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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63153-63155]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26499]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3680; Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15]
RIN 2120-AA66

Proposed Establishment of and Modification to Restricted Areas; 
Fort Sill, OK

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish 2 new restricted areas (R-
5601G and R-5601H) to expand the special use airspace (SUA) complex 
located at Fort Sill, OK, to provide additional maneuvering airspace 
for current and planned training activities determined to be hazardous 
to non-participating aircraft. Specifically, the proposed restricted 
areas would provide participating fighter or bomber aircraft with 
laser-firing and maneuvering airspace when training at the Falcon 
Bombing Range contained in R-5601C, at the West Range Target Area 
contained in R-5601B, or at the East Range Target Area contained in R-
5601A. In addition, the using agency for all Fort Sill restricted areas 
would be updated to reflect the current organization tasked with that 
responsibility. The U.S. Army requested that the FAA take this action 
to allow realistic training on current tactics developed and refined 
during recent combat operations for employing hazardous targeting laser 
systems and weapons capabilities at longer ranges from the target area.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 3, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001; 
telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2015-
3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15, at the beginning of your 
comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to 
should be directed to: Mr. Glen Wheat, U.S. Army Garrison, Directorate 
of Public Works, IMWE-SIL-PWE, 5503 NW. Currie Road, Fort Sill, OK 
73503-9051; email: glen.wheat@us.army.mil and telephone: (580) 442-
2715.

[[Page 63154]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, Airspace Policy Group, 
Office of Airspace Services, 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 restructure the restricted airspace at Fort Sill, OK, to 
enhance safety and accommodate essential military training.

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-2015-3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15) and be submitted in 
triplicate to the Docket Management System (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-2015-3680 and Airspace Docket No. 13-ASW-15.'' 
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 NPRM's

    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 at 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 Operations Support Group, Central 
Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 2601 Meacham Blvd., 
Fort Worth, TX 76137.
    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.

Background

    Military use of the airspace at Fort Sill, OK, can be traced back 
to 1949. Today, the Fort Sill SUA complex consists of six restricted 
areas, designated R-5601A, R-5601B, R-5601C, R-5601D, R-5601E, and R-
5601F. The three ranges (Falcon Range, West Range, and East Range) 
contained within the Fort Sill SUA complex are used for a wide variety 
of military air and ground activities; including, but not limited to, 
air-to-surface weapons delivery training, laser systems, artillery, and 
joint air and ground forces exercises. Weapons events include high-, 
medium-, and low-altitude bombing runs, to include level, climbing, and 
diving deliveries. Today, real-world combat tactics for employing 
targeting lasers and weapons systems at distances farther from the 
target are driving the requirement for increased lateral dimensions of 
the Fort Sill SUA complex to support aircrew training in laser 
employment and weapons delivery tactics. Although the R-5601A, R-5601B, 
R-5601C, and R-5601F airspace areas extend to a maximum altitude of 
40,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the relatively small north to south 
dimensions of the restricted areas (approximately 9 nautical miles (NM) 
at its widest point) is not sufficient to provide the required distance 
from targets needed by aircrews employing current combat laser 
targeting or weapons deliveries tactics. Since there is no alternative 
SUA complex within 200 NM where combat lasers may be employed, aircrew 
training is significantly restricted at the Fort Sill ranges.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to establish 2 
new restricted areas (designated R-5601G and R-5601H) at Fort Sill, OK. 
This action would establish restricted area R-5601G with a ceiling to, 
but not including, 8,000 feet MSL under the Washita Military Operations 
Area (MOA), and establish restricted area R-5601H with a ceiling of 
Flight Level (FL) 400 to match the adjacent restricted areas; thus, 
expanding the lateral limits of restricted area airspace at the Fort 
Sill SUA complex. Restricted area R-5601G would abut the existing 
restricted area complex to the north, underlying the Washita MOA, and 
extend from 500 feet above ground level (AGL) to, but not including, 
8,000 feet MSL. R-5601G would extend approximately three quarters of 
the existing restricted area complex northward, between 5 NM to 11 NM, 
to provide the required expanded lateral space from the current range 
boundaries. Restricted area R-5601H would extend from the surface to 
FL400. R-5601H would fill a small airspace area surrounded by two 
continuously active restricted areas (R-5601A and R-5601B) extending 
from the surface to FL400 and a MOA extending from 8,000 feet MSL to, 
but not including, FL180. Additionally, when active, R-5601H would 
overlay the Fort Sill post and a portion of the Class D airspace 
supporting the non-joint use military airfield located at Fort Sill.
    The two new restricted areas would allow participating aircraft to 
maneuver within the current Fort Sill Approach Control Airspace and 
contain the hazardous combat laser energy (not eye-safe) within 
restricted airspace. As proposed, R-5601G would only be used for 
aircraft maneuvering and combat laser targeting employment and R-5601H 
would only be used for aircraft conducting Close Air Support (CAS) 
training. There would be no changes to

[[Page 63155]]

the existing pattern of firing, ordnance delivery runs, or weapons 
impact areas and all weapons release would continue to occur in R-
5601A, R-5601B, or R-5601C, as they are now. Additionally, no 
supersonic flight will occur.
    In addition to the proposed establishment of R-5601G and R-5601H, 
the following minor changes to the descriptions of the six existing 
Fort Sill restricted areas would be made. The using agency for R-5601A-
E would be changed from ``U.S. Army, Commanding General, Fort Sill, 
OK,'' to ``U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of 
Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.'' The using agency for R-5601F 
would be changed from ``Commanding General, United States Army Field 
Artillery Center (USAFACFS), Fort Sill, OK,'' to ``U.S. Army, 
Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), 
Fort Sill, OK.'' This change would reflect the current organizational 
responsibilities. The new using agency would also apply to the proposed 
R-5601G and R-5601H. The boundaries, designated altitudes, times of 
designation, and controlling agency information for restricted areas R-
5601A-F would not be changed by this proposal.
    The FAA does not anticipate any aeronautical impacts as a result of 
this proposed action since Fort Sill Approach Control has radar 
coverage over the proposed restricted areas and already controls the 
airspace from surface to 7,000 feet MSL. Procedures will be established 
to continue allowing non-participating aircraft access to the airspace 
even when the restricted areas are in use. Pilots seeking information 
about the activity status of R-5601G and R-5601H should contact Fort 
Sill Approach Control on the frequency listed in the ``Special Use 
Airspace'' panel of the Dallas--Ft. Worth Sectional Aeronautical Chart. 
Fort Sill Approach Control will continue to provide VFR traffic 
advisories, as they do today, to non-participating aircraft requesting 
them.

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 subjected 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 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

The Proposed Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
1. The authority citation for part 73 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.  73.56  (Amended)

0
2. Sec.  73.56 is amended as follows:

R-5601A Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601B Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601C Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601D Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601E Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601F Fort Sill, OK [Amended]

    By removing the current using agency and substituting the 
following:
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601G Fort Sill, OK [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at Lat. 34[deg]46'07'' N., long. 
98[deg]25'50'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]45'03'' N., long. 98[deg]29'46'' 
W.; thence counterclockwise via the 46 NM arc of SPS VORTAC to Lat. 
34[deg]43'46'' N., long. 98[deg]49'55'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]47'00'' 
N., long. 98[deg]51'00'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]50'30'' N., long. 
98[deg]46'02'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]57'51'' N., long. 98[deg]25'47'' 
W.; to the point of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. 500 feet AGL to, but not including, 8,000 
feet MSL.
    Time of designation. Sunrise to 2200 local time, Monday-Friday; 
other times by NOTAM.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth ARTCC.
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

R-5601H Fort Sill, OK [New]

    Boundaries. Beginning at Lat. 34[deg]38'15'' N., long. 
98[deg]20'56'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]38'30'' N., long. 98[deg]21'41'' 
W.; to Lat. 34[deg]38'50'' N., long. 98[deg]22'06'' W.; to Lat. 
34[deg]39'53'' N., long. 98[deg]22'16'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]40'47'' 
N., long. 98[deg]23'09'' W.; thence counterclockwise along an arc, 
3-mile radius centered at Lat. 34[deg]38'18'' N., long. 
98[deg]24'07'' W.; to Lat. 34[deg]40'12'' N., long. 98[deg]26'18'' 
W.; to Lat. 34[deg]38'15'' N., long. 98[deg]26'19'' W.; to the point 
of beginning.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to FL 400.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Fort Worth Center.
    Using agency. U.S. Army, Commanding General, U.S. Army Fires 
Center of Excellence (USAFCOE), Fort Sill, OK.

    Issued in Washington, DC on October 8, 2015.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2015-26499 Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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