[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16582-16585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05864]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0186; Airspace Docket No. 19-ANE-5]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment and Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) 
Routes; Northeastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend low altitude RNAV route T-300, 
and establish low altitude RNAV routes T-391, T-393, and T-395 in the 
northeastern United States. The proposed changes would reduce the 
dependency of the National Airspace System (NAS) on ground-based 
navigational systems, and assist with the transition to a more 
efficient Performance Based Navigation (PBN) route structure. This 
proposal would also provide RNAV routing in support the FAA's VOR 
Minimum Operating Network (VOR MON) program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 8, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1 
(800) 647-5527 or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-
2020-0186; Airspace Docket No. 19-ANE-5 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
    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 
Policy 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: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

[[Page 16583]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean Hook, 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 would expand the availability of RNAV in the 
northeastern United States to improve the efficiency of the NAS by 
lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation aids.

Comments Invited

    Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed 
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they 
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the 
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing 
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are 
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, 
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
    Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0186; Airspace Docket No. 19-ANE-5 and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section for 
address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to FAA Docket No. FAA-2020-0186; Airspace Docket No. 19-ANE-5.'' The 
postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
    All communications received on or before the specified comment 
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed 
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of 
comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact 
with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRM's

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://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 
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal 
holidays. 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 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 
30337.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document proposes to amend 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 proposed rule. FAA Order 7400.11D 
lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service 
routes, and reporting points.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to amend low altitude RNAV route T-300, 
and establish low altitude RNAV routes T-391, T-393, and T-395, in the 
northeastern United States. The purpose of the routes is to expand the 
availability of RNAV and improve the efficiency of the NAS by reducing 
the dependency on ground-based navigation systems. The proposed T-
routes would provide RNAV capability in the northeast U.S. where 
certain VOR navigation aids are planned for decommissioning as part of 
the FAA's VOR MON program. The following is a general description of 
the proposed routes.
    T-300: T-300 is an existing route that currently extends between 
the Albany, NY (ALB) VORTAC, and the Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY) VOR/
DME. The FAA is proposing to extend T-300 north of the Albany VORTAC to 
the SSENA, NY, waypoint (WP). The SSENA, NY, WP would be located in the 
vicinity of the Massena, NY (MSS), VORTAC which is planned for 
decommissioning at a later date. The following points would be inserted 
between the Albany VORTAC and the SSENA WP: OTOLE, NY, Fix; GASSY, NY, 
Fix; OPDIE, NY, WP; UUBER, NY, WP; JONNN, NY, Fix; and the STANK, NY, 
WP. T-300 would overlie VOR Federal airway V-203 between the Albany 
VORTAC, and the GASSY, NY, Fix. From that point, T-300 would be offset 
to the east of V-203, passing through the OPDIE, NY, WP; UUBER, NY, WP; 
JONNN, NY, Fix; and STANK, NY, WP, to the SSENA, NY, WP.
    The FAA also proposes to remove the Norwich, CT (ORW), VOR/DME; the 
FALMA, RI, Fix; and the Martha's Vineyard, MA, VOR/DME from the T-300 
route description. The Norwich VOR/DME would be replaced by the YANCT, 
CT, Fix which would be inserted in the route description between the 
NELLIE, CT, Fix, and the MINNK, RI, Fix. The YANCT WP would be located 
in the vicinity of the Norwich VOR/DME which is planned for 
decommissioning at a later date. Finally, the current T-300 route 
segment that extends between the MINNK, RI, Fix, and the Martha's 
Vineyard VOR/DME would be removed from the route and that end of the 
route would be realigned to proceed from the MINNK Fix southeastward to 
the NEWBE, RI, Fix, and the DEEPO, MA, fix.
    T-391: T-391 is a proposed new route that would overlie VOR Federal 
airway V-29 between the TUMPS, NY, Fix, and the Massena, NY (MSS), 
VORTAC. T-391 would extend between the TUMPS Fix and the SSENA, NY, WP. 
The SSENA WP would be located in the vicinity of the Massena VORTAC, as 
described under T-300, above. T-391 would include following points 
between the TUMPS Fix and the SSENA WP: Syracuse, NY (SYR), VORTAC; 
PAGER, NY, Fix; BRUIN, NY, Fix; Watertown, NY (ART), VORTAC; WILRD, NY, 
Fix; and the LETUS, NY, Fix.
    T-393: T-393 is a proposed new route that would overlie VOR Federal 
airway V-151 between the GAILS, MA, Fix, and the Burlington, VT (BTV) 
VOR/DME. The following points would be included between the GAILS Fix 
and the Burlington VOR/DME: INNDY, MA, Fix; Providence, RI (PVD) VOR/
DME; FOSTY, RI, Fix; PUTNM, CT, WP; GRIPE, MA, Fix; Gardner, MA (GDM), 
VOR/DME; KEYNN, NH, WP; STRUM, NH, Fix; UNKER, NH, Fix; MCADM, NH, Fix; 
LBNON, NH, WP; ZIECH, VT,

[[Page 16584]]

Fix; DAVID, VT, Fix; Montpelier, VT (MPV), VOR/DME; CEVIB, VT, Fix; and 
the POROE, VT, Fix.
    The PUTNM, CT WP would be located in the vicinity of the Putnam, CT 
(PUT), VOR/DME which is planned for decommissioning at a later date. 
The KEYNN, NH, WP would be located in the vicinity of the Keene, NH 
(EEN), VORTAC which is planned for decommissioning at a later date. The 
LBNON, NH, WP would be located in the vicinity of the Lebanon, NH 
(LEB), VOR/DME which is planned for decommissioning at a later date.
    T-395: T-395 is a proposed new route that would overlie VOR Federal 
airway V-322 between the Concord, NH (CON), VOR/DME and the BRLIN, NH, 
WP. The BRLIN WP would be located in the vicinity of the Berlin, NH 
(BML), VOR/DME, which is planned for decommissioning at a later date. 
The following points would be included between the Concord VOR/DME and 
the BRLIN WP: YECKA, NH, Fix; GRUMP, NH, Fix; LAROE, NH, Fix; NOTTY, 
NH, Fix; WYLIE, ME, Fix; and the JOBBY, NH, Fix.
    United States Area Navigation routes are published in paragraph 
6011 of FAA Order 7400.2D, dated August 8, 2019, and effective 
September 15, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. 
The RNAV routes listed in the document would be subsequently published 
in the Order. 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 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 
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 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 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 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

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T-300 SSENA, NY to DEEPO, MA [Amended]
 
SSENA, NY                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]54'51.43'' N, long. 074[deg]43'21.31'' W)
STANK, NY                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]47'00.00'' N, long. 074[deg]07'00.00'' W)
JONNN, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]34'13.71'' N, long. 074[deg]01'38.96'' W)
UUBER, NY                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]28'00.25'' N, long. 074[deg]01'10.54'' W)
OPDIE, NY                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]16'46.05'' N, long. 074[deg]00'14.41'' W)
GASSY, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]24'53.26'' N, long. 073[deg]57'50.84'' W)
OTOLE, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]56'58.56'' N, long. 073[deg]51'05.77'' W)
Albany, NY (ALB)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 42[deg]44'50.21'' N, long. 073[deg]48'11.47'' W)
NELIE, CT                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]56'27.64'' N, long. 072[deg]41'18.88'' W)
YANTC, CT                                    WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]33'22.81'' N, long. 071[deg]59'56.95'' W)
MINNK, RI                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]21'40.67'' N, long. 071[deg]25'27.20'' W)
NEWBE, RI                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]12'24.39'' N, long. 071[deg]04'26.92'' W)
DEEPO, MA                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]06'53.96'' N, long. 070[deg]50'09.85'' W)
 
T-391 TUMPS, NY to SSENA, NY [New]
 
TUMPS, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]01'18.27'' N, long. 076[deg]10'04.09'' W)
Syracuse, NY (SYR)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]09'37.87'' N, long. 076[deg]12'16.41'' W)
PAGER, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]25'25.64'' N, long. 076[deg]09'30.34'' W)
BRUIN, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]39'59.04'' N, long. 076[deg]06'55.97'' W)
Watertown, NY (ART)                          VORTAC                         (Lat. 43[deg]57'07.67'' N, long. 076[deg]03'52.66'' W)
WILRD, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]15'43.61'' N, long. 075[deg]47'03.12'' W)
LETUS, NY                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]37'22.34'' N, long. 075[deg]27'11.44'' W)
SSENA, NY                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]54'51.43'' N, long. 074[deg]43'21.31'' W)
 
T-393 GAILS, MA to Burlington, VT (BTV) [New]
 
GAILS, MA                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]52'08.51'' N, long. 070[deg]24'07.69'' W)
INNDY, MA                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]46'19.19'' N, long. 071[deg]05'55.93'' W)
Providence, RI (PVD)                         VOR/DME                        (Lat. 41[deg]43'27.63'' N, long. 071[deg]25'46.71'' W)
FOSTY, RI                                    FIX                            (Lat. 41[deg]50'35.46'' N, long. 071[deg]38'31.34'' W)
PUTNM, CT                                    WP                             (Lat. 41[deg]57'19.65'' N, long. 071[deg]50'38.76'' W)
GRIPE, MA                                    FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]08'08.87'' N, long. 071[deg]54'32.47'' W)
Gardner, MA (GDM)                            VOR/DME                        (Lat. 42[deg]32'45.31'' N, long. 072[deg]03'29.48'' W)
KEYNN, NH                                    WP                             (Lat. 42[deg]47'39.99'' N, long. 072[deg]17'30.35'' W)
STRUM, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 42[deg]55'51.18'' N, long. 072[deg]16'48.88'' W)
UNKER, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]20'55.19'' N, long. 072[deg]14'40.50'' W)
MCADM, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]32'44.84'' N, long. 072[deg]13'39.34'' W)

[[Page 16585]]

 
LBNON, NH                                    WP                             (Lat. 43[deg]40'44.43'' N, long. 072[deg]12'58.18'' W)
ZIECH, VT                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]49'58.39'' N, long. 072[deg]18'14.50'' W)
DAVID, VT                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]54'35.43'' N, long. 072[deg]20'53.51'' W)
Montpelier, VT (MPV)                         VOR/DME                        (Lat. 44[deg]05'07.74'' N, long. 072[deg]26'57.76'' W)
CEVIB, VT                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]11'40.96'' N, long. 072[deg]42'15.29'' W)
POROE, VT                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]13'28.02'' N, long. 072[deg]46'26.54'' W)
Burlington, VT (BTV)                         VOR/DME                        (Lat. 44[deg]23'49.58'' N, long. 073[deg]10'57.48'' W)
 
T-395 Concord, NH (CON) to BRLIN, NH [New]
 
Concord, NH (CON)                            VOR/DME                        (Lat. 43[deg]13'11.23'' N, long. 071[deg]34'31.63'' W)
YECKA, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]28'08.16'' N, long. 071[deg]26'13.93'' W)
GRUMP, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]33'05.83'' N, long. 071[deg]23'27.86'' W)
LAROE, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 43[deg]44'58.72'' N, long. 071[deg]16'47.95'' W)
NOTTY, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]01'57.29'' N, long. 071[deg]07'11.43'' W)
WYLIE, ME                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]14'36.30'' N, long. 070[deg]59'57.84'' W)
JOBBY, NH                                    FIX                            (Lat. 44[deg]24'34.54'' N, long. 071[deg]04'43.11'' W)
BRLIN, NH                                    WP                             (Lat. 44[deg]38'00.82'' N, long. 071[deg]11'10.32'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 11, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-05864 Filed 3-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


