Revocation of Jet Route J-179 and Amendment of United States Area Navigation Route Q-10 in the Vicinity of Emmonak, AK, 3900-3902 [2024-00806]

Download as PDF 3900 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA–2024–0029; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–01182–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by March 7, 2024. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2021–20–08, Amendment 39–21746 (86 FR 57025, October 14, 2021) (AD 2021–20–08). (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (14) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4– 203 airplanes. (2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes. (3) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes. (4) Model A300 C4–605R variant F airplanes. (5) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes. (6) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes. (7) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (8) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, –133, –151N, –153N, and –171N airplanes. (9) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, –252N, –253N, –271N, –272N, and –273N airplanes. (10) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –251NX, –252N, –252NX, –253N, –253NX, –271N, –271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes. (11) Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, –343, –841, and –941 airplanes. (12) Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes. (13) Model A350–941 and A350–1041 airplanes. (14) Model A380–841, –842, and –861 airplanes. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report that repetitive disconnection and reconnection of certain nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries during airplane parking or storage could lead to a reduction in capacity of those batteries. The FAA is issuing this AD to address reduced capacity of certain Ni-Cd batteries. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to reduced battery endurance performance and possibly result in failure to supply the minimum essential electrical power during abnormal or emergency conditions. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:41 Jan 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 (g) Requirements Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0196, dated November 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023–0196). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2023–0196 (1) Where EASA AD 2023–0196 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) This AD does not adopt the ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD 2023–0196. (i) Additional AD Provisions The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if any service information referenced in EASA AD 2023–0196 that contains paragraphs that are labeled as RC, the instructions in RC paragraphs, including subparagraphs under an RC paragraph, must be done to comply with this AD; any paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, that are not identified as RC are recommended. The instructions in paragraphs, including subparagraphs under those paragraphs, not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the instructions identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to instructions identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206– 231–3225; email dan.rodina@faa.gov. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. (i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2023–0196, dated November 10, 2023. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For EASA AD 2023–0196, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations, or email fr.inspection@ nara.gov. Issued on January 12, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024–00995 Filed 1–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2024–0020; Airspace Docket No. 23–AAL–19] RIN 2120–AA66 Revocation of Jet Route J–179 and Amendment of United States Area Navigation Route Q–10 in the Vicinity of Emmonak, AK Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: This action proposes to revoke Jet Route J–179 in its entirety and amend United States Area Navigation Route (RNAV) Q–10 in the vicinity of Emmonak, AK. The FAA is proposing this action due to the pending decommissioning of the Aniak, AK, Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) and the St Marys, AK, NDB. DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 7, 2024. ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA–2024–0020 and Airspace Docket No. 23–AAL–19 using any of the following methods: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22JAP1.SGM 22JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2024 / 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 16:41 Jan 19, 2024 Jkt 262001 3901 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 segment 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. Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 and United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 2006 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 https://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 00006 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) 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 RNAV route structure. E:\FR\FM\22JAP1.SGM 22JAP1 3902 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 14 / Monday, January 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules Jet Route J–179 extends between the Middleton Island, AK, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/ Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/ DME) and the Emmonak, AK, VOR/ DME. The decommissioning of the Aniak and St Marys NDBs will leave portions of J–179 unusable. To mitigate the loss of J–179, the FAA is proposing to amend RNAV route Q–10. The proposed amendment to Q–10 would extend the route along essentially the same track as the current J–179. The only difference between the current J– 179 and the proposed Q–10 is that the proposed track for Q–10 would not include the St Marys NDB. Instead, Q– 10 would extend directly between the Emmonak NDB and the Aniak NDB. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to revoke Jet Route J– 179 in its entirety and amend United States Area Navigation Route Q–10 in the vicinity of Emmonak, AK. J–179: J–179 extends between the Middleton Island, AK, VOR/DME and the Emmonak, AK, VOR/DME. The FAA is proposing to revoke J–179 in its entirety. Q–10: Q–10 extends between the Kukuliak, AK, VOR/DME and the Emmonak, AK, VOR/DME. As amended, Q–10 would extend between the Kukuliak, AK, VOR/DME and the Middleton Island, AK, VOR/DME. Regulatory Notices and Analyses The Proposed Amendment 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. In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows: 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. * * * * * Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 679 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 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 2004 Jet Routes. * * * * * * * * * * * * Sfmt 4702 * * W) W) W) W) W) W) Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability of fishery management plan amendment; request for comments. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) submitted Amendment 126 to the Fishery Management Plans for Groundfish of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP) and Amendment 114 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA FMP). If approved, Amendments 126/114 would expand electronic monitoring (EM) to pelagic trawl pollock catcher vessels and tenders delivering to shoreside processors or stationary floating processors in the Bering Sea, Aleutian SUMMARY: RIN 0648–BM40 AGENCY: 16:41 Jan 19, 2024 [Amended] 170°28′11.65″ 164°29′15.12″ 159°37′52.61″ 155°38′04.49″ 151°11′42.87″ 146°21′00.05″ Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Amendment 126 to the Fishery Management Plans for Groundfish of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Management Area and Amendment 114 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska To Expand Electronic Monitoring to the Pollock Fisheries VerDate Sep<11>2014 § 71.1 Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes. [FR Doc. 2024–00806 Filed 1–19–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 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. * DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Issued in Washington, DC, on January 11, 2024. Frank Lias, Manager, Rules and Regulations Group. 1. The authority citation for 14 CFR part 71 continues to read as follows: ■ J–179 [Removed] List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71 Q–10 Kukuliak, AK (ULL) to Middleton Island, AK (MDO) [Amended] Kukuliak, AK (ULL) VOR/DME (Lat. 63°41′32.39″ N, long. Emmonak, AK (ENM) VOR/DME (Lat. 62°47′04.52″ N, long. ANIAK, AK FIX (Lat. 61°37′02.22″ N, long. Sparrevohn, AK (SQA) VOR/DME (Lat. 61°05′54.89″ N, long. Kenai, AK (ENA) VOR/DME (Lat. 60°36′52.93″ N, long. Middleton Island, AK VOR/DME (Lat. 59°25′18.50″ N, long. (MDO) PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS E:\FR\FM\22JAP1.SGM 22JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 14 (Monday, January 22, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3900-3902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-00806]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-0020; Airspace Docket No. 23-AAL-19]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revocation of Jet Route J-179 and Amendment of United States Area 
Navigation Route Q-10 in the Vicinity of Emmonak, AK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes to revoke Jet Route J-179 in its entirety 
and amend United States Area Navigation Route (RNAV) Q-10 in the 
vicinity of Emmonak, AK. The FAA is proposing this action due to the 
pending decommissioning of the Aniak, AK, Nondirectional Radio Beacon 
(NDB) and the St Marys, AK, NDB.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 7, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-0020 and 
Airspace Docket No. 23-AAL-19 using any of the following methods:

[[Page 3901]]

    * 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 segment 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 https://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

    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 and United States Area 
Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 2006 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) 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 RNAV route 
structure.

[[Page 3902]]

    Jet Route J-179 extends between the Middleton Island, AK, Very High 
Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) 
and the Emmonak, AK, VOR/DME. The decommissioning of the Aniak and St 
Marys NDBs will leave portions of J-179 unusable. To mitigate the loss 
of J-179, the FAA is proposing to amend RNAV route Q-10. The proposed 
amendment to Q-10 would extend the route along essentially the same 
track as the current J-179. The only difference between the current J-
179 and the proposed Q-10 is that the proposed track for Q-10 would not 
include the St Marys NDB. Instead, Q-10 would extend directly between 
the Emmonak NDB and the Aniak NDB.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to revoke Jet 
Route J-179 in its entirety and amend United States Area Navigation 
Route Q-10 in the vicinity of Emmonak, AK.
    J-179: J-179 extends between the Middleton Island, AK, VOR/DME and 
the Emmonak, AK, VOR/DME. The FAA is proposing to revoke J-179 in its 
entirety.
    Q-10: Q-10 extends between the Kukuliak, AK, VOR/DME and the 
Emmonak, AK, VOR/DME. As amended, Q-10 would extend between the 
Kukuliak, AK, VOR/DME and the Middleton Island, AK, VOR/DME.

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 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-179 [Removed]

* * * * *

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

 
 
 
Q-10 Kukuliak, AK (ULL) to Middleton Island, AK (MDO) [Amended]
 
Kukuliak, AK (ULL)               VOR/DME            (Lat. 63[deg]41'32.39'' N, long. 170[deg]28'11.65'' W)
Emmonak, AK (ENM)                VOR/DME            (Lat. 62[deg]47'04.52'' N, long. 164[deg]29'15.12'' W)
ANIAK, AK                        FIX                (Lat. 61[deg]37'02.22'' N, long. 159[deg]37'52.61'' W)
Sparrevohn, AK (SQA)             VOR/DME            (Lat. 61[deg]05'54.89'' N, long. 155[deg]38'04.49'' W)
Kenai, AK (ENA)                  VOR/DME            (Lat. 60[deg]36'52.93'' N, long. 151[deg]11'42.87'' W)
Middleton Island, AK (MDO)       VOR/DME            (Lat. 59[deg]25'18.50'' N, long. 146[deg]21'00.05'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 11, 2024.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-00806 Filed 1-19-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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