[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 213 (Monday, November 8, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61728-61730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24174]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0974; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-15]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Amendment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes 
T-212, T-216, T-218, and T-221; Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend United States Area Navigation 
(RNAV) routes T-212, T-216, T-218, and T-221 in the eastern United 
States. The proposed route changes would add RNAV waypoints (WP) to 
replace VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) navigation aids (NAVAIDS) that 
are scheduled for decommissioning under the FAA's VOR Minimum 
Operational Network (MON) program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 23, 2021.

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: 
(800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. 
FAA-2021-0974; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-15 at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11F, 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. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is also available for inspection at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on 
the availability of FAA Order JO 7400.11F 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 would expand the availability of RNAV in the eastern 
United States and improve the efficient flow of air traffic within the 
NAS by lessening the dependency on ground-based navigation.

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-2021-0974; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-15) and be submitted in 
triplicate

[[Page 61729]]

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-2021-0974; Airspace Docket No. 21-AEA-15.'' 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. All comments submitted will be available for 
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment 
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with 
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the 
docket.

Availability of NPRMs

    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 JO 7400.11F, Airspace 
Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021, and effective 
September 15, 2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as 
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F 
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 14 CFR part 71 to amend RNAV 
routes T-212, T-216, T-218, and T-221 in the eastern United States. The 
changes would consist of adding RNAV WPs to replace navigation aids 
that are scheduled for decommissioning. The changes would not affect 
navigation along the routes.
    T-212: T-212 currently extends between the RASHE, PA, Fix and the 
Putnam, CT, (PUT) VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (DME). Due to 
planned decommissioning of the Wilkes Barre, PA, (LVZ) VORTAC, it would 
be replaced by the WILKES, PA, WP, (located 60 feet northeast of the 
Wilkes Barre VORTAC. The Putnam, CT (PUT) VOR/DME would be replaced by 
the PUTNM, CT, WP (located 1.5 feet southwest of the Putnam VOR/DME).
    T-216: T-216 currently extends between the Phillipsburg, PA, (PSB) 
VORTAC and the Nantucket, MA, (ACK) VOR/DME. Because the Williamsport, 
PA, (FQM) VOR/DME is planned for decommissioning, it would be replaced 
by the LYKOM, PA, WP, (located 60 feet southwest of the Williamsport 
VOR/DME). The currently published description of T-216 contains an 
exclusion of the airspace within restricted area R-4105. R-4105 was 
revoked by the FAA on November 17, 2014. Therefore, the exclusion will 
be removed from the route description.
    T-218: T-218 currently extends between the Stonyfork, PA, (SFK) 
VOR/DME, and the Sparta, NJ, (SAX) VORTAC. The Stonyfork VOR/DME would 
be replaced by the DLMAR, PA, WP, (located 60 feet southeast of the 
Stonyfork VOR/DME). As amended, T-218 would extend between the DELMAR 
WP and the Sparta VORTAC.
    T-221: T-221 currently extends between the MAZIE, PA, Fix and the 
Binghamton, NY, (CFB) VOR/DME. This action would replace the Allentown, 
PA, (FJC) VOR/DME with the EESTN, PA, WP (located 60 feet northeast of 
the Allentown VOR/DME).
    United States RNAV T-routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA 
Order JO 7400.11F, dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 15, 
2021, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV 
routes listed in this document would be subsequently published in FAA 
Order JO 7400.11.
    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 14 CFR 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 JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

[[Page 61730]]



 
 
 
T-212 RASHE, PA to PUTNM, CT [Amended]
 
RASHE, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 40[deg]40'36.04'' N, long. 077[deg]38'38.94'' W)
SELINSGROVE, PA (SEG)                   VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 40[deg]47'27.09'' N, long. 076[deg]53'02.55'' W)
DIANO, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]00'01.99'' N, long. 076[deg]13'33.78'' W)
WLKES, PA                               WP                                                       (Lat. 41[deg]16'22.57'' N, long. 075[deg]41'21.60'' W)
LAAYK, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'57.31'' W)
WEETS, NY                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]51'26.98'' N, long. 074[deg]11'51.51'' W)
NELIE, CT                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]56'27.64'' N, long. 072[deg]41'18.88'' W)
PUTNM, CT                               WP                                                       (Lat. 41[deg]57'19.65'' N, long. 071[deg]50'38.76'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-216 PHILIPSBURG, PA (PSB) to NANTUCKET, MA (ACK) [Amended]
 
PHILIPSBURG, PA (PSB)                   VORTAC                                                   (Lat. 40[deg]54'58.53'' N, long. 077[deg]59'33.78'' W)
LYKOM, PA                               WP                                                       (Lat. 41[deg]20'18.75'' N, long. 076[deg]46'30.30'' W)
ELEXY, PA                               WP                                                       (Lat. 41[deg]25'53.71'' N, long. 076[deg]07'35.20'' W)
LAAYK, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'57.31'' W)
HELON, NY                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]40'02.72'' N, long. 074[deg]16'49.52'' W)
KINGSTON, NY (IGN)                      VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 41[deg]39'55.62'' N, long. 073[deg]49'20.01'' W)
MOONI, CT                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]37'53.28'' N, long. 073[deg]19'19.43'' W)
HARTFORD, CT (HFD)                      VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 41[deg]38'27.98'' N, long. 072[deg]32'50.70'' W)
GROTON, CT (GON)                        VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 41[deg]19'49.45'' N, long. 072[deg]03'07.14'' W)
SANDY POINT, RI (SEY)                   VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 41[deg]10'02.77'' N, long. 071[deg]34'33.91'' W)
NANTUCKET, MA (ACK)                     VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 41[deg]16'54.79'' N, long. 070[deg]01'36.16'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-218 DLMAR, PA to SPARTA, NJ [Amended]
 
DLMAR, PA                               WP                                                       (Lat. 41[deg]41'42.56'' N, long. 077[deg]25'11.02'' W)
LAAYK, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'57.31'' W)
SPARTA, NJ (SAX)                        VORTAC                                                   (Lat. 41[deg]04'03.15'' N, long. 074[deg]32'17.91'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
T-221 MAZIE, PA to BINGHAMTON, NY [Amended]
MAZIE, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 40[deg]19'19.55'' N, long. 075[deg]06'35.28'' W)
EESTN, PA                               WP                                                       (Lat. 40[deg]43'36.50'' N, long. 075[deg]27'16.55'' W)
LAAYK, PA                               FIX                                                      (Lat. 41[deg]28'32.64'' N, long. 075[deg]28'57.31'' W)
BINGHAMTON, NY (CFB)                    VOR/DME                                                  (Lat. 42[deg]09'26.96'' N, long. 076[deg]08'11.30'' W)
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
 


    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 29, 2021.
Michael R. Beckles,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-24174 Filed 11-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


