Amendment of V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233 in the Vicinity of Litchfield, MI, 2504-2506 [2023-00462]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2504-2506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-00462]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1113 Airspace Docket No. 22-AGL-20]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233 in the Vicinity of 
Litchfield, MI

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal 
airways V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233 in the vicinity of 
Litchfield, MI. The airway modifications are necessary due to the 
planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Litchfield, MI, VOR/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID) which 
provides navigational guidance for portions of the affected VOR Federal 
airways listed above. The Litchfield VOR is being decommissioned as 
part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 20, 2023. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11 
and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order JO 7400.11G, 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: 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 modifies the route structure as necessary to preserve 
the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace 
System.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for Docket 
No. FAA-2022-1113 in the Federal Register (87 FR 55927; September 13, 
2022), amending VOR Federal airways V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233 
in the vicinity of Litchfield, MI, due to the planned decommissioning 
of the VOR portion of the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME NAVAID. Interested 
parties were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by 
submitting written comments on the proposal. No comments were received.
    VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order 
JO 7400.11G, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal 
airway actions listed in this document will be published subsequently 
in FAA Order JO 7400.11.

Differences From the NPRM

    In the NPRM, the FAA noted the Litchfield, MI, Distance Measuring 
Equipment (DME) NAVAID was being retained as a mitigation to the 
planned decommissioning of the Litchfield VOR. However, subsequent to 
publication of the NPRM, the Central Service Area Director of Technical 
Operations approved the decommissioning of the collocated Litchfield, 
MI, DME concurrent with the planned decommissioning of the Litchfield 
VOR. The Litchfield DME currently is a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) 
operating as a DME only NAVAID.
    The Litchfield DME has been shut down due to frequency interference 
with a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) reporting the out-of-service 
condition since December 2018. The Central Service Area Technical 
Support Operations Group (TSOG), Operational Engineering Support Group 
(OESG), and Spectrum Engineering Team, and the Federal Communication 
Commission (FCC) were all involved in an effort to locate the source of 
the interference, but the source was never found.
    As a result, the FAA has no further plans to try to find the 
interference source and the Litchfield DME is being decommissioning 
with the Litchfield

[[Page 2505]]

VOR instead of being retained as addressed in the NPRM.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 
15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by amending VOR Federal airways 
V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233. The planned decommissioning of the 
Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME has made this action necessary. The VOR Federal 
airway changes are outlined below.
    V-6: V-6 extends between the Oakland, CA, VOR/DME and the DuPage, 
IL, VOR/DME; between the intersection of the Chicago Heights, IL, 
VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper, MI, VORTAC 271[deg] radials (NILES Fix) and 
the intersection of the Gipper, MI, VORTAC 092[deg] and Litchfield, MI, 
VOR/DME 196[deg] radials (MODEM Fix); and between the Philipsburg, PA, 
VORTAC and the La Guardia, NY, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the 
intersection of the Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper, 
MI, VORTAC 271[deg] radials (NILES Fix) and the intersection of the 
Gipper, MI, VORTAC 092[deg] and Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME 196[deg] 
radials (MODEM Fix) is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to 
extend between the Oakland VOR/DME and the DuPage VOR/DME and between 
the Philipsburg VORTAC and the La Guardia VOR/DME.
    V-10: V-10 extends between the Pueblo, CO, VORTAC and the 
intersection of the Bradford, IL, VORTAC 058[deg] and Joliet, IL, VOR/
DME 287[deg] radials (PLANO Fix); between the intersection of the 
Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper, MI, VORTAC 271[deg] 
radials (NILES Fix) and the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME; and between the 
Youngstown, OH, VORTAC and the Lancaster, PA, VOR/DME. The airway 
segment between the Gipper, MI, VORTAC and the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME 
is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to extend between the 
Pueblo VORTAC and the intersection of the Bradford VORTAC 058[deg] and 
Joliet VOR/DME 287[deg] radials (PLANO Fix), between the intersection 
of the Chicago Heights VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper VORTAC 271[deg] 
radials (NILES Fix) and the Gipper VORTAC, and between the Youngstown 
VORTAC and the Lancaster VOR/DME.
    V-30: V-30 extends between the Badger, WI, VOR/DME and the 
Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME; and between the Philipsburg, PA, VORTAC and 
the Solberg, NJ, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Pullman, MI, 
VOR/DME and the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the 
airway is changed to extend between the Badger VOR/DME and the Pullman 
VOR/DME and between the Philipsburg VORTAC and the Solberg VOR/DME.
    V-100: V-100 extends between the Medicine Bow, WY, VOR/DME and the 
O'Neill, NE, VORTAC; between the Waterloo, IA, VOR/DME and the Dubuque, 
IA, VORTAC; and between the Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME and the Litchfield, 
MI, VOR/DME. The airway segment between the Keeler, MI, VOR/DME and the 
Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the airway is changed 
to extend between the Medicine Bow VOR/DME and the O'Neill VORTAC, 
between the Waterloo VOR/DME and the Dubuque VORTAC, and between the 
Northbrook, IL, VOR/DME and the Keeler VOR/DME.
    V-233: V-233 extends between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and the 
Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME; and between the Mount Pleasant, MI, VOR/DME 
and the Pellston, MI, VORTAC. The airway segment between the Goshen, 
IN, VORTAC and the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME is removed. As amended, the 
airway is changed to extend between the Spinner VORTAC and the Goshen 
VORTAC and between the Mount Pleasant VOR/DME and the Pellston VORTAC.
    All radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions below are 
unchanged and stated in True degrees.
    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 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 rule, when 
promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action of amending VOR Federal 
airways V-6, V-10, V-30, V-100, and V-233, due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Litchfield, MI, VOR/DME 
NAVAID, qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing 
regulations at 40 CFR part 1500, and in accordance with FAA Order 
1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 5-
6.5a, which categorically excludes from further environmental impact 
review rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace 
areas, airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, 
Designation of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic 
Service Routes; and Reporting Points) and paragraph 5-6.5k, which 
categorically excludes from further environmental impact review the 
publication of existing air traffic control procedures that do not 
essentially change existing tracks, create new tracks, change altitude, 
or change concentration of aircraft on these tracks. As such, this 
action is not expected to result in any potentially significant 
environmental impacts. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 
5-2 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this 
action for factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically 
excluded action may have a significant environmental impact requiring 
further analysis. The FAA has determined that no extraordinary 
circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental 
assessment or environmental impact study.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

The Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 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 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as 
follows:


[[Page 2506]]


    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 
7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 
2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-6 [Amended]

    From Oakland, CA; INT Oakland 039[deg] and Sacramento, CA, 
212[deg] radials; Sacramento; Squaw Valley, CA; Mustang, NV; 
Lovelock, NV; Battle Mountain, NV; INT Battle Mountain 062[deg] and 
Wells, NV, 256[deg] radials; Wells; 5 miles, 40 miles, 98 MSL, 85 
MSL, Lucin, UT; 43 miles, 85 MSL, Ogden, UT; 11 miles, 50 miles, 105 
MSL, Fort Bridger, WY; Rock Springs, WY; 20 miles, 39 miles, 95 MSL, 
Cherokee, WY; 39 miles, 27 miles, 95 MSL, Medicine Bow, WY; INT 
Medicine Bow 106[deg] and Sidney, NE, 291[deg] radials; Sidney; 
North Platte, NE; Grand Island, NE; Omaha, IA; Des Moines, IA; Iowa 
City, IA; Davenport, IA; INT Davenport 087[deg] and DuPage, IL, 
255[deg] radials; to DuPage. From Philipsburg, PA; Selinsgrove, PA; 
Allentown, PA; Solberg, NJ; INT Solberg 107[deg] and Yardley, PA, 
068[deg] radials; INT Yardley 068[deg] and La Guardia, NY, 213[deg] 
radials; to La Guardia.
* * * * *

V-10 [Amended]

    From Pueblo, CO; 18 miles, 48 miles, 60 MSL, Lamar, CO; Garden 
City, KS; Dodge City, KS; Hutchinson, KS; Emporia, KS; INT Emporia 
063[deg]and Napoleon, MO, 243[deg] radials; Napoleon; Kirksville, 
MO; Burlington, IA; Bradford, IL; to INT Bradford 058[deg] and 
Joliet, IL, 287[deg] radials. From INT Chicago Heights, IL, 358[deg] 
and Gipper, MI, 271[deg] radials; to Gipper. From Youngstown, OH; 
INT Youngstown 116[deg] and Revloc, PA, 300[deg] radials; Revloc; 
INT Revloc 107[deg] and Lancaster, PA, 280[deg] radials; to 
Lancaster.
* * * * *

V-30 [Amended]

    From Badger, WI; INT Badger 102[deg] and Pullman, MI, 303[deg] 
radials; to Pullman. From Philipsburg, PA; Selinsgrove, PA; East 
Texas, PA; INT East Texas 095[deg] and Solberg, NJ, 264[deg] 
radials; to Solberg.
* * * * *

V-100 [Amended]

    From Medicine Bow, WY; Scottsbluff, NE; Alliance, NE; Ainsworth, 
NE; to O'Neill, NE. From Waterloo, IA; to Dubuque, IA. From 
Northbrook, IL; INT Northbrook 095[deg] and Keeler, MI, 271[deg] 
radials; to Keeler.
* * * * *

V-233 [Amended]

    From Spinner, IL; INT Spinner 061[deg] and Roberts, IL, 233[deg] 
radials; Roberts; Knox, IN; to Goshen, IN. From Mount Pleasant, MI; 
INT Mount Pleasant 351[deg] and Gaylord, MI, 207[deg] radials; 
Gaylord; to Pellston, MI.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2023.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2023-00462 Filed 1-13-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P