[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65360-65361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-32570]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 97-ASO-24]
RIN 2120-AA66


Change Controlling Agency for Restricted Area R-5301, Albemarle 
Sound, NC; and Restricted Areas R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C, Harvey 
Point, NC

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action changes the designated controlling agency for 
Restricted Areas R-5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C from ``Norfolk 
Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)'' to ``Washington Air Route 
Traffic Control Center (ARTCC).'' This action is being taken due to the 
improved radar coverage at Washington ARTCC in the vicinity of these 
restricted areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 26, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules 
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Due to the addition of the Oceana long-range system, Washington 
ARTCC now has improved radar coverage in the vicinity of Restricted 
Areas R-5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C. Consequently, Washington 
ARTCC has better capabilities for performing the function of 
controlling agency for those areas.

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 changes the designated controlling 
agency for R-5301, Albemarle Sound, NC, and R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-
5302C, Harvey Point, NC, from ``FAA, Norfolk ATCT, Norfolk, VA,'' to 
``FAA, Washington ARTCC.'' There are no changes to the boundaries, 
altitudes, time of designation, or activities conducted within the 
restricted areas.
    Since this action simply changes the controlling agency for the 
existing restricted areas, and does not involve a change in the 
dimensions or operating requirements of the restricted areas, the FAA 
finds that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
unnecessary.
    Section 73.53 of part 73 was republished in FAA Order 7400.8E, 
dated November 7, 1997.
    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. 
Therefore, this regulation: (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 will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is 
certified that this rule 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 action is a minor administrative change amending the published 
designation of the controlling agency for existing Restricted Areas R-
5301, R-5302A, R-5302B, and R-5302C. There are no changes to air 
traffic control procedures or routes as a result of this action. 
Therefore, this action is not subject to environmental assessments and 
procedures under FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Policies and Procedures for 
Considering Environmental Impacts,'' and the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

    1. The authority citation for part 73 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.


Sec. 73.53  [Amended]

    2. Sec. 73.53 is amended as follows:


R-5301  Albemarle Sound, NC  [Amended]

    By removing the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, Norfolk ATCT, 
Norfolk, VA,'' and substituting the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, 
Washington ARTCC.''


R-5302A  Harvey Point, NC  [Amended]

    By removing the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, Norfolk ATCT, 
Norfolk, VA,'' and substituting the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, 
Washington ARTCC.''


R-5302B  Harvey Point, NC  [Amended]

    By removing the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, Norfolk ATCT, 
Norfolk, VA,'' and substituting the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, 
Washington ARTCC.''


R-5302C  Harvey Point, NC  [Amended]

    By removing the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, Norfolk ATCT, 
Norfolk, VA,'' and substituting the words ``Controlling agency. FAA, 
Washington ARTCC.''
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[[Page 65361]]

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 2, 1997.
Reginald C. Matthews,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 97-32570 Filed 12-11-97; 8:45 am]
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