32'' W; to lat.
42[deg]20'18'' N; long. 104[deg]51'19'' W; to lat. 42[deg]19'42'' N;
long. 104[deg]51'17'' W; to lat. 42[deg]19'43'' N; long.
104[deg]53'03'' W; to lat. 42[deg]20'49'' N; long. 104[deg]54'38''
W; to lat. 42[deg]22'43'' N; long. 104[deg]54'38'' W; to lat.
42[deg]22'48'' N; long. 104[deg]53'22'' W; to lat. 42[deg]23'39'' N;
long. 104[deg]53'23'' W; to lat. 42[deg]23'40'' N; long.
104[deg]53'58'' W; to the point of beginning; excluding that
airspace 500 feet AGL and below \1/4\ mile either side of the BNSF
railroad.
Designated Altitudes: Surface to 23,500 feet MSL.
Time of Designation: By NOTAM, at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling Agency: FAA, Denver ARTCC.
Using Agency: Adjutant General, State of Wyoming.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 11, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-00748 Filed 3-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
