Establishment of United States Area Navigation Route Q-161 and Amendment of United States Area Navigation Routes Q-97, Q-133, Q-437, Q-439, Q-445, and Q-481; Eastern United States, 103717-103719 [2024-30282]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 103717-103719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30282]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2352; Airspace Docket No. 24-AEA-4]
RIN 2120-AA66


Establishment of United States Area Navigation Route Q-161 and 
Amendment of United States Area Navigation Routes Q-97, Q-133, Q-437, 
Q-439, Q-445, and Q-481; Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action adds the proposed amendment of United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-409 that was inadvertently omitted from the 
NPRM for Docket No. FAA-2024-2352. Additionally, this action corrects 
the OYVAY waypoint (WP) state location to Delaware in RNAV Route Q-437. 
This action supports the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC 
ACR) Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of the National 
Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 21, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2352 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-AEA-4 using any of the following methods:
    * 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 7400.11J, 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, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Vidis, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Policy Directorate, 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 amends the route structure to maintain the efficient 
flow of air traffic within the 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 
Operations 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 Eastern Service Center, 
Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701

[[Page 103718]]

Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337.

Incorporation by Reference

    United States Area Navigation Routes (Q-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 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective 
September 15, 2024. 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 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, 
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

Background

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2024-2352 in the Federal Register (89 FR 85455; October 28, 2024) 
to establish United States RNAV Route Q-161 and amend RNAV Routes Q-97, 
Q-133, Q-437, Q-439, Q-445, and Q-481 in the eastern United States. 
Subsequent to the NPRM's publication, the FAA identified that that the 
OYVAY WP was inadvertently listed as ``OA'', which when listed in place 
of a two-letter state abbreviation, the ``OA'' means ``Offshore 
Atlantic''. However, the OYVAY WP is listed in the National Airspace 
System Resource (NASR) database as being in the state of Delaware.
    Additionally, the FAA identified that in the proposed amendment to 
RNAV Route Q-437, the OYVAY, DE, WP would be moved 1.26 nautical miles 
south of its currently published position. The minor adjustment of the 
position of the OYVAY WP would require an amendment to RNAV Route Q-409 
that also contains this route point. This SNPRM adds the amendment of 
Q-409 and the correction to the state designation of the OYVAY WP to 
Docket No. FAA-2024-2352.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to amend RNAV 
Route Q-409 and Q-439 in the eastern United States. This action 
supports the NEC ACR Optimization Project to improve the efficiency of 
the NAS. The proposed route change is described below.
    Q-409: Q-409 currently extends between the ENEME, GA, WP and the 
WHITE, NJ, Fix. The FAA is changing the geographic coordinates of the 
OYVAY, DE, WP from ``lat. 39[deg]02'18.85'' N, long. 075[deg]26'18.04'' 
W'' to ``lat. 39[deg]01'03.58'' N, long. 075[deg]26'28.07'' W'' in June 
2025. The FAA proposes to modify the geographic coordinates of the 
OYVAY WP in the route description of RNAV Route Q-409. Additionally, 
the FAA proposes to remove the SESUE, SC, WP and the CRPLR, VA, WP from 
the route description as they are a turn of less than one degree. 
Lastly, the FAA identified that the geographic coordinates listed in 
the route description for the VILLS, NJ, WP are incorrect. The FAA 
proposes to update the geographic coordinates for the VILLS WP in to 
match the geographic coordinates listed in the NASR database. The VILLS 
WP geographic coordinates would be changed from ``lat. 
39[deg]18'03.87'' N, long. 075[deg]06'37.89'' W'' to ``lat. 
39[deg]18'03.87'' N, long. 075[deg]06'37.90'' W''. As amended, the 
route would continue to extend between the ENEME WP and the WHITE Fix.
    Q-437: The FAA corrects the state designation of the OYVAY WP in 
the route description of RNAV Route Q-437 to match the NASR database. 
The OYVAY WP is changed from ``OYVAY, OA, WP'' to ``OYVAY, DE, WP''.

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

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 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-409 ENEME, GA to WHITE, NJ [Amended]
 
ENEME, GA                     WP                  (Lat. 30[deg]42'12.09'' N, long. 082[deg]26'09.31'' W)
PUPYY, GA                     WP                  (Lat. 31[deg]24'35.58'' N, long. 081[deg]49'06.19'' W)
ISUZO, GA                     WP                  (Lat. 31[deg]57'47.85'' N, long. 081[deg]14'14.79'' W)
KONEY, SC                     WP                  (Lat. 32[deg]17'01.62'' N, long. 081[deg]01'23.79'' W)
OKNEE, SC                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]15'39.92'' N, long. 079[deg]10'40.68'' W)
MRPIT, NC                     WP                  (Lat. 34[deg]26'05.09'' N, long. 079[deg]01'45.10'' W)
GUILD, NC                     WP                  (Lat. 36[deg]18'49.56'' N, long. 077[deg]14'59.96'' W)
TRPOD, MD                     WP                  (Lat. 38[deg]20'20.33'' N, long. 075[deg]32'01.85'' W)
OYVAY, DE                     WP                  (Lat. 39[deg]01'03.58'' N, long. 075[deg]26'28.07'' W)
VILLS, NJ                     WP                  (Lat. 39[deg]18'03.87'' N, long. 075[deg]06'37.90'' W)
Coyle, NJ (CYN)               VORTAC              (Lat. 39[deg]49'02.42'' N, long. 074[deg]25'53.85'' W)
WHITE, NJ                     FIX                 (Lat. 40[deg]00'24.32'' N, long. 074[deg]15'04.61'' W)
 


[[Page 103719]]

* * * * *

Q-437 CRPLR, VA to PONCT, NY [Amended]
 
CRPLR, VA                     WP                  (Lat. 37[deg]36'24.01'' N, long. 076[deg]09'57.67'' W)
TRPOD, MD                     WP                  (Lat. 38[deg]20'20.33'' N, long. 075[deg]32'01.85'' W)
OYVAY, DE                     WP                  (Lat. 39[deg]01'03.58'' N, long. 075[deg]26'28.07'' W)
VILLS, NJ                     WP                  (Lat. 39[deg]18'03.87'' N, long. 075[deg]06'37.90'' W)
SIZZR, NJ                     WP                  (Lat. 39[deg]33'57.22'' N, long. 074[deg]53'58.83'' W)
METRO, NJ                     WP                  (Lat. 40[deg]25'21.77'' N, long. 074[deg]40'10.30'' W)
CLAUS, NJ                     WP                  (Lat. 40[deg]48'50.07'' N, long. 074[deg]10'08.96'' W)
GANDE, NY                     WP                  (Lat. 41[deg]30'36.66'' N, long. 073[deg]48'52.03'' W)
PONCT, NY                     WP                  (Lat. 42[deg]44'48.83'' N, long. 073[deg]48'48.07'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 16, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-30282 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
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