[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 240 (Monday, December 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80598-80601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27339]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0660; Airspace Docket No. 18-AWP-13]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment and Establishment of Multiple Air Traffic Service 
Routes; Western United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action modifies two high altitude United States Area 
Navigation (RNAV) Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes (Q-13 and Q-15), 
establishes one high altitude RNAV ATS route (Q-174), and establishes 
five low altitude RNAV ATS routes (T-338, T-357, T-359, T-361, and T-
363) in the western United States. These Q and T routes facilitate the 
movement of aircraft to, from, and through the Las Vegas terminal area. 
Additionally, the routes promote operational efficiencies for users and 
provide connectivity to RNAV enroute procedures while enhancing 
capacity for adjacent airports.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, February 25, 2021. 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 7400.11E, 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 7400.11E at NARA, email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McMullin, 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

[[Page 80599]]

safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation 
is within the scope of that authority as it supports modifying, 
removing, and establishing the air traffic service route structure in 
the western United States to maintain the efficient flow of air 
traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register for Docket No. FAA-2019-0660 (84 FR 50800; September 26, 
2019), to amend two high altitude RNAV ATS routes (Q-13 and Q-15), 
establish one high altitude RNAV ATS route (Q-174), and establish five 
low altitude RNAV ATS routes (T-338, T-357, T-359, T-361, and T-363) in 
the western United States. Interested parties were invited to 
participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on 
the proposal. No comments were received.
    United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 
2006 and 6011, of FAA Order 7400.11E dated July 21, 2020, and effective 
September 15, 2020, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. 
The RNAV 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 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 
2020. FAA Order 7400.11E is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11E lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by amending high altitude RNAV ATS routes Q-13 and Q-15; 
establishing high altitude RNAV ATS route Q-174, and establishing low 
altitude RNAV ATS routes T-338, T-357, T-359, T-361, and T-363. The 
route changes are outlined below.
    Q-13: Q-13 is amended to begin at the El Paso, TX, VORTAC (ELP) and 
end at the PAWLI, OR, waypoint (WP). Moving Q-13 to the west and 
beginning the route at the El Paso, TX, VORTAC (ELP) segregates 
overflight traffic on Q-13 from McCarran International Airport (KLAS) 
arrival and departure traffic on the new KLAS COKTL Standard Terminal 
Arrival Route (STAR) and KLAS JOHKR Standard Instrument Departure 
(SID). By segregating the Q-route from inbound and outbound traffic, 
KLAS departures can be assigned requested altitudes sooner. This also 
allows Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) to deliver KLAS 
arrival traffic to Los Angeles ARTCC at higher altitudes than current 
state, and provides the opportunity for optimized profile descents.
    Q-15: Q-15 is amended to add the SOTOO, NV, WP; the HOUZZ, NV, WP; 
FUULL, NV, WP; and the SKANN, NV, WP between the DOVEE, NV, WP and the 
LOMIA, NV, WP. The purpose of this routing is to segregate overflight 
traffic on Q-15 from Las Vegas McCarran (KLAS) arrival and departure 
traffic.
    Q-174: Q-174 is established between the NTELL, CA, WP to the FLCHR, 
NV, WP. Q-174 provides connectivity from the California Bay Area 
airports to Las Vegas McCarran and North Las Vegas airports. This route 
also provides an efficient path to navigate around active special use 
airspace and facilitate arrival sequencing to Las Vegas McCarran and 
satellite airports.
    T-338: T-338 is established between the DSIRE, NV, WP to the BOEGY, 
AZ, WP. T-338 provides a lateral path for arrivals and departures to 
the North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT), Boulder City Municipal Airport 
(KBVU) and KLAS. Additionally, it serves propeller aircraft arriving at 
KVGT and KLAS from points east or that are departing from KVGT and KLAS 
to points east.
    T-357: T-357 is established between the KONNG, NV, WP to the DSIRE, 
NV, WP. T-357 provides a predictable and repeatable path for 
overflights through the Las Vegas TRACON airspace and serves as an 
arrival/departure airway for KVGT, Henderson Executive Airport (KHND), 
KBVU, and KLAS aircraft.
    T-359: T-359 is established from the DANBY, CA, WP to the DSIRE, 
NV, WP. T-359 provides a predictable and repeatable path for 
overflights through the Las Vegas TRACON airspace and serve as an 
arrival/departure airway for KVGT, KHND, KBVU, and KLAS aircraft. T-359 
reduces the current requirement for air traffic control facilities to 
issue radar vectors or itinerant routing for KVGT arrivals/departures 
or overflights.
    T-361: T-361 is established from the BOEGY, AZ, WP to the Mormon 
Mesa, NV, VORTAC (MMM). T-361 provides a predictable and repeatable 
flight path for aircraft flying through the Las Vegas TRACON airspace 
and to serve as an arrival/departure airway for KLAS, KVGT, KBVU, and 
KHND. T-361 reduces the current requirement for air traffic control 
facilities to issue radar vectors or itinerant routing for KLAS and 
KHND.
    T-363: T-363 is established from the DICSA, NV, FIX to the Mormon 
Mesa, NV, VORTAC (MMM). T-363 provides a predictable and repeatable 
path for propeller-driven arrivals and departures to and from KHND, 
KBVU, and KLAS to and from points north and northeast.
    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 the actions of amending two high RNAV 
ATS routes (Q-13 and Q-15), establishing one high RNAV ATS route (Q-
174) in the western United States qualify 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-
6.5a, 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, these actions are 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 these actions 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 warranting

[[Page 80600]]

preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
study for the amendments of RNAV ATS routes Q-13 and Q-15, or the 
establishment Q-174. Environmental impact review of these Q routes was 
separately conducted and documented in a Categorical Exclusion 
Declaration document signed on June 15, 2020. The establishment of five 
low altitude RNAV ATS routes (T-338, T-357, T-359, T-361, and T-363) in 
the western U.S. was reviewed and analyzed for potential environmental 
impacts in the FAA's Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for The Las Vegas Metroplex Project, signed 
on July 7, 2020. The EA, FONSI, and Notice of Availability can be found 
at http://www.metroplexenvironmental.com/las_metroplex/las_docs.html.

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 7400.11E, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020 and 
effective September 15, 2020, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-13 El Paso, TX (ELP) to PAWLI, OR [Amended]
 
El Paso, TX (ELP)         VORTAC                (Lat. 31[deg]48'57.28'' N, long. 106[deg]16'54.78'' W)
VERNO, AZ                 FIX                   (Lat. 34[deg]15'38.47'' N, long. 109[deg]37'37.98'' W)
NABOB, AZ                 FIX                   (Lat. 34[deg]19'40.60'' N, long. 111[deg]18'53.90'' W)
Drake, AZ (DRK)           VORTAC                (Lat. 34[deg]42'09.19'' N, long. 112[deg]28'49.23'' W)
WOTRO, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]10'07.89'' N, long. 113[deg]19'15.68'' W)
PRFUM, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]30'24.46'' N, long. 113[deg]56'34.85'' W)
HOUZZ, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]36'43.75'' N, long. 116[deg]36'37.60'' W)
FUULL, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]16'52.93'' N, long. 117[deg]10'13.96'' W)
SKANN, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]22'52.68'' N, long. 117[deg]15'54.53'' W)
LOMIA, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 39[deg]13'11.57'' N, long. 119[deg]06'22.95'' W)
RUFUS, CA                 WP                    (Lat. 41[deg]26'00.00'' N, long. 120[deg]00'00.00'' W)
PAWLI, OR                 WP                    (Lat. 43[deg]10'48.00'' N, long. 120[deg]55'50.00'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-15 DOVEE, NV to LOMIA, NV [Amended]
CHILY, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 34[deg]42'48.61'' N, long. 112[deg]45'42.27'' W)
DOVEE, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]26'51.07'' N, long. 114[deg]48'00.94'' W)
SOTOO, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]17'22.55'' N, long. 116[deg]13'14.12'' W)
HOUZZ, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]36'43.75'' N, long. 116[deg]36'37.60'' W)
FUULL, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]16'52.93'' N, long. 117[deg]10'13.96'' W)
SKANN, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]22'52.68'' N, long. 117[deg]15'54.53'' W)
LOMIA, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 39[deg]13'11.57'' N, long. 119[deg]06'22.95'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Q-174 NTELL, CA to FLCHR, NV [New]
 
NTELL, CA                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]53'58.99'' N, long. 119[deg]53'22.21'' W)
CABAB, CA                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]16'36.00'' N, long. 118[deg]43'12.00'' W)
TTMSN, CA                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]21'11.49'' N, long. 117[deg]40'54.51'' W)
SKANN, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]22'52.68'' N, long. 117[deg]15'54.53'' W)
FLCHR, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 37[deg]06'02.27'' N, long. 116[deg]52'31.36'' W)
 

* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-338 DSIRE, NV to BOEGY, AZ [New]
 
DSIRE, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]13'40.62'' N, long. 115[deg]14'26.15'' W)
LNDIN, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]13'03.54'' N, long. 114[deg]50'39.84'' W)
WYLND, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]09'26.64'' N, long. 114[deg]24'58.20'' W)
BOEGY, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]05'21.17'' N, long. 114[deg]03'33.41'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
T-357 KONNG, NV to DSIRE, NV [New]
 
KONNG, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]27'39.39'' N, long. 114[deg]57'02.15'' W)
DICSA, NV                 FIX                   (Lat. 35[deg]52'05.33'' N, long. 115[deg]02'15.10'' W)
WANDR, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]05'33.54'' N, long. 115[deg]06'40.87'' W)
DSIRE, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]13'40.62'' N, long. 115[deg]14'26.15'' W)
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
T-359 DANBY, CA to DSIRE, NV [New]
 
DANBY, CA                 FIX                   (Lat. 35[deg]18'41.17'' N, long. 115[deg]47'09.11'' W)
DICSA, NV                 FIX                   (Lat. 35[deg]52'05.33'' N, long. 115[deg]02'15.10'' W)
RAATT, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]04'42.74'' N, long. 115[deg]13'04.33'' W)
DSIRE, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]13'40.62'' N, long. 115[deg]14'26.15'' W)
 

[[Page 80601]]

 
                                                  * * * * * * *
T-361 BOEGY, AZ to MORMON MESA, NV [New]
 
BOEGY, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]05'21.17'' N, long. 114[deg]03'33.41'' W)
PUTTT, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]50'09.62'' N, long. 114[deg]40'35.63'' W)
DICSA, NV                 FIX                   (Lat. 35[deg]52'05.33'' N, long. 115[deg]02'15.10'' W)
WANDR, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]05'33.54'' N, long. 115[deg]06'40.87'' W)
LNDIN, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]13'03.54'' N, long. 114[deg]50'39.84'' W)
SHIEK, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]24'00.96'' N, long. 114[deg]27'01.91'' W)
Mormon Mesa, NV, (MMM)    VORTAC                (Lat. 36[deg]46'09.31'' N, long. 114[deg]16'38.83'' W)
 
T-363 DICSA, NV, to Mormon Mesa, NV (MMM) [New]
DICSA, NV                 FIX                   (Lat. 35[deg]52'05.33'' N, long. 115[deg]02'15.10'' W)
PUTTT, AZ                 WP                    (Lat. 35[deg]50'09.62'' N, long. 114[deg]40'35.63'' W)
SHIEK, NV                 WP                    (Lat. 36[deg]24'00.96'' N, long. 114[deg]27'01.91'' W)
MORMON MESA, NV (MMM)     VORTAC                (Lat. 36[deg]46'09.31'' N, long. 114[deg]16'38.83'' W)
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 7, 2020.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-27339 Filed 12-11-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


