[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40967-40968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-17766]



[[Page 40967]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0728; Airspace Docket No. 18-ASO-2]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Multiple Restricted Area Boundary Descriptions; 
Florida

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This action makes minor adjustments to the boundary 
descriptions of restricted areas R-2905A and R-2905B, Tyndall AFB, FL; 
R-2914B, and R-2919B, Valparaiso, FL; R-2915A and R-2915C, Eglin AFB, 
FL. The changes are needed because the FAA has adopted updated digital 
data that more precisely define maritime limits and other geophysical 
features used in the boundary descriptions. This requires minor changes 
to certain latitude/longitude points in the boundary descriptions of 
the above restricted areas in order to match the updated data and 
ensure accurate boundary depiction on aeronautical charts.

DATES: Effective date: 0901 UTC, November 8, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace Policy Group, 
AJV-11, Office of Airspace Services, 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 updating certain boundary coordinates for restricted 
areas Tyndall AFB, FL, Valparaiso, FL, and, Eglin AFB, FL.

Background

    Some restricted area boundary descriptions use maritime limits, 
such as references to the shoreline of the U.S., to identify the shape 
of the area (e.g., ``3 nautical miles from and parallel to the 
shoreline''). These boundary descriptions contain latitude/longitude 
coordinates that were intended to intersect a line running 3 NM from, 
and parallel to, the shoreline. In other cases, boundaries are defined 
with reference to geophysical features such as a railroad track or 
highway.
    For a variety of reasons, maritime limits change over time. The FAA 
has received updated digital data for maritime limits from the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Digital data are more 
precise than measurements used in the past. The FAA, through the 
implementation of its data-driven charting process, was able to utilize 
this new data to accurately update the U.S. maritime limit boundaries 
used for aeronautical charting. Prior to the update, the maritime limit 
boundary data used for charting were over 25 years old. In applying the 
updated data, FAA found that some restricted area boundary descriptions 
that were based on the maritime limits, did not correspond to the 
updated shoreline data. Consequently, there are minor mismatches 
between some restricted area latitude/longitude coordinates and the 
actual shoreline position. Similarly, more accurate digital data is 
available for railroads and highways and the FAA is applying that 
information as well.
    This rulemaking action updates the affected boundary coordinates of 
restricted areas R-2905A, R-2905B, R-2914B, R-2915C, and R-2919B, in 
Florida to ensure that the published boundaries match the actual 
relation to the U.S. shoreline, and maintain aeronautical chart 
accuracy. R-2915A is amended to reflect digital positional data for the 
L and N Railroad and the Navarre-Milton Highway, which form part of 
that restricted area's boundary.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 by making minor updates to certain latitude/longitude 
coordinates in the descriptions of restricted areas R-2905A, R-2905B, 
R-2914B, R-2915A, R-2915C, and R-2919B, in Florida. The changes are 
needed because the FAA has adopted the use of digital data for 
aeronautical charting. This more precise digital plotting of points 
revealed minor mismatches between some current restricted area boundary 
coordinates and the updated digital data for those points. The specific 
restricted area boundary updates are shown below:
    R-2905A: The point ``lat. 29[deg]56'01'' N, long. 85[deg]33'00'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 29[deg]56'06'' N, long. 85[deg]32'57'' W.'' 
The point ``lat. 29[deg]59'01'' N, long. 85[deg]36'30'' W'' is amended 
to ``lat. 29[deg]59'05'' N, long. 85[deg]36'24'' W.'' These changes 
reflect updated digital shoreline data.
    R-2905B: The point ``lat. 29[deg]54'01'' N, long. 85[deg]27'00'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 29[deg]54'09'' N, long. 85[deg]27'00'' W.'' 
The point ``lat. 29[deg]56'01'' N, long. 85[deg]33'00'' W'' is amended 
to ``lat. 29[deg]56'06'' N, long. 85[deg]32'57'' W.'' These changes 
reflect updated digital shoreline data.
    R-2914B: The point ``lat. 30[deg]11'01'' N, long. 85[deg]56'00'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 30[deg]11'08'' N, long. 85[deg]56'00''W.'' The 
point ``lat. 30[deg]15'01'' N, long. 86[deg]06'15'' W'' is amended to 
``lat. 30[deg]15'18'' N, long. 86[deg]06'19'' W.'' These changes 
reflect updated digital shoreline data.
    R-2915A: The point ``lat. 30[deg]33'41'' N, long. 86[deg]55'00'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 30[deg]33'30'' N, long. 86[deg]55'00'' W.'' 
The point ``lat. 30[deg]38'46'' N, long. 86[deg]55'00'' W'' is amended 
to ``lat. 30[deg]38'52'' N, long. 86[deg]55'00'' W.'' The point ``lat. 
32[deg]42'46'' N, long. 86[deg]45'45'' W'' is amended to ``lat. 
30[deg]42'46'' N, long. 86[deg]45'23'' W.'' The point ``lat. 
30[deg]26'31'' N, long. 86[deg]52'20'' W'' is amended to ``lat. 
30[deg]26'31'' N, long. 86[deg]52'00'' W.'' These amended points are 
based on digital data for the L and N Railroad and the Navarre-Milton 
Highway.
    R-2915C: The point ``lat. 30[deg]20'51'' N, long. 86[deg]38'50'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 30[deg]20'47'' N, long. 86[deg]38'51'' W.'' 
The point ``lat. 30[deg]19'31'' N, long. 86[deg]51'30'' W'' is amended 
to ``lat. 30[deg]19'45'' N, long. 86[deg]51'30'' W.'' These changes 
reflect updated digital shoreline data.
    R-2919B: The point ``lat. 30[deg]15'01'' N, long. 86[deg]06'15'' 
W'' is amended to ``lat. 30[deg]15'18'' N, long. 86[deg]06'19'' W.'' 
The point ``lat. 30[deg]19'46'' N, long. 86[deg]23'45'' W'' is amended 
to ``lat. 30[deg]19'41'' N, long. 86[deg]23'46'' W.'' These changes 
reflect updated digital shoreline data.
    These minor editorial changes update existing restricted area 
boundaries with more precise digital information. It does not affect 
the location, designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the 
restricted areas; therefore, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 
553(b) are unnecessary.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this action 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

[[Page 40968]]

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 of making minor adjustments 
to the boundary descriptions of restricted areas R-2905A and R-2905B, 
Tyndall AFB, FL; R-2914B, Valparaiso, FL; R-2915A and R-2915C, Eglin 
AFB, FL; and R-2919B, Valparaiso, FL qualifies for 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 5-6.5.d, Modification of the technical description of special 
use airspace (SUA) that does not alter the dimension, altitudes, or 
times of designation of the airspace. This airspace action makes minor 
updates to certain boundary coordinates of restricted areas R-2905A and 
R-2905B, Tyndall AFB, FL; R-2914B, Valparaiso, FL; R-2915C, Eglin AFB, 
FL; and R-2919B, Valparaiso, FL, to match the more precise digital 
shoreline data received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration (NOAA). This ensures that the affected boundaries 
continue to match the NOAA-defined position of the U.S. shoreline, and 
more accurate digital data for geophysical references. It does not 
alter the location, altitudes, or activities conducted within the 
airspace; therefore, it is not expected to cause 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 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
1. The authority citation for part 73 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.  73.29  [Amended]

0
2. Section 73.29 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2905A Tyndall AFB, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]01'31'' N, long. 
85[deg]32'30'' W; to lat. 30[deg]01'16'' N, long. 85[deg]30'00'' W; 
to lat. 29[deg]56'06'' N, long. 85[deg]32'57'' W; thence 3 nautical 
miles from and parallel to the shoreline to lat. 29[deg]59'05'' N, 
long. 85[deg]36'24'' W; to the point of beginning.

R-2905B Tyndall AFB, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]01'16'' N, long. 
85[deg]30'00'' W; to lat. 30[deg]01'01'' N, long. 85[deg]27'00'' W; 
to lat. 29[deg]54'09'' N, long. 85[deg]27'00'' W; thence 3 nautical 
miles from and parallel to the shoreline to lat. 29[deg]56'06'' N, 
long. 85[deg]32'57'' W; to the point of beginning.

R-2914B Valparaiso, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]22'01'' N, long. 
86[deg]08'00'' W; to lat. 30[deg]19'16'' N, long. 85[deg]56'00'' W; 
to lat. 30[deg]11'08'' N, long. 85[deg]56'00'' W; thence 3 nautical 
miles from and parallel to the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]15'18'' N, 
long. 86[deg]06'19'' W; to the point of beginning.

R-2915A Eglin AFB, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]33'30'' N, long. 
86[deg]55'00'' W; to lat. 30[deg]38'52'' N, long. 86[deg]55'00'' W; 
thence along the L and N Railroad to lat. 30[deg]42'46'' N, long. 
86[deg]45'23'' W; to lat. 30[deg]42'51'' N, long. 86[deg]38'02'' W; 
to lat. 30[deg]29'02'' N, long. 86[deg]38'02'' W; to lat. 
30[deg]26'31'' N, long. 86[deg]51'30'' W; to lat. 30[deg]26'31'' N, 
long. 86[deg]52'00'' W; thence along the Navarre-Milton Highway to 
the point of beginning.

R-2915C Eglin AFB, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]22'47'' N, long. 
86[deg]51'30'' W; thence along the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]23'46'' 
N, long. 86[deg]38'15'' W; to lat. 30[deg]20'47'' N, long. 
86[deg]38'51'' W; thence 3 nautical miles from and parallel to the 
shoreline to lat. 30[deg]19'45'' N, long. 86[deg]51'30'' W; to the 
point of beginning.

R-2919B Valparaiso, FL [Amended]

    By removing the current boundaries and adding in its place the 
following:
    Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30[deg]25'01'' N, long. 
86[deg]22'26'' W; to lat. 30[deg]22'01'' N, long. 86[deg]08'00'' W; 
to lat. 30[deg]15'18'' N, long. 86[deg]06'19'' W; thence 3 NM from 
and parallel to the shoreline to lat. 30[deg]19'41'' N, long. 
86[deg]23'46'' W; to the point of beginning.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2018.
Rodger A. Dean, Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2018-17766 Filed 8-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


