Proposed Amendment, Establishment, and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Borger, TX, 60418-60421 [2021-23711]
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60418
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 209 / Tuesday, November 2, 2021 / Proposed Rules
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
existing fixes that would remain in
place to support continued operations
though the affected area. Visual flight
rules (VFR) pilots who elect to navigate
via the affected ATS routes could also
take advantage of the adjacent ATS
routes or ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to 14 CFR part 71 to amend VOR
Federal airways V–161, V–190, and V–
307, and remove VOR Federal airway
V–516 due to the planned
decommissioning of the Oswego, KS,
VOR. The proposed VOR Federal airway
actions are described below.
V–161: V–161 currently extends
between the Three Rivers, TX, VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and
the Gopher, MN, VORTAC; and between
the International Falls, MN, VOR/DME
and the Winnipeg, MB, Canada,
VORTAC, excluding the airspace within
Canada. The FAA proposes to remove
the airway segment overlying the
Oswego, KS, VOR/DME between the
Tulsa, OK, VORTAC and Butler, MO,
VORTAC. The unaffected portions of
the existing airway would remain as
charted.
V–190: V–190 currently extends
between the Phoenix, AZ, VORTAC and
the Springfield, MO, VORTAC. The
FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment overlying the Oswego, KS,
VOR/DME between the Bartlesville, OK,
VOR/DME and Springfield, MO,
VORTAC. The unaffected portions of
the existing airway would remain as
charted.
V–307: V–307 currently extends
between the Harrison, AR, VOR/DME
and the Omaha, IA, VORTAC. The FAA
proposes to remove the airway segment
overlying the Oswego, KS, VOR/DME
between the Neosho, MO, VOR/DME
and Chanute, KS, VOR/DME. Additional
changes to other portions of the airway
have been proposed in a separate
NPRM. The unaffected portions of the
existing airway would remain as
charted.
V–516: V–516 currently extends
between the Pioneer, OK, VORTAC and
the Oswego, KS, VOR/DME. The FAA
proposes to remove the airway in its
entirety.
All NAVAID radials listed in the VOR
Federal airway descriptions below are
unchanged and stated in True degrees.
VOR Federal airways are published in
paragraph 6010(a) 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 VOR Federal airways listed in
this document would be published
subsequently in FAA JO 7400.11.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:38 Nov 01, 2021
Jkt 256001
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
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.
§ 71.1
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:
■
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PO 00000
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Domestic VOR Federal
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Fmt 4702
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V–190 [Amended]
From Phoenix, AZ; St. Johns, AZ;
Albuquerque, NM; Fort Union, NM; Dalhart,
TX; Mitbee, OK; INT Mitbee 059° and
Pioneer, OK, 280° radials; Pioneer; INT
Pioneer 094° and Bartlesville, OK, 256°
radials; to Bartlesville.
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V–307 [Amended]
From Harrison, AR; to Neosho, MO. From
Chanute, KS; Emporia, KS; INT Emporia 336°
and Pawnee City, NE, 194° radials; Pawnee
City; to Omaha, IA.
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V–516
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[Removed]
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Issued in Washington, DC, on October 26,
2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations
Group.
[FR Doc. 2021–23716 Filed 11–1–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0821; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASW–1]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment, Establishment,
and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic
Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of
Borger, TX
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Jet Route J–8 and VHF
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal
airway V–272; establish Area Navigation
(RNAV) route T–420; and remove Jet
Route J–142 and VOR Federal airways
V–304 and V–390. The FAA is
proposing this action due to the planned
decommissioning of the VOR portion of
the Borger, TX, VOR/Tactical Air
Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid
SUMMARY:
[Amended]
Paragraph 6010(a)
Airways.
V–161 [Amended]
From Three Rivers, TX; Center Point, TX;
Llano, TX; INT Llano 026° and Millsap, TX,
193° radials; Millsap; Bowie, TX; Ardmore,
OK; Okmulgee, OK; to Tulsa, OK. From
Butler, MO; Napoleon, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des
Moines, IA; Mason City, IA; Rochester, MN;
Farmington, MN; to Gopher, MN. From
International Falls, MN; to Winnipeg, MB,
Canada, excluding the airspace within
Canada.
E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM
02NOP1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 209 / Tuesday, November 2, 2021 / Proposed Rules
Comments Invited
(NAVAID). The Borger VOR is being
decommissioned in support of the
FAA’s VOR Minimum Operational
Network (MON) program.
Comments must be received on
or before December 17, 2021.
DATES:
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–2021–0821; Airspace Docket No.
21–ASW–1 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: fr.inspection@nara.gov or go to
https://www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
ADDRESSES:
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:
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
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
modify the National Airspace System
(NAS) as necessary to preserve the safe
and efficient flow of air traffic.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:38 Nov 01, 2021
Jkt 256001
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–
2021–0821; Airspace Docket No. 21–
ASW–1) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management Facility (see
the 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–2021–0821; Airspace
Docket No. 21–ASW–1.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at 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 the
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 Operations Support Group, Central
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
60419
Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
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.
Background
The FAA is planning to
decommission the Borger, TX, VOR in
July 2022. The Borger VOR was one of
the candidate VORs identified for
discontinuance by the FAA’s VOR MON
program and listed in the Final policy
statement notice, ‘‘Provision of
Navigation Services for the Next
Generation Air Transportation System
(NextGen) Transition to PerformanceBased Navigation (PBN) (Plan for
Establishing a VOR Minimum
Operational Network),’’ published in the
Federal Register of July 26, 2016 (81 FR
48694), Docket No. FAA–2011–1082.
Although the VOR portion of the
Borger VORTAC is planned for
decommissioning, the co-located
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN)
portion of the NAVAID, which includes
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
service, is being retained to support
NextGen PBN flight procedure
requirements.
The air traffic service (ATS) routes
effected by the Borger VOR
decommissioning are Jet Routes J–8 and
J–142, and VOR Federal airways V–272,
V–304, and V–390. With the planned
decommissioning of the Borger VOR,
the remaining ground-based NAVAID
coverage in the area is insufficient to
enable the continuity of the affected
ATS routes. As such, proposed
modification to J–8 would result in a
gap in the route and to V–272 would
result in the airway being shortened, as
well as the proposed revocation of J–
142, V–304, and V–390 in their entirety.
To overcome the proposed
modifications and revocations to the
affected ATS routes, instrument flight
rules (IFR) traffic could use portions of
adjacent ATS routes, including J–6, J–
14, J–58, J–76, J–78, and J–98 in the high
altitude enroute structure and V–12, V–
47, V–81, V–190, V–280, and V–402 in
the low altitude enroute structure, or
receive air traffic control (ATC) radar
E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM
02NOP1
60420
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 209 / Tuesday, November 2, 2021 / Proposed Rules
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
vectors to fly around or through the
affected area. Additionally, IFR pilots
equipped with RNAV capabilities could
also navigate point to point using the
existing NAVAIDs and fixes that would
remain in place to support continued
operations though the affected area.
Visual flight rules (VFR) pilots who
elect to navigate via the affected ATS
routes could also take advantage of the
adjacent ATS routes or ATC services
listed previously.
Further, the FAA proposes to
establish RNAV route T–420 between
the Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and Will
Rogers, OK, VORTAC. The new T-route
would, in part, mitigate the proposed
removal of the V–272 airway segment
affected by the planned Borger VOR
decommissioning, reduce air traffic
control (ATC) sector workload and
complexity, and reduce pilot-tocontroller communication. The new
route would also increase NAS capacity
in the route’s vicinity and assist ATC
when non-radar procedures are required
due to frequent outages of the Amarillo
Approach Control radar. Finally, the
new T-route would provide airspace
users equipped with RNAV an ATS
route between the Dalhart, TX, area
eastward to the Oklahoma City, OK, area
and support the FAA’s NextGen efforts
to modernize the NAS navigation
system from a ground-based system to a
satellite-based system.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to 14 CFR part 71 to amend Jet Route J–
8 and VOR Federal airway V–272;
establish RNAV route T–420; and
remove Jet Route J–142 and VOR
Federal airways V–304 and V–390 due
to the planned decommissioning of the
Borger, TX, VOR. The proposed ATS
route actions are described below.
J–8: J–8 currently extends between the
Needles, CA, VORTAC and the
Casanova, VA, VORTAC. The FAA
proposes to remove the route segment
between the Fort Union, NM, VORTAC
and the Kingfisher, OK, VORTAC.
Additional changes to other portions of
the route have been proposed in a
separate NPRM. The unaffected portions
of the existing airway would remain as
charted.
J–142: J–142 currently extends
between the Socorro, NM, VORTAC and
the Borger, TX, VORTAC. The FAA
proposes to remove the route segment
between the Anton Chico, NM,
VORTAC and Borger VORTAC due to
the planned decommissioning of the
Borger VOR. Additionally, the FAA
proposes to remove the remaining route
segment between the Socorro VORTAC
and the Anton Chico VORTAC since the
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17:38 Nov 01, 2021
Jkt 256001
distance between the VORTACs is
within NAVAID service volumes and
pilots could file direct. As a result, the
FAA proposes to remove J–142 in its
entirety.
V–272: V–272 currently extends
between the Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and
the Will Rogers, OK, VORTAC. The
FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment between the Dalhart VORTAC
and the Burns Flat, OK, VORTAC. The
unaffected portions of the existing
airway would remain as charted.
V–304: V–304 currently extends
between the Panhandle, TX, VORTAC
and the Lamar, CO, VOR/Distance
Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). The
FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment between the Panhandle
VORTAC and Liberal, KS, VORTAC due
to the planned decommissioning of the
Borger VOR. Additionally, the FAA
proposes to remove the remaining
airway segment between the Liberal
VORTAC and the Lamar VOR/DME
since it overlays V–210 between the two
NAVAIDs and will remain available for
use by NAS users. As a result, the FAA
proposes to remove V–304 in its
entirety.
V–390: V–390 currently extends
between the Tucumcari, NM, VORTAC
and the Mitbee, OK, VORTAC. The FAA
proposes to remove the airway in its
entirety.
T–420: T–420 is a proposed new route
that would extend between the Dalhart,
TX, VORTAC and the Will Rogers, OK,
VORTAC. This T-route would mitigate
the proposed removal of the V–272
airway segment between the Dalhart,
TX, VORTAC and the Burns Flat, OK,
VORTAC (noted above), as well as
provide RNAV routing capability from
the Dalhart, TX, area, eastward to the
Oklahoma City, OK, area.
All NAVAID radials listed in the Jet
Route description below are unchanged
and stated in True degrees.
Jet Routes are published in paragraph
2004, VOR Federal airways are
published in paragraph 6010(a), and
RNAV T-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 ATS routes listed in this
document would be published
subsequently 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
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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
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.
§ 71.1
[Amended]
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 2004
Jet Routes.
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J–8 [Amended]
From Needles, CA; Flagstaff, AZ; Gallup,
NM; to Fort Union, NM. From Kingfisher,
OK; Springfield, MO; St Louis, MO;
Louisville, KY; Charleston, WV; INT
Charleston 092° and Casanova, VA, 253°
radials; to Casanova.
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02NOP1
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 209 / Tuesday, November 2, 2021 / Proposed Rules
J–142
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[Removed]
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Paragraph 6010(a)
Airways.
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V–272 [Amended]
From Burns Flat, OK; to Will Rogers, OK.
*
Domestic VOR Federal
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V–304
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[FR Doc. 2021–23711 Filed 11–1–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0822; Airspace
Docket No. 21–AGL–1]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Amendment of VOR Federal
Airways V–214, V–285, and V–305, and
Revocation of V–96 in the Vicinity of
Kokomo, IN
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend VHF Omnidirectional Range
(VOR) Federal airways V–214, V–285,
and V–305, and revoke V–96. The FAA
is proposing this action due to the
planned decommissioning of the VOR
portion of the Kokomo, IN, VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC)
navigational aid (NAVAID). The
Kokomo VOR is being decommissioned
in support of the FAA’s VOR Minimum
Operational Network (MON) program.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before December 17, 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–2021–0822; Airspace Docket No.
21–AGL–1 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
jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with PROPOSALS1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:38 Nov 01, 2021
Jkt 256001
*
*
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
modify the National Airspace System
(NAS) as necessary to preserve the safe
and efficient flow of air traffic.
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
Frm 00046
Fmt 4702
[Removed]
*
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*
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*
*
*
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(Lat. 36°05′29.24″ N, long. 102°32′40.71″ W)
(Lat. 35°14′13.00″ N, long. 099°12′22.20″ W)
(Lat. 35°21′30.95″ N, long. 097°36′33.22″ W)
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 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:
fr.inspection@nara.gov 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:
PO 00000
*
Paragraph 6011 United States Area
Navigation Routes.
[Removed]
T–420 DALHART, TX (DHT) TO WILL ROGERS, OK (IRW) [NEW]
Dalhart, TX (DHT)
VORTAC
Burns Flat, OK (BFV)
VORTAC
Will Rogers, OK (IRW)
VORTAC
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 26,
2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations
Group.
*
V–390
60421
Sfmt 4702
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–
2021–0822; Airspace Docket No. 21–
AGL–1) and be submitted in triplicate to
the Docket Management Facility (see the
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–2021–0822; Airspace
Docket No. 21–AGL–1.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at 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 the
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
E:\FR\FM\02NOP1.SGM
02NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 209 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60418-60421]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23711]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0821; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-1]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Amendment, Establishment, and Revocation of Multiple Air
Traffic Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Borger, TX
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Jet Route J-8 and VHF
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airway V-272; establish Area
Navigation (RNAV) route T-420; and remove Jet Route J-142 and VOR
Federal airways V-304 and V-390. The FAA is proposing this action due
to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Borger, TX,
VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid
[[Page 60419]]
(NAVAID). The Borger VOR is being decommissioned in support of the
FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 17, 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-2021-0821; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-1 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: 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 would modify the National Airspace System (NAS) as
necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.
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-2021-0821; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-1) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see the 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-2021-0821; Airspace Docket No. 21-ASW-1.'' The
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified comment
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at 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 the 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 Operations Support Group, Central
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document proposes to amend 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.
Background
The FAA is planning to decommission the Borger, TX, VOR in July
2022. The Borger VOR was one of the candidate VORs identified for
discontinuance by the FAA's VOR MON program and listed in the Final
policy statement notice, ``Provision of Navigation Services for the
Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Transition to
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) (Plan for Establishing a VOR Minimum
Operational Network),'' published in the Federal Register of July 26,
2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-1082.
Although the VOR portion of the Borger VORTAC is planned for
decommissioning, the co-located Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) portion
of the NAVAID, which includes Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
service, is being retained to support NextGen PBN flight procedure
requirements.
The air traffic service (ATS) routes effected by the Borger VOR
decommissioning are Jet Routes J-8 and J-142, and VOR Federal airways
V-272, V-304, and V-390. With the planned decommissioning of the Borger
VOR, the remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is
insufficient to enable the continuity of the affected ATS routes. As
such, proposed modification to J-8 would result in a gap in the route
and to V-272 would result in the airway being shortened, as well as the
proposed revocation of J-142, V-304, and V-390 in their entirety. To
overcome the proposed modifications and revocations to the affected ATS
routes, instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use portions of
adjacent ATS routes, including J-6, J-14, J-58, J-76, J-78, and J-98 in
the high altitude enroute structure and V-12, V-47, V-81, V-190, V-280,
and V-402 in the low altitude enroute structure, or receive air traffic
control (ATC) radar
[[Page 60420]]
vectors to fly around or through the affected area. Additionally, IFR
pilots equipped with RNAV capabilities could also navigate point to
point using the existing NAVAIDs and fixes that would remain in place
to support continued operations though the affected area. Visual flight
rules (VFR) pilots who elect to navigate via the affected ATS routes
could also take advantage of the adjacent ATS routes or ATC services
listed previously.
Further, the FAA proposes to establish RNAV route T-420 between the
Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and Will Rogers, OK, VORTAC. The new T-route would,
in part, mitigate the proposed removal of the V-272 airway segment
affected by the planned Borger VOR decommissioning, reduce air traffic
control (ATC) sector workload and complexity, and reduce pilot-to-
controller communication. The new route would also increase NAS
capacity in the route's vicinity and assist ATC when non-radar
procedures are required due to frequent outages of the Amarillo
Approach Control radar. Finally, the new T-route would provide airspace
users equipped with RNAV an ATS route between the Dalhart, TX, area
eastward to the Oklahoma City, OK, area and support the FAA's NextGen
efforts to modernize the NAS navigation system from a ground-based
system to a satellite-based system.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend Jet
Route J-8 and VOR Federal airway V-272; establish RNAV route T-420; and
remove Jet Route J-142 and VOR Federal airways V-304 and V-390 due to
the planned decommissioning of the Borger, TX, VOR. The proposed ATS
route actions are described below.
J-8: J-8 currently extends between the Needles, CA, VORTAC and the
Casanova, VA, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment
between the Fort Union, NM, VORTAC and the Kingfisher, OK, VORTAC.
Additional changes to other portions of the route have been proposed in
a separate NPRM. The unaffected portions of the existing airway would
remain as charted.
J-142: J-142 currently extends between the Socorro, NM, VORTAC and
the Borger, TX, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment
between the Anton Chico, NM, VORTAC and Borger VORTAC due to the
planned decommissioning of the Borger VOR. Additionally, the FAA
proposes to remove the remaining route segment between the Socorro
VORTAC and the Anton Chico VORTAC since the distance between the
VORTACs is within NAVAID service volumes and pilots could file direct.
As a result, the FAA proposes to remove J-142 in its entirety.
V-272: V-272 currently extends between the Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and
the Will Rogers, OK, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway
segment between the Dalhart VORTAC and the Burns Flat, OK, VORTAC. The
unaffected portions of the existing airway would remain as charted.
V-304: V-304 currently extends between the Panhandle, TX, VORTAC
and the Lamar, CO, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME). The FAA
proposes to remove the airway segment between the Panhandle VORTAC and
Liberal, KS, VORTAC due to the planned decommissioning of the Borger
VOR. Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove the remaining airway
segment between the Liberal VORTAC and the Lamar VOR/DME since it
overlays V-210 between the two NAVAIDs and will remain available for
use by NAS users. As a result, the FAA proposes to remove V-304 in its
entirety.
V-390: V-390 currently extends between the Tucumcari, NM, VORTAC
and the Mitbee, OK, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway in
its entirety.
T-420: T-420 is a proposed new route that would extend between the
Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and the Will Rogers, OK, VORTAC. This T-route would
mitigate the proposed removal of the V-272 airway segment between the
Dalhart, TX, VORTAC and the Burns Flat, OK, VORTAC (noted above), as
well as provide RNAV routing capability from the Dalhart, TX, area,
eastward to the Oklahoma City, OK, area.
All NAVAID radials listed in the Jet Route description below are
unchanged and stated in True degrees.
Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, VOR Federal airways are
published in paragraph 6010(a), and RNAV T-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 ATS routes listed in this document would be published
subsequently 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 2004 Jet Routes.
* * * * *
J-8 [Amended]
From Needles, CA; Flagstaff, AZ; Gallup, NM; to Fort Union, NM.
From Kingfisher, OK; Springfield, MO; St Louis, MO; Louisville, KY;
Charleston, WV; INT Charleston 092[deg] and Casanova, VA, 253[deg]
radials; to Casanova.
* * * * *
[[Page 60421]]
J-142 [Removed]
* * * * *
Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
* * * * *
V-272 [Amended]
From Burns Flat, OK; to Will Rogers, OK.
* * * * *
V-304 [Removed]
* * * * *
V-390 [Removed]
* * * * *
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-420 Dalhart, TX (DHT) to Will Rogers, OK (IRW) [New]
Dalhart, TX (DHT) VORTAC (Lat. 36[deg]05'29.24'' N, long. 102[deg]32'40.71'' W)
Burns Flat, OK (BFV) VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]14'13.00'' N, long. 099[deg]12'22.20'' W)
Will Rogers, OK (IRW) VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]21'30.95'' N, long. 097[deg]36'33.22'' W)
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 26, 2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-23711 Filed 11-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
