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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 80157-80159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-22294]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2268; Airspace Docket No. 24-AAL-95]
RIN 2120-AA66

Revocation of Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range 
Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 and Amendment of Jet Route J-
115 in Alaska

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to revoke Alaskan Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 
and amend Jet Route J-115 in Alaska. These proposed actions are due to 
the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon 
(NDB) in Alaska.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 18, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2268 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-AAL-95 using any of the following methods:
    * Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow 
the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    * Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department 
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West 
Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    * Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in 
Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    * Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for 
accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11J, 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, 
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Roff, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; 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 airway structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National 
Airspace System.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or

[[Page 80158]]

views. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of 
the proposal. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of 
the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and 
include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain 
duplicate comments, commenters should submit only one time if comments 
are filed electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of 
written comments if comments are filed in writing.
    The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well 
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this 
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before 
the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed 
after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without 
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light 
of the comments it receives.
    Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments 
from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts 
these comments, without edit, including any personal information the 
commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system 
of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

Availability of Rulemaking Documents

    An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the 
internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking 
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at 
www.faa.gov/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 
Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and 
hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during 
normal business hours at the office of the Western Service Center, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198.

Incorporation by Reference

    Alaskan VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010 and Jet 
Routes are published in paragraph 2004 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 proposes to 
amend the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, dated 
July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024. These updates would 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 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, 
air traffic service routes, and reporting points.

Background

    In 2003, Congress enacted the Vision 100-Century of Aviation 
Reauthorization Act (Pub. L. 108-176), which established a joint 
planning and development office in the FAA to manage the work related 
to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Today, 
NextGen is an ongoing FAA-led modernization of the nation's air 
transportation system to make flying safer, more efficient, and more 
predictable.
    In support of NextGen, this proposal is part of an ongoing, large, 
and comprehensive airway modernization project in the state of Alaska. 
Part of this project is to transition the Alaskan en route navigation 
structure away from dependency on NDB and move to develop and improve 
the area navigation (RNAV) route structure. The FAA is planning to 
decommission the Chandalar Lake NDB in the state of Alaska. As a 
result, Alaskan Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 will become 
unusable. Additionally, portions of Jet Route J-115 will become 
unusable.
    The FAA proposes to revoke Alaskan Federal Airway V-447 in its 
entirety. V-447 currently extends between the Fairbanks, AK, Very High 
Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and 
the Chandalar Lake, AK, NDB. The loss of V-447 is mitigated by the 
existing T route T-227. A portion of T-227 extends between the 
Fairbanks, AK, VORTAC and the Deadhorse, AK, VOR/Distance Measuring 
Equipment (VOR/DME) passing within six miles of the Chandalar Lake NDB. 
Non-Global Positioning System (GPS) equipped aircraft flying north from 
Fairbanks VORTAC to Deadhorse VOR/DME may use V-444 via the Bettles, 
AK, VOR/DME or V-438 via the Fort Yukon, AK, VORTAC.
    The FAA proposes to revoke Jet Route J-155 in its entirety. Jet 
Route J-155 currently extends between the Chandalar Lake NDB and the 
Nenana, AK, VORTAC. The loss of J-155 is mitigated by existing Q route 
Q-41. A portion of Q-41 extends from south of the Fairbanks VORTAC to 
the Deadhorse VOR/DME passing within six miles of the Chandalar Lake 
NDB. Non-GPS equipped aircraft may use J-515 and J-139 via the Bettles 
VOR/DME or J-120 and J-507 via the Fort Yukon VORTAC. The distance 
between the Nenana VOR/DME and the Deadhorse VORTAC prevents the 
development of a mitigating replacement Jet Route along the existing J-
155 route as the distance is too far for signal coverage.
    The FAA proposes to amend Jet Route J-115 by revoking the segment 
impacted by the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB. A portion of 
Jet Route J-115 currently extends between the Fairbanks VORTAC and the 
Deadhorse VOR/DME via the Chandalar Lake NDB. The loss of J-115 between 
the Fairbanks VORTAC and the Deadhorse VOR/DME is mitigated by existing 
Q route Q-41. A portion of Q-41 extends from south of the Fairbanks 
VORTAC to the Deadhorse VOR/DME. Non-GPS equipped aircraft may use J-
515 and J-139 via the Bettles VOR/DME or J-120 and J-507 via the Fort 
Yukon VORTAC. The distance between the Fairbanks VORTAC and the 
Deadhorse VOR/DME prevents the development of a mitigating replacement 
Jet Route along the existing J-115 route as the distance is too far for 
signal coverage.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to revoke 
Alaskan (VOR) Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 and amend Jet 
Route J-115 in Alaska. These proposed actions are due to the 
decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB in Alaska.
    V-447: V-447 currently extends between the Fairbanks, AK, VORTAC 
and the Chandalar Lake, AK, NDB. The FAA is proposing to revoke V-447 
in its entirety.
    J-155: Jet Route J-155 currently extends between the Chandalar Lake 
NDB and the Nenana, AK, VORTAC. The FAA is proposing to revoke V-447 in 
its entirety.
    J-115: Jet Route J-115 currently extends between the Shemya, AK, 
NDB via the Mount Moffett, AK, NDB, Dutch Harbor, AK, NDB, Cold Bay, 
AK, VORTAC, King Salmon, AK, VORTAC, the intersection of the King 
Salmon zero five three and Kenai, AK, VOR/DME two three nine radials, 
Kenai, AK, VOR/DME, Anchorage, AK, VOR/DME, Big Lake, AK, VORTAC, 
Fairbanks, AK, VORTAC, Chandalar, AK, NDB and the Deadhorse, AK, VOR/
DM0E. The FAA is proposing to revoke the portion between the Fairbanks 
VORTAC and the Deadhorse VOR/DME.

[[Page 80159]]

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 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 subject to an environmental analysis in 
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``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

0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR 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 
7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July31, 
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6010 VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-447 [Removed]

* * * * *

Paragraph 2004

* * * * *

J-155 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-115 [Amended]

    From Shemya, AK, NDB; Mount Moffett, AK, NDB; Dutch Harbor, AK, 
NDB; Cold Bay, AK; King Salmon, AK; INT King Salmon 053[deg] and 
Kenai, AK, 239[deg] radials; Kenai, AK; Anchorage, AK; Big Lake, AK; 
Fairbanks, AK.
* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on September 2, 2024.
Frank Lias,
Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-22294 Filed 10-1-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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