Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 76117 

Issued on October 26, 2023. 

Caitlin Locke, 

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness 

Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2023–24387 Filed 11–3–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2022–1314; Project 

Identifier AD–2021–00811–E; Amendment 

39–22579; AD 2023–21–07] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; General 

Electric Company Engines 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding 

Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018–03– 

13 for certain General Electric Company 

(GE) Model CT7–5A2, CT7–5A3, CT7– 

7A, CT7–7A1, CT7–9B, CT7–9B1, CT7– 

9B2, CT7–9C, and CT7–9C3 engines. AD 

2018–03–13 required initial and 

repetitive visual inspections and 

fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) 

of the main propeller shaft. This AD was 

prompted by an in-flight failure of a 

main propeller shaft on a GE Model 

CT7–9B engine, resulting in the loss of 

the propeller. This AD requires initial 

and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, 

and ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of the 

main propeller shaft. Depending on the 

results of these inspections, this AD 

requires replacement of the main 

propeller shaft. As an optional 

terminating action to these inspections, 

this AD requires revising the 

airworthiness limitations section (ALS) 

of the existing maintenance manual 

(MM) and the operator’s existing 

approved maintenance program or 

inspection program, as applicable, to 

incorporate incorporating the tasks and 

reduced inspection thresholds for the 

main propeller shaft. The FAA is 

issuing this AD to address the unsafe 

condition on these products. 

DATES: This AD is effective December 

11, 2023. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of a certain publication listed in this AD 

as of December 11, 2023. 

ADDRESSES: 

AD Docket: You may examine the AD 

docket at regulations.gov under Docket 

No. FAA–2022–1314; or in person at 

Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 

5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. The AD docket 

contains this final rule, any comments 

received, and other information. The 

address for Docket Operations is U.S. 

Department of Transportation, Docket 

Operations, M–30, West Building 

Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590. 

Material Incorporated by Reference: 

• For GE service information 

identified in this final rule, contact 

General Electric Company, 1 Neumann 

Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 

(513) 552–3272; email: 

aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; 

website: ge.com. 

• You may view this service 

information at the FAA, Airworthiness 

Products Section, Operational Safety 

Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 

Burlington, MA 01803. For information 

on the availability of this material at the 

FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also 

available at regulations.gov under 

Docket No. FAA–2022–1314. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety Engineer, 

FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 

Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238– 

7241; email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

The FAA issued a supplemental 

notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) 

to amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede 

AD 2018–03–13, Amendment 39–19186 

(83 FR 6125, February 13, 2018) (AD 

2018–03–13). AD 2018–03–13 applied 

to certain GE Model CT7–5A2, CT7– 

5A3, CT7–7A, CT7–7A1, CT7–9B, CT7– 

9B1, CT7–9B2, CT7–9C and CT7–9C3 

engines. The SNPRM published in the 

Federal Register on July 11, 2023 (88 FR 

44068). The SNPRM was prompted by a 

comment from GE Aerospace on the 

notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

GE Aerospace stated that certain engine 

models were included in incorrect 

Figures within the Required Actions 

paragraph of the NPRM, which would 

attribute inaccurate inspection 

thresholds to those engine models. 

Therefore, the FAA issued the SNPRM 

with a revision to Figures 1 and 2 to 

include the correct engine models. The 

FAA also updated the affected engine 

models listed in paragraphs (g)(1) and 

(g)(2) of the SNPRM to correspond with 

the corrected engine models referenced 

in Figures 1 and 2. 

In the SNPRM, the FAA proposed to 

require initial and repetitive visual 

inspections, FPIs, and USIs of the main 

propeller shaft. Depending on the 

results of these inspections, the SNPRM 

proposed to require replacing the main 

propeller shaft. As an optional 

terminating action to these inspections, 

the SNPRM proposed to require revising 

the ALS of the existing MM and the 

operator’s existing approved 

maintenance program or inspection 

program, as applicable, to incorporate 

the tasks and reduced inspection 

thresholds for the main propeller shaft. 

The FAA is issuing this AD to address 

the unsafe condition on these products. 

Discussion of Final Airworthiness 

Directive 

Comments 

The FAA received comments from 

one commenter, GE Aerospace. The 

following presents the comment 

received on the SNPRM and the FAA’s 

response to that comment. 

Request To Remove Typographical 

Error From SNPRM 

GE noted that there is a typological 

[typographical] error in the ‘‘Proposed 

AD Requirements in This SNPRM’’ 

paragraph of the SNPRM in which the 

words ‘‘at least’’ are repeated in 

succession. 

The FAA agrees, however, the 

‘‘Proposed AD Requirements in This 

SNPRM’’ paragraph is not included in 

this Final Rule. The FAA did not change 

this AD as a result of this comment. 

Conclusion 

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, 

considered any comments received, and 

determined that air safety requires 

adopting the AD as proposed. 

Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD 

to address the unsafe condition on these 

products. Except for minor editorial 

changes and any other changes 

described previously, this AD is 

adopted as proposed in the SNPRM. 

None of the changes will increase the 

economic burden on any operator. 

Related Service Information Under 1 

CFR Part 51 

The FAA reviewed GE Service 

Bulletin (SB) CT7–TP 72–0541 R01, 

dated November 18, 2021 (GE SB CT7– 

TP 72–0541). This service information 

specifies procedures for performing 

initial and repetitive visual inspections, 

FPIs, and USIs of the main propeller 

shaft. 

This service information is reasonably 

available because the interested parties 

have access to it through their normal 

course of business or by the means 

identified in the ADDRESSES section. 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
76118 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 

Costs of Compliance 

The FAA estimates that this AD 

affects 176 engines installed on 

airplanes of U.S. registry. 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to comply with this AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Cost on U.S. 

operators 

Visually inspect, FPI, and USI the main propeller shaft.2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ............. $0 $170 $29,920 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to perform the optional 

terminating action or to do any 

necessary replacement that would be 

required based on the results of the 

inspections. The agency has no way of 

determining the number of operators 

that will perform the optional 

terminating action or engines that might 

need this replacement: 

ON-CONDITION COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Replace the main propeller shaft ................................. 8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 ........................... $48,360 $49,040 

Revise the ALS of the MM ........................................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ............................... 0 85 

Authority for This Rulemaking 

Title 49 of the United States Code 

specifies the FAA’s authority to issue 

rules on aviation safety. 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. 

The FAA is issuing this rulemaking 

under the authority described in 

Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 

44701, General requirements. Under 

that section, Congress charges the FAA 

with promoting safe flight of civil 

aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 

regulations for practices, methods, and 

procedures the Administrator finds 

necessary for safety in air commerce. 

This regulation is within the scope of 

that authority because it addresses an 

unsafe condition that is likely to exist or 

develop on products identified in this 

rulemaking action. 

Regulatory Findings 

The FAA has determined that this AD 

will not have federalism implications 

under Executive Order 13132. This AD 

will not have a substantial direct effect 

on the States, on the relationship 

between the national government and 

the States, or on the distribution of 

power and responsibilities among the 

various levels of government. 

For the reasons discussed above, I 

certify that this AD: 

(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory 

action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation 

in Alaska, and 

(3) Will not have a significant 

economic impact, positive or negative, 

on a substantial number of small entities 

under the criteria of the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act. 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Incorporation by reference, 

Safety. 

The Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 

follows: 

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS 

DIRECTIVES 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: 

■ a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 

2018–03–13, Amendment 39–19186 (83 

FR 6125, February 13, 2018); and 

■ b. Adding the following new 

airworthiness directive: 

2023–21–07 General Electric Company: 

Amendment 39–22579; Docket No. 

FAA–2022–1314; Project Identifier AD– 

2021–00811–E. 

(a) Effective Date 

This airworthiness directive (AD) is 

effective December 11, 2023. 

(b) Affected ADs 

This AD replaces AD 2018–03–13, 

Amendment 39–19186 (83 FR 6125, February 

13, 2018). 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to General Electric 

Company (GE) Model CT7–5A2, CT7–5A3, 

CT7–7A, CT7–7A1, CT7–9B, CT7–9B1, CT7– 

9B2, CT7–9C, and CT7–9C3 engines. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 

Code 7210, Turbine Engine Reduction Gear. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by an in-flight 

failure of a main propeller shaft on a GE 

Model CT7–9B model engine, resulting in the 

loss of the propeller. The FAA is issuing this 

AD to prevent failure of the main propeller 

shaft. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 

could cause in-flight loss of the propeller, 

loss of engine thrust control, and damage to 

the airplane. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Required Actions 

(1) For affected CT7–5A2, CT7–5A3, CT7– 

9B, CT7–9B1, and CT7–9B2 model engines, 

using the compliance times specified in 

Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 

perform initial and repetitive visual 

inspections, fluorescent penetrant 

inspections (FPIs), and ultrasonic inspections 

(USIs) of the main propeller shaft. 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 76119 

(2) For affected CT7–7A, CT7–7A1, CT7– 

9C, and CT7–9C3 model engines, using the 

compliance times specified in Figure 2 to 

paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, perform initial 

and repetitive visual inspections, FPIs, and 

USIs of the main propeller shaft. 

(3) Perform the visual inspections, FPIs, 

and USIs required by paragraphs (g)(1) and 

(2) of this AD as follows: 

(i) Prior to performance of the inspections, 

clean the main propeller shaft flange using 

the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.B., of GE Service Bulletin (SB) CT7–TP 72– 

0541 R01, dated November 18, 2021 (GE SB 

CT7–TP 72–0541). 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1ER06NO23.056</GPH> ER06NO23.057</GPH>

Figure 1 to Paragraph (g)(l)- Compliance Times for CT7-5A2, CT7-5A3, CT7-9B, 

CT7-9Bl, and CT7-9B2 Model Engines 

Inspection Type Initial inspection of the Repeat inspection interval 

main propeller shaft of main propeller shaft 

Cleaning and During first propeller During every propeller 

visual inspection removal after the effective removal 

date of this AD 

FPI Before exceeding 20,000 During every propeller 

cycles since new (CSN) or removal or within 2, 100 FHs 

within 2, 100 flight hours from performance of the 

(FHs) after the effective previous FPI, whichever 

date of this AD, whichever occurs later 

occurs later 

USI Before exceeding 20,000 Before exceeding 5,000 FHs 

CSN or within 1,600 FHs from performance of the 

after the effective date of previous USI 

this AD, whichever occurs 

later 

Figure 2 to Paragraph (g)(2)-Compliance Times for CT7-7A, CT7-7Al, CT7-9C, 

and CT7-9C3 Model Engines 

Inspection Type Initial inspection of the Repeat inspection interval 

main propeller shaft of main propeller shaft 

Cleaning and During the first propeller During every propeller 

visual inspection removal after the effective removal 

date of this AD 

FPI Before exceeding 20,000 During every propeller 

CSN or within 2,400 FHs removal or within 2,400 FHs 

after the effective date of from performance of the 

this AD, whichever occurs previous FPI, whichever 

later occurs later 

USI Before exceeding 20,000 Before exceeding 4,800 FHs 

CSN or within 1,600 FHs from performance of the 

after the effective date of previous USI 

this AD, whichever occurs 

later 
76120 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 

(ii) Visually inspect the main propeller 

shaft for wear, corrosion, and cracking using 

the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.C.(1), of GE SB CT7–TP 72–0541. 

(iii) Spot-FPI the area on the main 

propeller shaft flange face using the 

Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.C.(2)(a), of GE SB CT7–TP 72–0541. 

(iv) USI the two dowel pin holes of the 

main propeller shaft using the 

Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 

3.C.(3)(a), of GE SB CT7–TP 72–0541. 

(4) If a crack or rejectable indication is 

found during the initial and repetitive visual 

inspections, FPIs, or USIs required by 

paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD, 

before further flight, remove the main 

propeller shaft from service and replace it 

with a part eligible for installation. 

(5) For all affected engines, if the main 

propeller shaft CSN is unknown, use the 

propeller gearbox (PGB) CSN. If the PGB CSN 

is unknown, assume the inspection threshold 

is exceeded. 

(h) Optional Terminating Action 

Accomplishing the actions in paragraphs 

(h)(1) through (4) of this AD, as applicable by 

engine model, constitutes terminating action 

for the inspections required by paragraphs 

(g)(1) through (3) of this AD. 

(1) For affected CT7–5A2, CT7–5A3, CT7– 

7A, and CT7–7A1 model engines, revise the 

airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the 

existing maintenance manual (MM) and the 

operator’s existing approved maintenance 

program or inspection program, as 

applicable, by incorporating the information 

in Figure 3 to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. 

(2) For affected CT7–9B, CT7–9B1, CT7– 

9B2, CT7–9C, and CT7–9C3 model engines, 

revise the ALS of the existing MM and the 

operator’s existing approved maintenance 

program or inspection program, as 

applicable, by incorporating the information 

in Figure 4 to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1ER06NO23.058</GPH>

Figure 3 to Paragraph (h)(l) - CT7-5/-7 Inspection Threshold and Interval 

Inspection / Initial Repetitive Inspection / Reference 

Maintenance Inspection Inspection Maintenance 

Threshold Interval Requirements 

( cycles since 

new(CSN)) 

*** FOR CT7-5 

Visual inspection of the At every propeller VI 72-l0-00, 

main propeller shaft removal INSPECTION -

PROPELLER 

GEARBOX 

INSPECTION 

paragraph 5.A. 

Fluorescent penetrant 20000 CSN (*) At every propeller FPI 72-l0-00. 

inspection (FPI) of the removal or 2IO0 Special 

main propeller shaft FH, whichever is Procedure 005 

greater 

Ultrasonic inspection 20000 CSN (*) 5000 FH UTI 72-l0-00. 

(UTI) of the main Special 

propeller shaft Procedure 005 

*** FOR CT7-7 

Visual inspection of the At every propeller VI 72-10-00, 

main propeller shaft removal INSPECTION -

PROPELLER 

GEARBOX 

INSPECTION 

paragraph 5.A. 

Fluorescent penetrant 20000 CSN (*) At every propeller FPI 72-l0-00. 

inspection (FPI) of the removal or 2400 Special 

main propeller shaft FH, whichever is Procedure 005 

greater 

Ultrasonic inspection 20000 CSN (*) 4800 FH UTI 72-l0-00. 

(UTI) of the main Special 

propeller shaft Procedure 005 

NOTE:(*) If the main propeller shaft accumulated time/cycle is unknown, inspection must be done based on 

the propeller gearbox (PGB) accumulated time/cycle. If the PGB accumulated time/cycle is unknown, threshold 

must be assumed exceeded. 
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 76121 

(3) Thereafter, except as provided in 

paragraph (k) of this AD, no alternative 

inspection times or intervals may be 

approved for this main propeller shaft. 

(4) The optional terminating actions in 

paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this AD may be 

performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 

holding at least a private pilot certificate and 

must be entered into the aircraft records 

showing compliance with this AD in 

accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 

91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be 

maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 

121.380, or 135.439. 

(i) Definition 

For the purpose of this AD, a ‘‘part eligible 

for installation’’ is a main propeller shaft that 

has been inspected in accordance with 

paragraphs (g)(1) or (2), and (3) of this AD, 

and there was no crack or rejectable 

indication. 

(j) Credit for Previous Actions 

You may take credit for the initial visual 

inspection, FPI, and USI required by 

paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD if you 

performed these initial inspections before the 

effective date of this AD in accordance with 

GE SB CT7–TP 72–0541 R00, dated 

September 9, 2021. 

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, AIR–520 Continued 

Operational Safety Branch, FAA, has the 

authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 

requested using the procedures found in 14 

CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 

send your request to your principal inspector 

or local Flight Standards District Office, as 

appropriate. If sending information directly 

to the manager of the AIR–520 Continued 

Operational Safety Branch, send it to the 

attention of the person identified in 

paragraph (l) of this AD and email it to: ANEAD-AMOC@faa.gov. 

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, 

notify your appropriate principal inspector, 

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 

of the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. 

(l) Additional Information 

For more information about this AD, 

contact Sungmo Cho, Aviation Safety 

Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des 

Moines, WA 98198; phone: (781) 238–7241; 

email: Sungmo.D.Cho@faa.gov. 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1ER06NO23.059</GPH>

Figure 4 to Paragraph (h)(2) - CT7-9 Inspection Threshold and Interval 

Inspection / Initial Repetitive Inspection / Reference 

Maintenance Inspection Inspection Maintenance 

Threshold Interval Requirements 

( cycles since 

new(CSN)) 

*** FOR CT7-9B 

Visual inspection of the At every propeller VI 72-10-00, 

main propeller shaft removal INSPECTION -

PROPELLER 

GEARBOX 

INSPECTION 

paragraph 5 .A. 

Fluorescent penetrant 20000 CSN (*) At every propeller FPI 72-10-00. Special 

inspection (FPI) of the removal or 2100 Procedure 005 

main propeller shaft FH, whichever is 

greater 

Ultrasonic inspection 20000 CSN (*) 5000 FH UTI 72-10-00. Special 

(UTI) of the main Procedure 005 

propeller shaft 

*** FOR CT7-9C/9C3 

Visual inspection of the At every propeller VI 72-10-00, 

main propeller shaft removal INSPECTION -

PROPELLER 

GEARBOX 

INSPECTION 

paragraph 5 .A. 

Fluorescent penetrant 20000 CSN (*) At every propeller FPI 72-10-00. Special 

inspection (FPI) of the removal or 2400 Procedure 005 

main propeller shaft FH, whichever is 

greater 

Ultrasonic inspection 20000 CSN (*) 4800 FH UTI 72-10-00. Special 

(UTI) of the main Procedure 005 

propeller shaft 

NOTE: (*) If the main propeller shaft accumulated time/cycle is unknown, inspection must be done based on 

the propeller gearbox (PGB) accumulated time/cycle. If the PGB accumulated time/cycle is unknown, threshold 

must be assumed exceeded. 
76122 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 213 / Monday, November 6, 2023 / Rules and Regulations 

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference 

(1) The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

(IBR) of the service information listed in this 

paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 

part 51. 

(2) You must use this service information 

as applicable to do the actions required by 

this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. 

(i) General Electric Company (GE) Service 

Bulletin CT7–TP 72–0541 R01, dated 

November 18, 2021. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(3) For GE service information identified in 

this AD, contact General Electric Company, 

1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; 

phone: (513) 552–3272; email: 

aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; website: 

ge.com. 

(4) You may view this service information 

at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 

Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District 

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. 

(5) You may view this material at the 

National Archives and Records 

Administration (NARA). For information on 

the availability of this material at NARA, 

visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ 

ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. 

Issued on October 20, 2023. 

Ross Landes, 

Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, 

Compliance & Airworthiness Division, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2023–24386 Filed 11–3–23; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–C 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 71 

[Docket No. FAA–2023–0916; Airspace 

Docket No. 22–AAL–85] 

RIN 2120–AA66 

Revocation of Alaskan Very High 

Frequency Omnidirectional Range 

(VOR) Federal Airway V–318; Level 

Island, AK 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: This action revokes Alaskan 

VOR Federal Airway V–318 in the 

vicinity of Level Island, AK. The FAA 

is taking this action due to the airway’s 

lack of use. 

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, January 

25, 2024. 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: A copy of the Notice of 

Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), all 

comments received, this final rule, and 

all background material may be viewed 

online at www.regulations.gov using the 

FAA Docket number. Electronic 

retrieval help and guidelines are 

available on the website. It is available 

24 hours each day, 365 days each year. 

FAA Order JO 7400.11H, Airspace 

Designations and Reporting Points, and 

subsequent amendments can be viewed 

online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/ 

publications/. You may also contact the 

Rules and Regulations Group, Office of 

Policy, Federal Aviation 

Administration, 800 Independence 

Avenue SW, Washington DC 20591; 

telephone: (202) 267–8783. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Steven Roff, 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 an NPRM for 

Docket No. FAA 2023–0916 in the 

Federal Register (88 FR 23597; April 18, 

2023), proposing to revoke Alaskan VOR 

Federal Airway V–318. Interested 

parties were invited to participate in 

this rulemaking effort by submitting 

written comments on the proposal. No 

comments were received. 

Incorporation by Reference 

Alaskan VOR Federal Airways are 

published in paragraph 6010 of FAA 

Order JO 7400.11, Airspace 

Designations and Reporting Points, 

which is incorporated by reference in 14 

CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This 

document amends the current version of 

that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11H, 

dated August 11, 2023, and effective 

September 15, 2023. These updates will 

be published in the next update to FAA 

Order JO 7400.11. That order is publicly 

available as listed in the ADDRESSES

section of this document. 

FAA Order JO 7400.11H 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 

revoking Alaskan VOR Federal Airway 

V–318 in its entirety. 

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 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 revoking Federal Airway V– 

318 and replacing it with existing route 

T–269 in the vicinity of Level Island, 

AK 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– 

6.5.k., which categorically excludes 

from further environmental review the 

publication of existing air traffic control 

procedures that do not essentially 

change existing tracks, create new 

tracks, change altitude, or change 

concentration of aircraft on these tracks. 

As such, this action is not expected to 

result in in any potentially significant 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1