Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-558, and United States Area Navigation Route T-220 in the Vicinity of Industry, TX, 97510-97512 [2024-28750]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 97510-97512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28750]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-1707; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-4]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-
558, and United States Area Navigation Route T-220 in the Vicinity of 
Industry, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range 
(VOR) Federal Airways V-68, V-212, and V-222, and United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) Route T-220; and revokes VOR Federal Airway V-558. 
The proposed V-76 airway amendment is removed from this action due to 
the amendment already being accomplished by a separate airspace docket 
action. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Industry, TX (IDU), VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The 
Industry VOR is being decommissioned in support of the FAA's VOR 
Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, February 20, 2025. 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: A copy of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), all 
comments received, this final rule, and all background material may be 
viewed online at www.regulations.gov using the FAA Docket number. 
Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. 
It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11J, 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, 
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; 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 National Airspace System as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.

History

    The FAA published a NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2024-1707 in the 
Federal Register (89 FR 50537; June 14, 2024), proposing to amend VOR 
Federal Airways V-68, V-76, V-212, V-222, and V-558, and United States 
RNAV Route T-220 due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion 
of the Industry, TX, VORTAC NAVAID. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.

Differences From the NPRM

    Subsequent the NPRM, the FAA published a final rule for Docket No. 
FAA-2024-0485 in the Federal Register (89 FR 67853, August 22, 2024; 
corrected September 30, 2024 (89 FR 79429)), amending VOR Federal 
Airway V-76 by removing the airway segment between the San Angelo, TX, 
VORTAC and the Industry, TX, VORTAC. As amended, V-76 was changed to 
extend between the Lubbock, TX, VORTAC and the San Angelo, TX, VORTAC, 
effective October 31, 2024. As a result of that final rule, the 
proposed V-76 amendment in this airspace docket is removed.
    Additionally, the final rule for Docket No. FAA-2024-0485 (89 FR 
67853, August 22, 2024; corrected September 30, 2024 (89 FR 79429)) 
amended V-558 by removing the airway segment between the Llano, TX, 
VORTAC and the Centex, TX, VORTAC. As amended, V-558 was changed to 
extend between the Centex, TX, VORTAC and the Industry, TX, VORTAC, 
effective October 31, 2024. That amendment is included in this action.

Incorporation by Reference

    VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and United 
States Area Navigation Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 
6011 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 amends the current version of that order, FAA 
Order JO 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 
2024. FAA Order JO 7400.11J is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. These amendments will be published 
in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11J 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-68, V-212, and V-222, and RNAV Route T-220; and revoking VOR Federal 
Airway V-558. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Industry, TX, VORTAC NAVAID. 
The Air Traffic Service route actions are described below.
    V-68: Prior to this final rule, V-68 extended between the Montrose, 
CO, VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the Industry, TX, 
VORTAC. The airway segment between

[[Page 97511]]

the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC is removed. 
Additionally, the designated Federal airway floor information in the 
airway description between the Corona, NM, VORTAC and the Chisum, NM, 
VORTAC is removed also. As amended, the airway is changed to now extend 
between the Montrose VOR/DME and the San Antonio VORTAC.
    V-212: Prior to this final rule, V-212 extended between the 
Industry, TX, VORTAC and the Mc Comb, MS, VORTAC. The airway segment 
between the Industry VORTAC and the Navasota, TX, VOR/DME is removed. 
As amended, the airway is changed to now extend between the Navasota 
VOR/DME and the Mc Comb VORTAC.
    V-222: Prior to this final rule, V-222 extended between the El 
Paso, TX, VORTAC and the Humble, TX, VORTAC; and between the Lake 
Charles, LA, VORTAC and the intersection of the LaGrange, GA, VORTAC 
048[deg] and Rome, GA, VORTAC 166[deg] radials (TIROE Fix). The airway 
segment between the Stonewall, TX, VORTAC and the Humble, TX, VORTAC is 
removed. Additionally, the designated Federal airway floor information 
in the airway description between the Fort Stockton, TX, VORTAC and the 
Junction, TX, VORTAC is removed. As amended, the airway is changed to 
now extend between the El Paso VORTAC and the Stonewall VORTAC, and 
between the Lake Charles VORTAC and the TIROE Fix.
    V-558: Prior to this final rule, V-558 extended between the Centex, 
TX, VORTAC and the Industry, TX, VORTAC. The airway segment between the 
Centex VORTAC and the Industry VORTAC is removed; therefore, the airway 
is removed in its entirety.
    T-220: Prior to this final rule, T-220 extended between the 
Industry, TX, VORTAC and the Sabine Pass, TX, VOR/DME. The Industry 
VORTAC route point is replaced with the MNURE, TX, WP located 
approximately 2 nautical miles north of the Industry VORTAC and the 
route is extended westward from the MNURE WP to the MARCS, TX, Fix. As 
amended, the route is changed to now extend between the MARCS Fix and 
the Sabine Pass VORTAC. The full T-220 route description is listed in 
the regulatory text of this final rule.
    The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway descriptions in 
the regulatory text of this final rule are unchanged and stated in 
degrees True north.

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 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 
only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified 
that this rule, when promulgated, does 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 amending VOR Federal 
Airways V-68, V-212, and V-222, and United States RNAV Route T-220; and 
revoking VOR Federal Airway V-558, due to the planned decommissioning 
of the VOR portion of the Industry, TX, VORTAC 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 5-6.5i, which categorically excludes from 
further environmental impact review the establishment of new or revised 
air traffic control procedures conducted at 3,000 feet or more above 
ground level (AGL); procedures conducted below 3,000 feet AGL that do 
not cause traffic to be routinely routed over noise sensitive areas; 
modifications to currently approved procedures conducted below 3,000 
feet AGL that do not significantly increase noise over noise sensitive 
areas; and increases in minimum altitudes and landing minima. 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:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f); 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 
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-68 [Amended]

    From Montrose, CO; Cones, CO; Dove Creek, CO; Cortez, CO; 
Rattlesnake, NM; INT Rattlesnake 128[deg] and Albuquerque, NM, 
345[deg] radials; Albuquerque; INT Albuquerque 120[deg] and Corona, 
NM, 311[deg] radials; Corona; Chisum, NM; Hobbs, NM; Midland, TX; 
San Angelo, TX; Junction, TX; Center Point, TX; to San Antonio, TX.
* * * * *

V-212 [Amended]

    From Navasota, TX; INT Navasota 019[deg] and Lufkin, TX, 
250[deg] radials; Lufkin; Alexandria, LA; to Mc Comb, MS.
* * * * *

V-222 [Amended]

    From El Paso, TX; Salt Flat, TX; Fort Stockton, TX; Junction, 
TX; to Stonewall, TX. From Lake Charles, LA; Mc Comb, MS; Eaton, MS; 
Monroeville, AL; Montgomery, AL; LaGrange, GA; to INT LaGrange 
048[deg] and Rome, GA, 166[deg] radials.
* * * * *

V-558 [Removed]

* * * * *

[[Page 97512]]

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-220 MARCS, TX to Sabine Pass, TX (SBI) [Amended]
 
MARCS, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]53'52.04'' N, long. 097[deg]51'40.70'' W)
CRAYS, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]55'06.43'' N, long. 097[deg]25'59.46'' W)
MNURE, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]59'34.88'' N, long. 096[deg]33'57.84'' W)
SEALY, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 29[deg]51'15.54'' N, long. 095[deg]56'36.33'' W)
MOLLR, TX                                       WP                             (Lat. 29[deg]39'20.23'' N, long. 095[deg]16'35.83'' W)
Sabine Pass, TX (SBI)                           VOR/DME                        (Lat. 29[deg]41'12.19'' N, long. 094[deg]02'16.72'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 3, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-28750 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
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