Proposed Establishment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; South and Central United States, 60186-60189 [2021-23565]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 208 (Monday, November 1, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60186-60189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23565]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0920; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-7]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) 
Routes; South and Central United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish three United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) routes, designated T-370, T-398, and T-419, in the 
south and central United States. These routes would supplement certain 
VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways in support of the VOR 
Minimum Operational Network (MON) program, and would expand the 
availability of RNAV routing in the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 16, 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; telephone: 1 
(800) 647-5527 or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-
2021-0920; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-7 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 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. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of FAA Order JO 7400.11F at NARA, email: 
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 60187]]

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 would expand the availability of RNAV routes in the 
NAS, increase airspace capacity, and reduce complexity in high air 
traffic volume areas.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0920; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-7 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 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2021-0920; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-7.'' 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. A report summarizing each substantive public contact 
with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRMs

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at 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 Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 
210, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021 and effective September 15, 
2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish 
new RNAV routes T-370, T-398, and T-419 in the southern and central 
United States. These routes would overlay certain VOR Federal airways 
that are based on navigation aids (NAVAIDs) that are planned for 
decommissioning under the FAA's VOR MON program.
    T-370: T-370 is a proposed a new route that would extend between 
the BURBIN, TX, waypoint (WP) and the VLKNN, AL, WP. T-370 would 
overlay VOR Federal airway V-278 that extends between the Bowie, TX, 
(UKW) VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC), and 
the Vulcan, AL, (VUZ) VORTAC. A number of navigation aids (NAVAIDs) 
that currently form V-278 are planned for future decommissioning. 
Therefore, in the proposed T-370 description, those NAVAIDs would be 
replaced by WPs as follows. The BURBN, TX, WP replaces the Bowie, TX, 
(UKW) VORTAC. The RRORY, TX, WP replaces the Bonham, TX, (BYP) VORTAC. 
The TASEY, TX, WP replaces the Paris, TX, (PRX) VOR/DME. The SLOTH, TX, 
WP replaces the Texarkana, TX, (TXK) VORTAC. The RICKG, AR, WP replaces 
the Monticello, AR, (MON) VOR/DME. The EJKSN, MS, WP replaces the 
Greenville, MS, (GLH) VOR/DME. The IZAAC, MS, WP replaces the Sidon, 
MS, (SQS) VORTAC. The SKNNR, MS, WP replaces the Bigbee, MS, (IGB) 
VORTAC. The VLKNN, AL, WP replaces the Vulcan, AL, (VUZ) VORTAC.
    T-398: T-398 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
SLOTH, TX, WP, and the GMINI, NC, WP. T-398 would overlay VOR Federal 
airway V-54 that currently extends between the Texarkana, TX, (TXK) 
VORTAC, and the Sandhills, NC, (SDZ) VORTAC. A number of NAVAIDs that 
currently form V-54 are planned for future decommissioning. Therefore, 
in the proposed T-398 description, those NAVAIDs would be replaced by 
WPs as follows. The SLOTH, TX, WP replaces the Texarkana, TX, (TXK) 
VORTAC. The LITTR, AR, WP replaces the Little Rock, AR, (LIT) VORTAC. 
The EMEEY, AR, WP replaces the Marvell, AR, (UJM) VOR/DME. The GOINS, 
MS, WP replaces the Holly Springs, MS, (HLI) VORTAC. The HAGIE, AL, WP 
replaces the Muscle Shoals, AL, (MSL) VORTAC. The FILUN, AL, WP 
replaces the Rocket, AL, (RQZ) VORTAC. The JILIS, GA, WP replaces the 
Choo Choo, TN, (GQO) VORTAC. The BALNN, GA, WP replaces the Harris, GA, 
(HRS) VORTAC. The BURGG, SC, WP replaces the Spartanburg, SC, (SPA) 
VORTAC. The CRLNA, NC, WP replaces the Charlotte, NC, (CLT) VOR/DME. 
The GMINI, NC, WP replaces the Sandhills, NC, (SDZ) VORTAC.
    T-419: T-419 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
MAHTY, AR, WP, and the TERGE, IN, WP. T-419 would overlay those 
segments of VOR Federal airway V-305 that extends between the Walnut 
Ridge, AR, (ARG) VORTAC, and the Pocket City, IN, (PXV) VORTAC. A 
number of NAVAIDs that currently form V-305 are planned for future 
decommissioning. Therefore, in the proposed T-419 description, those 
NAVAIDs would be replaced by WPs as follows. The MAHTY, AR, WP replaces 
the Walnut Ridge, AR, (ARG) VORTAC. The FRNIA, MO, WP replaces the 
Malden, MO, (MAW) VORTAC. The MESSR, KY, WP replaces the Cunningham, 
KY, (CNG) VOR/DME. The TERGE, IN, WP replaces the Pocket City, IN, 
(PXV) VORTAC.
    The full route legal descriptions of T-370, T-398, and T-419 are 
listed in ``The Proposed Amendment'' section, below.
    These changes would provide RNAV routing to supplement VOR Federal 
airways that will be impacted by the VOR MON program, and support the

[[Page 60188]]

transition to a more efficient Performance Based Navigation route 
structure.
    United States Area Navigation routes are published in paragraph 
6011 of FAA Order JO 7400.11F, dated August 10, 2021, and effective 
September 15, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. 
The RNAV routes listed in this document would be subsequently published 
in FAA Order JO 7400.11.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
is published yearly and effective on September 15.

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 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR 
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.


Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-370 BURBN, TX to VLKNN, AL [New]
 
BURBN, TX                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]32'09.20'' N, long. 097[deg]49'15.83'' W)
RRORY, TX                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]32'14.95'' N, long. 096[deg]14'03.45'' W)
TASEY, TX                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]32'32.56'' N, long. 095[deg]26'54.55'' W)
SLOTH, TX                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]30'49.99'' N, long. 094[deg]04'24.38'' W)
RICKG, AR                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]33'43.12'' N, long. 091[deg]42'56.29'' W)
EJKSN, MS                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]31'24.65'' N, long. 090[deg]58'57.87'' W)
IZAAC, MS                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]27'49.87'' N, long. 090[deg]16'37.75'' W)
SKNRR, MS                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]29'07.75'' N, long. 088[deg]30'49.63'' W)
BESOM, AL                     FIX                 (Lat. 33[deg]35'10.73'' N, long. 087[deg]39'23.49'' W)
NESTS, AL                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]36'53.34'' N, long. 087[deg]20'51.86'' W)
VLKNN, AL                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]40'12.47'' N, long. 086[deg]53'58.83'' W)
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
T-398 SLOTH, TX to GMINI, NC [New]
 
SLOTH, TX                     WP                  (Lat. 33[deg]30'49.99'' N, long. 094[deg]04'24.38'' W)
MUFRE, AR                     FIX                 (Lat. 34[deg]05'31.32'' N, long. 093[deg]10'43.80'' W)
LITTR, AR                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]40'39.90'' N, long. 092[deg]10'49.26'' W)
EMEEY, AR                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]34'30.29'' N, long. 090[deg]40'27.14'' W)
GOINS, MS                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]46'12.64'' N, long. 089[deg]29'46.81'' W)
HAGIE, AL                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]42'25.87'' N, long. 087[deg]29'29.76'' W)
FILUN, AL                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]47'50.14'' N, long. 086[deg]38'01.14'' W)
JILIS, GA                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]57'23.98'' N, long. 085[deg]08'03.46'' W)
CRAND, GA                     FIX                 (Lat. 34[deg]57'28.88'' N, long. 084[deg]51'20.59'' W)
BALNN, GA                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]56'34.20'' N, long. 083[deg]54'56.42'' W)
BURGG, SC                     WP                  (Lat. 35[deg]02'00.55'' N, long. 081[deg]55'36.86'' W)
GAFFE, SC                     FIX                 (Lat. 35[deg]05'38.90'' N, long. 081[deg]33'23.92'' W)
CRLNA, NC                     WP                  (Lat. 35[deg]12'49.48'' N, long. 080[deg]56'57.32'' W)
LOCAS, NC                     FIX                 (Lat. 35[deg]12'05.18'' N, long. 080[deg]26'44.89'' W)
RELPY, NC                     FIX                 (Lat. 35[deg]12'45.70'' N, long. 079[deg]47'28.76'' W)
GMINI, NC                     WP                  (Lat. 35[deg]12'23.01'' N, long. 079[deg]34'01.98'' W)
 
                                                 * * * * * * *
T-419 MAHTY, AR to TERGE, IN [New]
 
MAHTY, AR                     WP                  (Lat. 36[deg]06'36.35'' N, long. 090[deg]57'12.65'' W)
FRNIA, MO                     WP                  (Lat. 36[deg]33'18.69'' N, long. 089[deg]54'40.47'' W)
MESSR, KY                     WP                  (Lat. 37[deg]00'30.44'' N, long. 088[deg]50'13.16'' W)
TERGE, IN                     WP                  (Lat. 37[deg]55'42.47'' N, long. 087[deg]45'44.19'' W)
 

* * * * *


[[Page 60189]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 25, 2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-23565 Filed 10-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P