
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30883-30884]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12538]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0438; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-20];


 Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-130; UT

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action amends the description of RNAV route Q-130 by 
changing the name of the MRRNY waypoint to ROCCY. The FAA is taking 
this action following a pilot deviation incident wherein confusion 
resulted from the two similarly sounding waypoint names in the Q-130 
description. In addition, the FAA is making minor editorial changes to 
the route description to standardize the format.

DATES: Effective Dates: 0901 UTC, July 26, 2012. 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 7400.9 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations 
and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    A recent pilot deviation incident occurred wherein a pilot confused 
the MRRNY and similar-sounding MIRME waypoints, along RNAV route Q-130, 
during radio communications with air traffic control. To eliminate 
future misunderstandings, the FAA is changing the name ``MRRNY'' to 
``ROCCY,'' This is a name change only as the geographic position of the 
waypoint remains the same as currently published. In addition, the FAA 
is making minor editorial changes to the Q-130 description that spells 
out the names of navigation aids, and adds state names for each 
waypoint or fix that forms the route. These changes standardize the 
format of route descriptions and do not affect the alignment of Q-130.
    Because this action changes a waypoint name for safety reasons to 
avoid confusion in radio communications, notice and public procedures 
under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are impractical and contrary to the public 
interest.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by changing the name of the ``MRRNY'' waypoint in the 
description of RNAV route Q-130 to ``ROCCY.'' Additionally, this action 
makes minor editorial changes to the route description to standardize 
the format. These changes are editorial only and do not affect the 
existing alignment of Q-130.
    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. 
Therefore, this regulation: (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 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.
    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 eliminates confusion on the part of pilots flying in the vicinity 
of Q-130.
    United States area navigation routes are published in paragraph 
2006 of FAA Order 7400.9V, effective September 15, 2011, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV route listed in this 
document will be published subsequently in the Order.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 311a. This action is an editorial change to an 
existing RNAV route description that not expected to cause any 
potentially significant environmental impacts, and 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).

Adoption of 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(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 
24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

[[Page 30884]]

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9V, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 9, 2011, and 
effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2006 United States area navigation routes.

* * * * *

Q-130 Linden, CA to Panhandle, TX [Amended]

Linden, CA (LIN)
    VORTAC (Lat. 38[deg]04'29'' N., long. 121[deg]00'14'' W.)
JSICA, NV
    WP (Lat. 38[deg]31'14'' N., long. 117[deg]17'13'' W.)
REANA, NV
    WP (Lat. 38[deg]24'00'' N., long. 114[deg]20'00'' W.)
ROCCY, UT
    WP (Lat. 37[deg]49'42'' N., long. 111[deg]59'60'' W.)
Rattlesnake, NM (RSK)
    VORTAC (Lat. 36[deg]44'54'' N., long. 108[deg]05'56'' W.)
DIXAN, NM
    FIX (Lat. 36[deg]16'51'' N., long. 105[deg]57'20'' W.)
MIRME, NM
    WP (Lat. 35[deg]47'01'' N., long. 103[deg]50'32'' W.)
Panhandle, TX (PNH)
    VORTAC (Lat. 35[deg]14'06'' N., long. 101[deg]41'56'' W.)

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 16, 2012.
Ellen Crum,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations & ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2012-12538 Filed 5-23-12; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


