[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 129 (Monday, July 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40089-40092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-14313]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 129 / Monday, July 6, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 40089]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0236; Airspace Docket No. 18-AEA-16]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment and Amendment of Area Navigation Routes, Northeast
Corridor Atlantic Coast Routes; Eastern United States.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action establishes seven new high altitude area
navigation (RNAV) routes (Q-routes), and modifies one existing Q-route,
in support of the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route (NEC ACR)
Project. This action improves the efficiency of the National Airspace
System (NAS) by expanding the availability of RNAV routing and reducing
the dependency on ground-based navigational systems.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, September 10, 2020. The Director of the
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under
Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual
revision of FAA, Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming
amendments.
ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://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. The Order is also available for inspection
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11D at NARA, email:
[email protected] or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, 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 supports the air traffic service route structure in the
eastern United States to maintain the efficient flow of air traffic.
History
The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No.
FAA-2020-0236 in the Federal Register (85 FR 16572; March 24, 2020) to
establish 19 new Q-routes, and amend 13 existing Q-routes, in the
northeastern United States to support the Northeast Corridor Atlantic
Coast Route project. The NPRM proposed to designate the following new
routes: Q-101, Q-107, Q-111, Q-115, Q-117, Q-119, Q-127, Q-129, Q-131,
Q-133, Q-167, Q-220, Q-419, Q-430, Q-437, Q-439, Q-445, Q-450, and Q-
481. In addition, the NPRM proposed amendments to the following
existing routes: Q-22, Q-54, Q-60, Q-64, Q-85, Q-87, Q-97, Q-99, Q-109,
Q-113, Q-135, Q-409, and Q-480. 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
As the NPRM was published, the United States was undergoing the
effects of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed
to confront the pandemic impacted the ability of air traffic control
facilities to conduct the required air traffic controller training to
implement these routes, including required classroom and simulator
training. The FAA determined that training to implement all 32 routes
addressed in the NPRM could not be accomplished in the near-term.
As a result, the FAA is limiting the scope of this rule to
establishing the following seven Q-routes: Q-119, Q-127, Q-129, Q-220,
Q-430, Q-439, and Q-450; and amending the existing route: Q-480. The
descriptions of these routes are the same as proposed in the NPRM. The
remaining routes contained in the NPRM are removed from this rule and
will be addressed by separate rulemaking action at a later date.
Area navigation routes are published in paragraph 2006, of FAA
Order 7400.11D dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019,
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The area navigation
routes listed in this document will be subsequently published in the
Order.
Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference
This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15,
2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists Class A,
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and
reporting points.
The Rule
The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 by establishing seven new Q-routes, and amending one existing
Q-route, in the eastern United States to support the Northeast Corridor
Atlantic Coast Route project. The new routes are designated: Q-119, Q-
127, Q-129, Q-220, Q-430, Q-439, and Q-450. In addition, amendments are
made to the description of Q-480.
The new Q-routes are described as follows:
Q-119: Q-119 extends between the SCOOB, VA, WP, and the
Westminster, MD (EMI), VORTAC.
Q-127: Q-127 extends between the Gordonsville, VA (GVE), VORTAC,
and the Smyrna, DE (ENO), VORTAC.
[[Page 40090]]
Q-129: Q-129 extends between the GARIC, NC, WP, and the PYTON, MD,
WP.
Q-220: Q-220 extends between the RIFLE, NY, Fix, and the LARIE, MA,
WP.
Q-430: Q-430 extends between the ZANDER, OH, Fix, and the
Nantucket, MA (ACK), VOR/DME.
Q-439: Q-439 extends between the BRIGS, NJ, Fix, and the Presque
Isle, ME (PQI), VOR/DME.
Q-450: Q-450 extends between the HNNAH, NJ, Fix, and the Deer Park,
NY (DPK), VOR/DME.
The amended Q route is described as follows:
Q-480: Q-480 extends between the ZANDR, OH, Fix, and the Kennebunk,
ME, VORTAC. The route is amended by inserting the KYLOH, NH, WP and the
BEEKN, ME, WPs between the Barnes, MA (BAF), VORTAC, and the Kennebunk,
ME (ENE), VOR/DME. Otherwise, Q-480 remains as currently charted.
Full route descriptions of the proposed new and amended routes are
listed in ``The Amendment'' section of this rule.
The new and amended routes expand the availability of high altitude
RNAV routing along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. The project is
designed to increase airspace capacity and reduce complexity in high
volume areas through the use of optimized routes through congested
airspace.
FAA Order 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 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 of establishing seven high
altitude RNAV routes (Q routes), and amending one Q route qualifies for
a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act 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). As such, this action
is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental
impacts. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding
Extraordinary Circumstances, this action has been reviewed for factors
and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may
have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis, and
it is determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant
preparation of an environmental assessment.
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 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 7400.11D,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019 and
effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes
* * * * * * *
Q-119 SCOOB, VA to Westminster, MD (EMI) [New]
SCOOB, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]35'32.00'' N, long. 076[deg]37'49.00'' W)
GROKK, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]52'22.88'' N, long. 076[deg]40'49.87'' W)
RYVRR, VA WP (Lat. 38[deg]02'17.54'' N, long. 076[deg]42'36.92'' W)
SHTGN, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]14'45.29'' N, long. 076[deg]44'52.23'' W)
DUALY, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]45'53.59'' N, long. 076[deg]50'33.76'' W)
HALEX, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]53'49.13'' N, long. 076[deg]52'01.49'' W)
Westminster, MD (EMI) VORTAC (Lat. 39[deg]29'42.03'' N, long. 076[deg]58'42.86'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-127 Gordonsville, VA (GVE) to Smyrna, DE (ENO) [New]
Gordonsville, VA (GVE) VORTAC (Lat. 38[deg]00'48.96'' N, long. 078[deg]09'10.89'' W)
BUKYY, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]42'20.00'' N, long. 076[deg]44'42.63'' W)
BAILZ, MD WP (Lat. 38[deg]44'54.47'' N, long. 076[deg]38'48.17'' W)
GRACO, MD FIX (Lat. 38[deg]56'29.81'' N, long. 076[deg]11'59.22'' W)
Smyrna, DE (ENO) VORTAC (Lat. 39[deg]13'53.93'' N, long. 075[deg]30'57.49'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-129 GARIC, NC to PYTON, MD [New]
GARIC, NC WP (Lat. 33[deg]52'34.84'' N, long. 077[deg]58'53.66'' W)
YERBA, NC WP (Lat. 35[deg]19'00.83'' N, long. 077[deg]55'44.62'' W)
[[Page 40091]]
AARNN, NC WP (Lat. 36[deg]22'43.59'' N, long. 078[deg]01'04.05'' W)
THEOO, VA WP (Lat. 37[deg]35'34.68'' N, long. 078[deg]07'20.23'' W)
PYTON, MD WP (Lat. 39[deg]42'38.01'' N, long. 078[deg]18'10.19'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-220 RIFLE, NY to LARIE, MA [New]
RIFLE, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
HOFFI, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]48'03.46'' N, long. 072[deg]27'41.97'' W)
ORCHA, NY WP (Lat. 40[deg]54'55.46'' N, long. 072[deg]18'43.64'' W)
ALBOW, NY WP (Lat. 41[deg]02'04.04'' N, long. 071[deg]58'30.69'' W)
Sandy Point, RI (SEY) VOR/DME (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
SKOWL, RI WP (Lat. 41[deg]15'47.18'' N, long. 071[deg]16'44.35'' W)
JAWZZ, MA WP (Lat. 41[deg]24'08.08'' N, long. 070[deg]50'33.25'' W)
LARIE, MA WP (Lat. 41[deg]49'23.46'' N, long. 069[deg]58'41.96'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-430 ZANDER, OH to Nantucket, MA (ACK) [New]
ZANDER, OH FIX (Lat. 40[deg]00'18.75'' N, long. 081[deg]31'58.35'' W)
Bellaire, OH (AIR) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]01'01.29'' N, long. 080[deg]49'02.02'' W)
LEJOY, PA FIX (Lat. 40[deg]00'12.22'' N, long. 079[deg]24'53.61'' W)
VINSE, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]58'16.21'' N, long. 077[deg]57'21.20'' W)
BEETS, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]57'20.57'' N, long. 077[deg]26'59.55'' W)
LARRI, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]57'02.33'' N, long. 077[deg]17'54.14'' W)
SAAME, PA FIX (Lat. 40[deg]01'51.82'' N, long. 076[deg]29'02.39'' W)
BYRDD, PA FIX (Lat. 40[deg]05'31.93'' N, long. 075[deg]49'07.29'' W)
COPES, PA FIX (Lat. 40[deg]07'50.57'' N, long. 075[deg]22'36.37'' W)
Robbinsville, NJ (RBV) VORTAC (Lat. 40[deg]12'08.65'' N, long. 074[deg]29'42.09'' W)
MYRCA, NJ WP (Lat. 40[deg]20'42.97'' N, long. 073[deg]56'58.07'' W)
CREEL, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]26'50.51'' N, long. 073[deg]33'10.68'' W)
RIFLE, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
KYSKY, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]46'52.75'' N, long. 072[deg]12'21.45'' W)
LIBBE, NY FIX (Lat. 41[deg]00'15.86'' N, long. 071[deg]21'20.34'' W)
FLAPE, MA FIX (Lat. 41[deg]03'56.30'' N, long. 071[deg]04'10.55'' W)
DEEPO, MA FIX (Lat. 41[deg]06'53.96'' N, long. 070[deg]50'09.85'' W)
Nantucket, MA (ACK) VOR/DME (Lat. 41[deg]16'54.79'' N, long. 070[deg]01'36.16'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-439 BRIGS, NJ to Presque Isle, ME (PQI) [New]
BRIGS, NJ FIX (Lat. 39[deg]31'24.72'' N, long. 074[deg]08'19.67'' W)
DRIFT, NJ FIX (Lat. 39[deg]48'53.56'' N, long. 073[deg]40'49.53'' W)
MANTA, NJ FIX (Lat. 39[deg]54'07.01'' N, long. 073[deg]32'31.63'' W)
PLUME, NJ FIX (Lat. 40[deg]07'06.67'' N, long. 073[deg]17'08.03'' W)
SHERL, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]15'20.55'' N, long. 073[deg]07'18.26'' W)
DUNEE, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]19'24.38'' N, long. 073[deg]02'26.06'' W)
SARDI, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]31'26.61'' N, long. 072[deg]47'55.87'' W)
RIFLE, NY FIX (Lat. 40[deg]41'24.18'' N, long. 072[deg]34'54.89'' W)
FOXWD, CT WP (Lat. 41[deg]48'21.66'' N, long. 071[deg]48'07.03'' W)
BOGRT, MA WP (Lat. 42[deg]13'56.08'' N, long. 071[deg]31'07.37'' W)
BLENO, NH WP (Lat. 42[deg]54'55.00'' N, long. 071[deg]04'43.37'' W)
BEEKN, ME WP (Lat. 43[deg]20'51.95'' N, long. 070[deg]44'50.28'' W)
FRIAR, ME FIX (Lat. 44[deg]26'28.93'' N, long. 069[deg]53'04.38'' W)
Presque Isle, ME (PQI) VOR/DME (Lat. 46[deg]46'27.07'' N, long. 068[deg]05'40.37'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-450 HNNAH, NJ to Deer Park, NY (DPK) [New]
HNNAH, NJ FIX (Lat. 40[deg]28'12.73'' N, long. 074[deg]02'36.62'' W)
Kennedy, NY (JFK) VOR/ME (Lat. 40[deg]37'58.40'' N, long. 073[deg]46'17.00'' W)
Deer Park, NY (DPK) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]47'30.30'' N, long. 073[deg]18'13.17'' W)
* * * * * * *
Q-480 ZANDR, OH to Kennebunk, ME (ENE) [Amended]
ZANDR, OH FIX (Lat. 40[deg]00'18.75'' N, long. 081[deg]31'58.35'' W)
Bellaire, OH (AIR) VOR/DME (Lat. 40[deg]01'01.29'' N, long. 080[deg]49'02.02'' W)
LEJOY, PA FIX (Lat. 40[deg]00'12.22'' N, long. 079[deg]24'53.61'' W)
VINSE, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]58'16.21'' N, long. 077[deg]57'21.20'' W)
BEETS, PA FIX (Lat. 39[deg]57'20.57'' N, long. 077[deg]26'59.55'' W)
[[Page 40092]]
HOTEE, PA WP (Lat. 40[deg]20'36.00'' N, long. 076[deg]29'37.00'' W)
MIKYG, PA WP (Lat. 40[deg]36'06.00'' N, long. 075[deg]49'11.00'' W)
SPOTZ, PA WP (Lat. 40[deg]45'55.00'' N, long. 075[deg]22'59.00'' W)
CANDR, NJ FIX (Lat. 40[deg]58'15.55'' N, long. 074[deg]57'35.38'' W)
JEFFF, NJ FIX (Lat. 41[deg]14'46.38'' N, long. 074[deg]27'43.29'' W)
Kingston, NY (IGN) VOR/DME (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.62'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.01'' W)
LESWL, CT WP (Lat. 41[deg]53'31.00'' N, long. 073[deg]19'20.00'' W)
Barnes, MA (BAF) VORTAC (Lat. 42[deg]09'43.05'' N, long. 072[deg]42'58.32'' W)
KYLOH, NH WP (Lat. 43[deg]03'53.11'' N, long. 071[deg]13'45.49'' W)
BEEKN, ME WP (Lat. 43[deg]20'51.95'' N, long. 070[deg]44'50.28'' W)
Kennebunk, ME (ENE) VOR/DME (Lat. 43[deg]25'32.42'' N, long. 070[deg]36'48.69'' W)
* * * * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on June 26, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-14313 Filed 7-2-20; 8:45 am]
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