Proposed Amendment and Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Northeast United States, 50015-50018 [2022-17209]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 156 (Monday, August 15, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50015-50018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-17209]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0941; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-27]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment and Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) 
Routes; Northeast United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend three low altitude Area 
Navigation (RNAV) routes (T-routes), and establish three T-routes to 
augment the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Minimum Operational Network 
(MON) Program. The purpose is to enhance the efficiency of the National 
Airspace System (NAS) by transitioning from a ground-based to a 
satellite-based navigation system.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 29, 2022.

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: 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0941; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-27 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at 
www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at 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.

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: 

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 in the northeast 
United States and improve the efficient flow of air traffic within the 
NAS by lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation.

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-2022-0941; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-27) 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 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-2022-0941; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-27.'' 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

[[Page 50016]]

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 www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at 
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 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.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend three 
low altitude RNAV T-routes, and establish six T-routes in the northeast 
United States to augment the VOR MON Program.
    T-216: T-216 extends from the Philipsburg, PA (PSB), VHF 
Omnidirectional Range and Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC) to 
the Nantucket, MA (ACK), VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring 
Equipment (VOR/DME). This proposal would amend the route description by 
replacing the Williamsport, PA (FQM), VOR/DME with the LYKOM, PA, 
waypoint (WP). Also, the wording ``The airspace within R-4105 is 
excluded during times of use'' would be removed from the description 
because restricted area R-4105 has been revoked by the FAA and is no 
longer in effect. There are no other changes to T-216.
    T-440: T-440 is a proposed new route that would extend from the 
STUBN, NY, WP to the TALLI, PA, WP. T-440 would overlay VOR Federal 
airway V-147 from the STUBN WP to the WLKES, PA, WP. The WLKES WP would 
replace the Wilkes-Barre, PA (LVZ), VORTAC. T-440 would also overlay 
airway V-116 from the WLKES WP to the TALLI, PA, WP (located 26 
nautical miles east of the Wilkes-Barre VORTAC).
    T-449: T-449 is a proposed new route that would extend from the 
KITHE, PA, Fix, to the Binghamton, NY (CFB), VOR/DME. The route would 
overlay a portion of airway V-499 from the KITHE Fix to the Binghamton 
VOR/DME. The HEXSN, PA, WP would replace the Lancaster, PA (LRP), VOR/
DME in the route description.
    T-454: T-454 is a proposed new route that would extend from the 
SCAAM, PA, WP to the NWTON, NJ, WP. The route would overlay a portion 
of airway V-226 from the FAVUM, PA, WP to the NWTON, NJ, WP. In the 
route description, WPs would be used in place of the following 
navigation aids: The LYCOM, PA, WP replaces the Williamsport, PA (FQM), 
VOR/DME. The WLKES, PA, WP replaces the Wilkes-Barre, PA (LVZ), VORTAC. 
The NWTON, NJ, WP replaces the Stillwater, NJ (STW), VOR/DME.
    T-634: T-634 is a Canadian RNAV route that extends between the 
Syracuse, NY (SYR), VORTAC and the VIBRU, NY, WP. The FAA proposes to 
expand T-634 south and eastward from Syracuse to the Sandy Point, RI 
(SEY), VOR/DME. The order of points in the route description would be 
amended to begin at the VIBRU, NY WP. The following points would be 
added after Syracuse: STODA, NY, Fix; RAHKS, NY, WP; DANZI, NY, WP; 
WEETS, NY, Fix; Kingston, NY (IGN), VOR/DME; CASSH, NY, Fix; BIZEX, NY, 
WP; CREAM, NY, Fix and Sandy Point, RI (SEY), VOR/DME. The PAGER, NY, 
and BRUIN, NY WPs would be removed from the description because they 
don't mark a turn point in the route. T-634 would overlay portions of 
airway V-483 from Syracuse to BIZEX. It would overlay V-374 from BIZEX 
to CREAM; and overlay V-34 from CREAM to Sandy Point. In the route 
description, the RAHKS, NY, WP would replace the Rockdale, NY (RKA), 
VOR/DME.
    T-705: T-705 is a Canadian RNAV route that extends into U.S. 
airspace between the DANZI, NY, WP and the MUTNA, NY, WP. The FAA 
proposes to extend T-705 generally eastward to the Nantucket, MA (ACK), 
VOR/DME. The DANZI WP would be removed from the route at air traffic 
control request. Thus, the proposed eastward expansion of the route to 
Nantucket would begin at the CODDI, NY, Fix instead of DANZI. As 
amended, the route would begin at the Nantucket VOR/DME, then pass 
through the following added points: LIBBE, NY, Fix; ORCHA, NY, WP; 
Calverton, NY (CCC), VOR/DME; BELTT, NY, WP; EEGOR, CT, WP; LOVES, CT, 
WP; PAWLN, NY, WP; CYPER, NY, Fix. From the CYPER Fix, T-705 would 
proceed to the CODDI, NY, Fix where the remainder of the route would 
continue to the MUTNA, NY, WP as currently charted, except for the 
following changes. The following points would be removed because they 
don't mark a turn point on the route: MILID, NY, Fix; USICI, NY, WP; 
GACKE, NY, WP; BECKS, NY, WP; SMAIR, NY, WP; FOSYU, NY, WP; and UUBER, 
NY, WP. In the route description, the PAWLN, NY, WP would replace the 
Pawling, NY (PWL), VOR/DME.
    The amended route would overlay portions of airway V-46 from 
Nantucket to Calverton. It would overlay airway V-44 from the BELTT WP 
to the PAWLN WP. As amended, T-705 would extend from Nantucket, MA, to 
MUTNA, NY.
    United States Area Navigation (RNAV) routes are published in 
paragraph 6011, and Canadian Area Navigation routes are published in 
paragraph 6013, respectively, 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.

[[Page 50017]]

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 14 CFR 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-216 Philipsburg, PA (PSB) to Nantucket, MA (ACK) [Amended]
 
Philipsburg, PA (PSB)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 40[deg]54'58.53'' N, long. 077[deg]59'33.78'' W)
LYKOM, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.75'' N, long. 076[deg]46'' 30.30'' W)
ELEXY, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]25'53.71'' N, long. 076[deg]07'' 35.20'' W)
LAAYK, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'' 57.31'' W)
HELON, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]40'02.72'' N, long. 074[deg]16'' 49.52'' W)
Kingston, NY (IGN)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.62'' N, long. 073[deg]49'' 20.01'' W)
MOONI, CT                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]37'53.28'' N, long. 073[deg]19'' 19.43'' W)
Hartford, CT (HFD)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]38'27.98'' N, long. 072[deg]32'' 50.70'' W)
Groton, CT (GON)                                VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]19'49.45'' N, long. 072[deg]03'07.14'' W)
Sandy Point, RI (SEY)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
Nantucket, MA (ACK)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]16'54.79'' N, long. 070[deg]01'36.16'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-440 STUBN, NY to TALLI, PA [New]
 
STUBN, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]05'38.58'' N, long. 077[deg]01'28.68'' W)
WLKES, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]16'22.57'' N, long. 075[deg]41'21.60'' W)
TALLI, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]19'01.60'' N, long. 075[deg]06'43.17'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-449 KITHE, PA to Binghamton, NY (CFB) [New]
 
KITHE, PA                                       FIX                            (Lat. 39[deg]48'35.53'' N, long. 076[deg]17'48.12'' W)
HEXSN, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]07'12.46'' N, long. 076[deg]17'28.38'' W)
Binghamton, NY (CFB)                            VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]09'26.97'' N, long. 076[deg]08'11.30'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-454 SCAAM, PA to NWTON, NJ [New]
 
SCAAM, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]11'37.46'' N, long. 077[deg]58'15.20'' W)
FAVUM, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]15'59.17'' N, long. 077[deg]35'42.32'' W)
LYKOM, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.75'' N, long. 076[deg]46'30.30'' W)
WLKES, PA                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]16'22.57'' N, long. 075[deg]41'21.60'' W)
NWTON, NJ                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]59'45.19'' N, long. 074[deg]52'09.21'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
 

Paragraph 6013 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-634 VIBRU, NY to Sandy Point, RI (SEY) [Amended]
 
VIBRU, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]20'21.30'' N, long. 076[deg]01'19.96'' W)
Watertown, NY (ART)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]57'07.67'' N, long. 076[deg]03'52.66'' W)
Syracuse, NY (SYR)                              VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]09'37.87'' N, long. 076[deg]12'16.41'' W)
STODA, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]07'00.20'' N, long. 075[deg]51'21.23'' W)
RAHKS, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]27'59.28'' N, long. 075[deg]14'21.68'' W)
DANZI, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]10'41.86'' N, long. 074[deg]57'24.19'' W)
WEETS, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]51'26.98'' N, long. 074[deg]11'51.51'' W)
Kingston, NY (IGN)                              VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.62'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.01'' W)
CASSH, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]35'38.16'' N, long. 073[deg]42'17.07'' W)
BIZEX, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]17'02.86'' N, long. 073[deg]34'50.20'' W)
CREAM, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]08'55.85'' N, long. 072[deg]31'18.32'' W)
Sandy Point, RI (SEY)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-705 Nantucket, MA (ACK) to MUTNA, NY [Amended]
 
Nantucket, MA (ACK)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]16'54.79'' N, long. 070[deg]01'36.16'' W)
LIBBE, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]00'15.86'' N, long. 071[deg]21'20.34'' W)
ORCHA, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 40[deg]54'55.46'' N, long. 072[deg]18'43.64'' W)
Calverton, NY (CCC)                             VOR/DME                        (Lat. 40[deg]55'46.63'' N, long. 072[deg]47'55.89'' W)
BELTT, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]03'48.61'' N, long. 072[deg]59'13.52'' W)
EEGOR, CT                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]09'38.94'' N, long. 073[deg]07'27.66'' W)
LOVES, CT                                       FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]32'19.64'' N, long. 073[deg]29'17.14'' W)
PAWLN, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]46'11.51'' N, long. 073[deg]36'02.64'' W)

[[Page 50018]]

 
CYPER, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]06'32.37'' N, long. 074[deg]16'25.52'' W)
CODDI, NY                                       FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]22'52.15'' N, long. 075[deg]00'21.84'' W)
LAMMS, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 43[deg]01'35.30'' N, long. 075[deg]09'51.50'' W)
SRNAC, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]23'05.00'' N, long. 074[deg]12'16.11'' W)
RIGID, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]35'19.53'' N, long. 073[deg]44'34.07'' W)
PBERG, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]42'06.25'' N, long. 073[deg]31'22.18'' W)
LATTS, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]51'29.78'' N, long. 073[deg]32'29.26'' W)
MUTNA, NY                                       WP                             (Lat. 45[deg]00'20.84'' N, long. 073[deg]33'27.65'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 4, 2022.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-17209 Filed 8-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P