[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 14 (Monday, January 23, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3911-3913]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-01135]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 14 / Monday, January 23, 2023 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 3911]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1028; Airspace Docket No. 22-ASO-9]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment and Revocation of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; 
Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action modifies VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal 
airways V-5, V-20, V-155, V-241, and V-321; and removes jet routes J-
37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-174, J-191, and J-209. These changes support 
the VOR Minimum Operation Network (MON) project in the eastern United 
States.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 20, 2023. 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 JO 7400.11 
and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at 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.

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 modify the route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National 
Airspace System (NAS).

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1028 in the Federal Register (87 FR 52707; August 29, 2022), 
amending five VOR Federal airways and removing seven jet routes in the 
eastern United States. Interested parties were invited to participate 
in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the 
proposal. No comments were received.
    Domestic VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and 
jet routes are published in paragraph 2004 of FAA Order JO 7400.11G, 
dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 15, 2022, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The VOR Federal airways and 
jet routes listed in this document will be subsequently published in or 
removed from FAA Order JO 7400.11.

Differences From the NPRM

    The NPRM proposed, in part, to amend V-20 by removing the airway 
segments between Tuskegee, AL, and Sugarloaf Mountain, NC. This would 
result in a gap in the airway from Montgomery, AL, to Barretts 
Mountain, NC. After further consideration, the FAA decided to retain 
the segments between Athens, GA, and Barretts Mountain, NC. The purpose 
of this change is to maintain the east-west airway structure between 
Athens and Barretts Mountain for navigation while the supporting 
navigation aids remain in operation.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11G, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 2022, and effective September 
15, 2022. FAA Order JO 7400.11G is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11G lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by modifying V-5, V-20, V-155, V-
241, and V-321; and by removing jet routes J-37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-
174, J-191, and J-209. The route changes are described below.
    V-5: V-5 extends from Pecan, GA, to Appleton, OH. This action 
removes the segments from the intersection of the Athens, GA 340[deg] 
and the Electric City, SC 274[deg] radials, to Choo, GA. As amended, V-
5 extends, in two parts, from Pecan, GA to Athens, GA; and from New 
Hope, KY, to Appleton, OH.
    V-20: V-20 extends, in two parts, from McAllen, TX, to Palacios, 
TX; and from Beaumont, TX, to Nottingham, MD. This action removes the 
segments between Montgomery, AL, and Athens, GA; and removes the 
segments between the intersection of the Richmond, VA 039[deg] and the 
Brooke, VA 132[deg] radials, and Nottingham, MD. As amended, V-20 
consists of three parts: From McAllen, TX, to Palacios, TX; From 
Beaumont, TX, to Montgomery, AL; and From Athens, GA to Richmond, VA. 
In addition the wording, ``The airspace within R-4007A and R-4007B is 
excluded'' is removed from the route description because the amended 
route no longer passes in the vicinity of the restricted areas.
    V-155: V-155 extends from Columbus, GA to Brooke, VA. The FAA is 
removing the segments from Columbus, GA to the intersection of the 
Columbus 068[deg] and the Colliers, SC, 243[deg] radials (the charted 
SINCA Fix). The SINCA, GA, Fix is redefined by replacing the Columbus 
radial with the Dublin, GA, 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) radial. This 
supports the scheduled decommissioning of the Columbus, GA (CSG), VHF 
Omnidirectional Range and

[[Page 3912]]

Tactical Air Navigational System (VORTAC). As amended, V-155 extends 
from the intersection of the Dublin, GA, 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) and 
Colliers, SC 243[deg] radials, to Brooke, VA.
    V-241: V-241 extends from Semmes, AL to the intersection of the 
Columbus, GA 010[deg] and the LaGrange, GA 048[deg] radials (the 
charted TIROE, GA, Fix). The FAA is removing the segments from 
Columbus, GA to the TIROE Fix. The intersection of the Eufaula, AL 
008[deg](T)/006[deg](M) and the LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) is 
used in place of the Columbus, GA (CSG), VORTAC. As amended, V-241 
extends from Semmes, AL, to the intersection of the Eufaula, AL 
008[deg](T)/006[deg](M) and the LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) 
radials.
    V-321: V-321 extends from Pecan, GA to Livingston, TN. The FAA is 
removing the Columbus, GA (CSG), VORTAC from the route and replacing it 
with the intersection of the Pecan, GA 327[deg](T)/329[deg](M) and the 
LaGrange, GA 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) radials. Otherwise, V-321 
continues to extend from Pecan, GA, to Livingston, TN.
    J-37: J-37 consists of three parts: from Harvey, LA; to Montgomery, 
AL; from Lynchburg, VA; to Coyle, NJ; and from Kennedy, NY; to Albany, 
NY. The FAA is removing the entire route. Area navigation (RNAV) routes 
Q-22, Q-127, and Q-479 will be published as a partial overlay and 
replacement of J-37.
    J-55: J-55 consists of two parts: from the intersection of the Flat 
Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh-Durham, NC, 224[deg] radials; to the 
intersection of the Hopewell, VA 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] 
radials; and from Sea Isle, NJ to Presque Isle, ME. This action removes 
the entire route. RNAV routes Q-167, Q-220, Q-439, and Q-445 will be 
published to replace J-55, reflecting current traffic flows in the 
area.
    J-79: J-79 extends from Charleston, SC to Bangor, ME. This action 
removes the entire route. RNAV route Q-133 will be published as a 
partial overlay and replacement of J-79.
    J-121: J-121 extends from Charleston, SC to the intersection of the 
Sea Isle, NJ 050[deg] and the Cedar Lake, NJ 091[deg] radials. This 
action removes the entire route. RNAV route Q-109 will be published as 
a partial overlay and replacement of J-121.
    J-174: J-174 extends from Charleston, SC to the intersection of the 
Marconi, MA 090[deg] and Nantucket, MA 066[deg] radials. This action 
removes the entire route. RNAV route Q-97 will be published as a 
partial overlay and replacement of J-174.
    J-191: J-191 extends from Hopewell, VA to Wilmington, NC. This 
action removes the entire route. RNAV routes Q-85 and Q-409 will be 
published to replace J-191, reflecting current traffic flows in this 
area.
    J-209: J-209 extends from Raleigh-Durham, NC to the intersection of 
the Coyle, NJ 036[deg] and the Robbinsville, NJ, 136[deg] radials. This 
action removes the entire route. The route is no longer used by air 
traffic control and no overlay is required. Other Performance Based 
Navigation structures will be implemented reflecting current traffic 
flows in this area.
    Full descriptions of the above amended routes are listed in the 
amendments to part 71 set forth below.
    FAA Order JO 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 this action of modifying VOR Federal 
airways V-5, V-20, V-155, V-241, and V-321; and removing jet routes J-
37, J-55, J-79, J-121, J-174, J-191, and J-209, in the eastern United 
States qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) 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); and paragraph 5-6.5b, which 
categorically excludes from further environmental impact review 
``Actions regarding establishment of jet routes and Federal airways 
(see 14 CFR 71.15, Designation of jet routes and VOR Federal airways). 
. .''. As such, this action 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 
no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an 
environmental assessment or environmental impact study.

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 JO 
7400.11G Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 19, 
2022, and effective September 15, 2022, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-5 [Amended]

    From Pecan, GA; Vienna, GA; Dublin, GA; to Athens, GA. From New 
Hope, KY; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; to Appleton, OH.
* * * * *

V-20 [Amended]

    From McAllen, TX, INT McAllen 038[deg] and Corpus Christi, TX, 
178[deg] radials; 10 miles 8 miles wide, 37 miles 7 miles wide (3 
miles E and 4 miles W of centerline), Corpus Christi; INT Corpus 
Christi 054[deg] and Palacios, TX, 226[deg] radials; to Palacios. 
From Beaumont, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Lafayette, LA; Reserve, LA; INT 
Reserve 084[deg] and Gulfport, MS, 247[deg] radials; Gulfport; 
Semmes, AL; INT Semmes 048[deg] and

[[Page 3913]]

Monroeville, AL, 231[deg] radials; Monroeville; to Montgomery, AL; 
From Athens, GA; Electric City, SC; Sugarloaf Mountain, NC; Barretts 
Mountain, NC; South Boston, VA; to Richmond, VA. The airspace on the 
main airway above 14,000 feet MSL from McAllen to 49 miles northeast 
and the airspace within Mexico is excluded.
* * * * *

V-155 [Amended]

    From INT Dublin, GA 309[deg](T)/314[deg](M) and Colliers, SC, 
243[deg] radials; Colliers; Chesterfield, SC; Sandhills, NC; 
Raleigh-Durham, NC; Lawrenceville, VA; INT Lawrenceville 034[deg] 
and Flat Rock, VA, 171[deg] radials; Flat Rock; to Brooke, VA. The 
airspace within R-6602A is excluded.
* * * * *

V-241 [Amended]

    From Semmes, AL, via Crestview, FL; INT Crestview 076[deg] and 
Wiregrass, AL, 232[deg] radials; Wiregrass; Eufaula, AL; to INT 
Eufaula, AL 008[deg](T)/006[deg] (M) and LaGrange, GA, 160[deg](T)/
159[deg](M) radials.
* * * * *

V-321 [Amended]

    From Pecan, GA, via INT Pecan 327[deg](T)/329[deg](M) and 
LaGrange, GA, 160[deg](T)/159[deg](M) radials; LaGrange; INT 
LaGrange 342[deg] and Gadsden, AL, 124[deg] radials; Gadsden; INT 
Gadsden 333[deg] and Rocket, AL, 149[deg] radials; Rocket, 
Shelbyville, TN; to Livingston, TN.
* * * * *

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-37 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-55 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-79 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-121 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-174 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-191 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-209 [Removed]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2023.
Brian Konie,
Acting Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2023-01135 Filed 1-20-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


