Revocation of Colored Federal Airway Blue 28 (B-28) in the Vicinity of Sitka, Alaska, 85135-85137 [2023-26709]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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 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 14 CFR 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 7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 11, 2023, and effective September 15, 2023, is amended as follows: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 ■ Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes * * * * * J–6 [Amended] From Salinas, CA; INT Salinas 145° and Avenal, CA, 292° radials; Avenal; INT Avenal 119°and Palmdale, CA, 310° radials; Palmdale; Hector, CA; Needles, CA; Drake, AZ; Zuni, AZ; Albuquerque, NM; Tucumcari, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:14 Dec 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 NM; Panhandle, TX; to Will Rogers, OK. From Charleston, WV; INT Charleston 076° and Martinsburg, WV, 243° radials; Martinsburg; Lancaster, PA; Broadway, NJ; Sparta, NJ; to Albany, NY. 85135 325°M radials. Excluding R–2403B when active. * * * * * From Panhandle, TX; Will Rogers, OK; INT Will Rogers 097°T/090°M and Little Rock, AR 276°T/276°M radials; Little Rock; INT Little Rock 105°T/105°M and Vulcan, AL 284°T/ 282°M radials; to Vulcan. V–305 [Amended] From El Dorado, AR; Little Rock, AR; INT Little Rock 039°T/039°M and Marvel, AR 316°T/315°M radials; to Walnut Ridge, AR. From Cunningham, KY; Pocket City, IN; INT Pocket City 046° and Hoosier, IN, 205° radials; Hoosier; INT Hoosier 025° and Brickyard, IN, l85° radials; to Brickyard. Excluding R–2403B when active. * * * * * * * J–14 [Amended] * * * * * * * * J–66 [Amended] From Newman, TX; via Big Spring, TX; Abilene, TX; Ranger, TX; Bonham, TX; INT Bonham 070°T/064°M and Little Rock, AR 247°T/247°M radials; Little Rock; Memphis, TN; INT Memphis 100° and Rome, GA 284° radials; to Rome. V–532 [Amended] From Fort Smith; Okmulgee, OK; Pioneer, OK; Wichita, KS, 014° and Salina, KS, 168° radials; Salina; to Lincoln, NE. * * * * * * * * * * * * * V–534 [Removed] * * J–101 [Amended] From Humble, TX, Lufkin, TX; INT Lufkin 031°T/026°M and Little Rock, AR 210°T/ 210°M radials; Little Rock; St. Louis, MO; Spinner, IL; Pontiac, IL; Joliet, IL; Northbrook, IL; Badger, WI; Green Bay, WI; to Sault Ste Marie, MI. V–573 [Amended] From Will Rogers, OK; INT Will Rogers 195° and Ardmore, OK, 327° radials; Ardmore; to Bonham, TX. From Texarkana, AR; INT Texarkana 037° and Hot Springs, AR, 225° radials; to Hot Springs. * Issued in Washington, DC, on November 30, 2023. Karen L. Chiodini, Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group. * * * * J–131 [Amended] From San Antonio, TX, via INT San Antonio 007° and Ranger, TX, 214° radials; Ranger; Texarkana, AR; Little Rock, AR; INT Little Rock 049°T/049°M and Walnut Ridge, AR 077°T/073°M radials; to Pocket City, IN. * * * * * * * * * [FR Doc. 2023–26672 Filed 12–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P * J–180 [Amended] From Little Rock, AR; to Foristell, MO. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION * Federal Aviation Administration * * * Paragraph 6010(a) Airways * * * * Domestic VOR Federal * * V–54 [Amended] From Waco, TX; to Cedar Creek, TX. From Texarkana, AR; INT Texarkana 052° and Little Rock, AR, 230° radials; to Little Rock. From Sandhills, NC; INT Sandhills 146° and Fayetteville, NC, 267° radials; Fayetteville; to Kinston, NC. Excluding R–2403B when active. * * * * * V–74 [Amended] From Garden City, KS; to Dodge City, KS. From Pioneer, OK; Tulsa, OK; Fort Smith, AR; 6 miles, 7 miles wide (4 miles north and 3 miles south of centerline) INT Fort Smith 112°T/105°M and Little Rock, AR 284°T/ 284°M radials; Little Rock; Pine Bluff, AR; Greenville, MS; to Magnolia, MS. Excluding R–2403A and R–2403B when active. * * * * * V–124 [Amended] From Bonham, TX, via Paris, TX; Hot Springs, AR; Little Rock, AR; to INT Little Rock 071°T/071°M and Marvel, AR, 326°T/ PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2200 Airspace Docket No. 22–AAL–27] RIN 2120–AA66 Revocation of Colored Federal Airway Blue 28 (B–28) in the Vicinity of Sitka, Alaska Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway B–28 in the vicinity of Sitka, AK due to the pending decommissioning of the Sitka and Nichols Nondirectional Radio Beacons (NDB) in Alaska. DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2024. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA–2023–2200 and Airspace Docket No. 22–AAL–27 using any of the following methods: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1 85136 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2023 / Proposed Rules ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FAA Order JO 7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Roff, 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 route structure as necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:14 Dec 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 Comments Invited Incorporation by Reference The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments are filed in writing. The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the comments it receives. Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. Colored Federal airways are published in paragraph 6009 of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document proposes to amend the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11H, dated August 11, 2023, and effective September 15, 2023. These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. That order is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11H lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points. Availability of Rulemaking Documents 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, phone number, and hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Western Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Background In 2003, Congress enacted the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Pub L., 108–176), which established a joint planning and development office in the FAA to manage the work related to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Today, NextGen is an ongoing FAA-led modernization of the nation’s air transportation system to make flying safer, more efficient, and more predictable. In support of NextGen, this proposal is part of an ongoing, large, and comprehensive T-route modernization project in the state of Alaska. The project mission statement states: ‘‘To modernize Alaska’s Air Traffic Service route structure using satellite-based navigation development of new T-routes and optimization of existing T-routes will enhance safety, increase efficiency and access, and will provide en route continuity that is not subject to the restrictions associated with groundbased airway navigation.’’ As part of this project, the FAA evaluated the existing Colored Airway structure for: (a) direct replacement (i.e., overlay) with a T-route that offers a similar or lower Minimum En route Altitude (MEA) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Minimum En route Altitude (MEA); (b) the replacement of the colored airway with a T-route in an optimized but similar geographic area, while retaining similar or lower MEA; or (c) removal with no route structure (T-route) restored in that area because the value was determined to be insignificant. The aviation industry/users have indicated a desire for the FAA to transition the Alaskan en route navigation structure away from dependency on NDBs and move to develop and improve the United States Area Navigation (RNAV) route structure. E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 234 / Thursday, December 7, 2023 / Proposed Rules Colored Federal airway B–28 extends between the Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, NDB and the Sitka, AK, NDB, excluding the airspace within Canada. The decommissioning of the Sitka and Nichols NDBs would render B–28 unusable. The FAA proposes to revoke B–28 in its entirety. The loss of B–28 is mitigated by existing Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) federal airways V–309 and V– 311, which overlie B–28. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to revoke Colored Federal airway B–28 in Alaska due to the pending decommissioning of its supporting Navigational Aids (NAVAID). Colored Federal airway B–28 extends between the Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, NDB and the Sitka, AK, NDB, excluding the airspace within Canada. The FAA proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway B–28 in its entirety. 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. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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. The Proposed Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows: 17:14 Dec 06, 2023 Jkt 262001 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR 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 7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 11, 2023, and effective September 15, 2023, is amended as follows: ■ Paragraph 6009(d) Colored Federal airways. * * * * * * * B–28 [Remove] * * * Issued in Washington, DC, on November 30, 2023. Karen Chiodini, Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group. [FR Doc. 2023–26709 Filed 12–6–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 120 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1058; Notice No. 24– 05] RIN 2120–AK09 Send comments on or before February 5, 2024. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA–2012–1058 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12–140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202–493–2251. Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at https://www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12–140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Rodriguez-Brown, Office of Aerospace Medicine, Drug Abatement Division, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267–8442; email: drugabatement@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Frequently Used in This Document Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). Table of Contents AGENCY: This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) would require certificated repair stations located outside the territory of the United States whose employees perform safetysensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program in accordance with the requirements of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program published by the FAA and the Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs published by the Department of Transportation. SUMMARY: List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). VerDate Sep<11>2014 PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS 85137 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 BASA—Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement ICAO—International Civil Aviation Organization I. Overview of Proposed Rule II. Authority for This Rulemaking III. Background A. History B. Legislative and Rulemaking Actions 1. FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 2. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comment Response 3. FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 IV. Discussion of the Proposal A. Application of 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Parts 40 Through 145 Certificated Repair Stations Located Outside the Territory of the United States (§§ 120.1, 120.123, and 120.227) B. Conforming Amendments To Facilitate Drug and Alcohol Procedures Outside E:\FR\FM\07DEP1.SGM 07DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 234 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 85135-85137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26709]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2200 Airspace Docket No. 22-AAL-27]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revocation of Colored Federal Airway Blue 28 (B-28) in the 
Vicinity of Sitka, Alaska

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway B-28 in 
the vicinity of Sitka, AK due to the pending decommissioning of the 
Sitka and Nichols Nondirectional Radio Beacons (NDB) in Alaska.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 22, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2023-2200 and 
Airspace Docket No. 22-AAL-27 using any of the following methods:

[[Page 85136]]

    * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow 
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West 
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in 
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for 
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and 
Regulations Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 
800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Roff, 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 route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National 
Airspace System (NAS).

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most 
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain 
the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To 
ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters 
should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or 
commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments 
are filed in writing.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light 
of the comments it receives.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    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, phone number, and hours of 
operations). An informal docket may also be examined during normal 
business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Western 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St., 
Des Moines, WA 98198.

Incorporation by Reference

    Colored Federal airways are published in paragraph 6009 of FAA 
Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This 
document proposes to amend the current version of that order, FAA Order 
JO 7400.11H, dated August 11, 2023, and effective September 15, 2023. 
These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 
7400.11. That order is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES 
section of this document.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11H lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, 
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

Background

    In 2003, Congress enacted the Vision 100-Century of Aviation 
Reauthorization Act (Pub L., 108-176), which established a joint 
planning and development office in the FAA to manage the work related 
to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Today, 
NextGen is an ongoing FAA-led modernization of the nation's air 
transportation system to make flying safer, more efficient, and more 
predictable.
    In support of NextGen, this proposal is part of an ongoing, large, 
and comprehensive T-route modernization project in the state of Alaska. 
The project mission statement states: ``To modernize Alaska's Air 
Traffic Service route structure using satellite-based navigation 
development of new T-routes and optimization of existing T-routes will 
enhance safety, increase efficiency and access, and will provide en 
route continuity that is not subject to the restrictions associated 
with ground-based airway navigation.'' As part of this project, the FAA 
evaluated the existing Colored Airway structure for: (a) direct 
replacement (i.e., overlay) with a T-route that offers a similar or 
lower Minimum En route Altitude (MEA) or Global Navigation Satellite 
System (GNSS) Minimum En route Altitude (MEA); (b) the replacement of 
the colored airway with a T-route in an optimized but similar 
geographic area, while retaining similar or lower MEA; or (c) removal 
with no route structure (T-route) restored in that area because the 
value was determined to be insignificant.
    The aviation industry/users have indicated a desire for the FAA to 
transition the Alaskan en route navigation structure away from 
dependency on NDBs and move to develop and improve the United States 
Area Navigation (RNAV) route structure.

[[Page 85137]]

    Colored Federal airway B-28 extends between the Prince Rupert, BC, 
Canada, NDB and the Sitka, AK, NDB, excluding the airspace within 
Canada. The decommissioning of the Sitka and Nichols NDBs would render 
B-28 unusable. The FAA proposes to revoke B-28 in its entirety. The 
loss of B-28 is mitigated by existing Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) federal airways V-309 and V-311, which 
overlie B-28.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to revoke 
Colored Federal airway B-28 in Alaska due to the pending 
decommissioning of its supporting Navigational Aids (NAVAID).
    Colored Federal airway B-28 extends between the Prince Rupert, BC, 
Canada, NDB and the Sitka, AK, NDB, excluding the airspace within 
Canada. The FAA proposes to revoke Colored Federal airway B-28 in its 
entirety.

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 14 CFR 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 
7400.11H, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 11, 
2023, and effective September 15, 2023, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6009(d) Colored Federal airways.

* * * * *

B-28 [Remove]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 30, 2023.
Karen Chiodini,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2023-26709 Filed 12-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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