Proposed Rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT
Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
Citation: FR Doc. 2012-9673 · RIN 2120-AA66 · Docket No. FAA-2012-0286; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-22 · 14 CFR 71

Summary

This action proposes to establish two new low-altitude RNAV routes, designated T-306 and T-310, in southwestern United States. The new routes would expand the availability of RNAV within the National Airspace System (NAS) and provide substitute route segments for portions of VOR Federal airways V-16 and V-202.

Dates

Comments must be received on or before June 7, 2012.

Supplementary Information

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-2012-0286 and Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-22) 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 http://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-2012-0286 and Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-22.” The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments 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 closing date for comments. 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 http://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA's Web page at http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/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 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Western Service Center, Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, WA 98057. Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure. The Proposal The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish two new low altitude RNAV routes in southwestern United States. Route T-306 would extend between Los Angeles, CA, and El Paso, TX; and route T-310 would extend between Tucson, AZ, and Truth or Consequences, NM. The routes would expand the availability of RNAV within the NAS and provide substitute route segments for portions of VOR Federal airways V-16 and V-202 that will be affected by the scheduled decommissioning of the Cochise, NM, VORTAC in the Fall of 2012. This action would enhance en route navigation for users, increase the efficiency of the NAS and expand the use of RNAV within the NAS. RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order 7400.9V dated August 9, 2011, and effective September 15, 2011, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV routes listed in this document would be subsequently published in the Order. 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. Therefore, this proposed regulation: (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. 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 modifies the route structure as required to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. Environmental Review This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, “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 1. The authority citation for part 71 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389. § 71.1 [Amended] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.9V, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, Dated August 9, 2011, and effective September 15, 2011, is amended as follows: Paragraph 6011 United States area navigation routes T-306, Los Angeles, CA (LAX) to El Paso, TX (ELP) [New] Los Angeles, CA (LAX) VORTAC (Lat. 33°55′59″ N., long. 118°25′55″ W.) PRADO, CA INT (Lat. 33°55′23″ N., long. 117°47′02″ W.) Paradise, CA (PDZ) VORTAC (Lat. 33°55′06″ N., long. 117°31′48″ W.) SETER, CA INT (Lat. 33°54′04″ N., long. 117°06′33″ W.) BANDS, CA INT (Lat. 33°53′23″ N., long. 116°50′58″ W.) Palm Springs, CA (PSP) VORTAC (Lat. 33°52′12″ N., long. 116°25′47″ W.) Blythe, CA (BLH) VORTAC (Lat. 33°35′46″ N., long. 114°45′41″ W.) Buckeye, AZ (BXK) VORTAC (Lat. 33°27′12″ N., long. 112°49′29″ W.) PERKY, AZ INT (Lat. 33°26′45″ N., long. 112°28′23″ W.) Phoenix, AZ (PXR) VORTAC (Lat. 33°25′59″ N., long. 111°58′13″ W.) TOTEC, AZ INT (Lat. 32°49′36″ N., long. 111°38′32″ W.) Tucson, AZ (TUS) VORTAC (Lat. 32°05′43″ N., long. 110°54′53″ W.) NOCHI, AZ WP (Lat. 32°02′00″ N., long. 109°45′30″ W.) ANIMA, AZ INT (Lat. 31°54′58″ N., long. 108°30′51″ W.) DARCE, NM INT (Lat. 31°53′12″ N., long. 108°13′21″ W.) Columbus, NM (CUS) VOR/DME (Lat. 31°49′09″ N., long. 107°34′28″ W.) El Paso, TX (ELP) VORTAC (Lat. 31°48′57″ N., long. 106°16′55″ W.) T-310, Tucson, AZ (TUS) to Truth or Consequences, NM (TCS) [New] Tucson, AZ (TUS) VORTAC (Lat. 32°05′43″ N., long. 110°54′53″ W.) SULLI, AZ INT (Lat. 31°56′04″ N., long. 110°34′16″ W.) MESCA, AZ INT (Lat. 31°53′38″ N., long. 110°29′08″ W.) NOCHI, AZ (new) WP (Lat. 31°59′58″ N., long. 108°30′51″ W.) San Simon, AZ (SSO) VORTAC (Lat. 32°16′09″ N., long. 109°15′47″ W.) Silver City, NM (SVC) VORTAC (Lat. 32°38′16″ N., long. 108°09′40″ W.) Truth or Consequences, NM (TCS) VORTAC (Lat. 33°16′57″ N., long. 107°16′50″ W.) Issued in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2012. Gary A. Norek, Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group. [FR Doc. 2012-9673 Filed 4-20-12; 8:45 am]