[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 88178-88180]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25706]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2444; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-7]
RIN 2120-AA66


Proposed Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-162 and 
Q-166; Southwest United States.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Area Navigation (RNAV) 
routes Q-162 and Q-166 in the Southwest United States. The proposed new 
RNAV routes would provide alternative routing for air traffic 
travelling between southwest Arizona and western Texas in response to 
severe weather events during the spring and summer months. 
Additionally, the new RNAV routes would expand the availability of RNAV 
routing in support of transitioning the National Airspace System (NAS) 
from a ground-based to satellite-based system for navigation.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 23, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2444 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-7 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.

[[Page 88179]]

    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, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 
600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colby Abbott, 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 National Airspace System (NAS) as 
necessary to preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this 
rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or 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 Operations Support Group, 
Central Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177.

Incorporation by Reference

    United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 
2006 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

    During the spring and summer months each year, the FAA experiences 
severe dry-line thunderstorm weather activity across central Arizona 
and New Mexico, and western Texas that impact air traffic operations 
transiting that area. When the severe weather activity events occur, 
the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) issues radar 
vectors to affected aircraft to minimize the operational impact to the 
operators and to the NAS as a whole.
    To further mitigate severe weather-related impacts for aircraft 
operations flying through the southwest United States during the spring 
and summer months, the FAA is proposing to establish two new RNAV 
routes, Q-162 and Q-166, within Albuquerque ARTCC airspace. The 
proposed Q-162 route would transition west to east across the northern 
portion of Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace and the proposed Q-166 route 
would transition west to east across the southern portion of 
Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace. Instrument flight rules pilots with RNAV-
equipped aircraft would be able to navigate north or south of the 
severe weather events and affected areas without further contributing 
to air traffic control (ATC) workload associated with sequencing and 
separating affected aircraft via radar vectors around the severe 
weather events and affected areas.
    Having experienced a 24 percent increase of enroute air traffic 
through Albuquerque ARTCC's airspace in the last 10 years, the proposed 
routes would support the increased enroute operations and establish 
much-needed published holding information that would increase safety 
for both pilots and controllers by reducing phraseology/frequency 
congestion and depicting predictable holding locations during days that 
require restraints as a result of system overload due to a high volume 
of traffic. Moreover, the proposed Q-routes would add structure for 
overflight air traffic in concert with new Phoenix Terminal Radar 
Approach Control (TRACON) and Tucson TRACON procedures when the 
traditional route structure is inadequate.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to Title 14 Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 to establish RNAV routes Q-162 and Q-166 
in the southwest United States. The proposed new RNAV Q-routes are 
described below.
    Q-162: Q-162 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
HAHAA, AZ, Waypoint (WP), located approximately 20 nautical miles (NM) 
northwest of the Flagstaff, AZ, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional 
Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the AGGIY, TX, 
WP, located approximately 36 NM northeast of the Panhandle, TX, VOR/
Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). This Q-route would provide a routing 
alternative along the northern portion of

[[Page 88180]]

Albuquerque ARTCC airspace between the Flagstaff, AZ, area and the 
Borger, TX, area when severe weather events impact the high altitude 
enroute structure through central Arizona and New Mexico, and western 
Texas.
    Q-166: Q-166 is a proposed new route that would extend between the 
MOHAK, AZ, Fix, located approximately 32 NM east of the Bard, CA, 
VORTAC and the MRTHN, TX, WP, located approximately 55 NM southeast of 
the Fort Stockton, TX, VORTAC. This Q-route would also provide a 
routing alternative along the southern portion of Albuquerque ARTCC 
airspace between the Wellton, AZ, area and the Longfellow, TX, area 
when severe weather events impact the high altitude enroute structure 
through central Arizona and New Mexico, and western Texas.
    This proposal to establish RNAV routes Q-162 and Q-166 would reduce 
air traffic control (ATC) sector workload and complexity, reduce pilot-
to-controller communication requirements, and increase NAS safety and 
capacity in areas effected by severe weather events in the southwest 
United States. These new RNAV Q-routes would also assist ATC when non-
radar procedures are required and provide additional RNAV enroute 
structure supporting the FAA's NextGen efforts to make flying safer, 
more efficient, and more predictable within the NAS.

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 7400.11J, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 31, 2024, and 
effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-162 HAHAA, AZ to AGGIY, TX [New]
 
HAHAA, AZ                    WP                 (Lat. 35[deg]27'21.83'' N, long. 111[deg]51'43.96'' W)
Gallup, NM (GUP)             VORTAC             (Lat. 35[deg]28'33.60'' N, long. 108[deg]52'21.41'' W)
DRICC, NM                    WP                 (Lat. 35[deg]41'21.20'' N, long. 105[deg]22'08.78'' W)
MIRME, NM                    WP                 (Lat. 35[deg]47'00.72'' N, long. 103[deg]50'31.88'' W)
AGGIY, TX                    WP                 (Lat. 35[deg]48'20.71'' N, long. 101[deg]28'38.83'' W)
 

* * * * *

Q-166 MOHAK, AZ to MRTHN, TX [New]
 
MOHAK, AZ                    FIX                (Lat. 32[deg]46'33.04'' N, long. 113[deg]58'19.55'' W)
Gila Bend, AZ (GBN)          VORTAC             (Lat. 32[deg]57'22.53'' N, long. 112[deg]40'27.38'' W)
Stanfield, AZ (TFD)          VORTAC             (Lat. 32[deg]53'09.08'' N, long. 111[deg]54'31.44'' W)
OLIIN, AZ                    FIX                (Lat. 32[deg]03'45.69'' N, long. 110[deg]11'23.06'' W)
GRNNT, NM                    WP                 (Lat. 31[deg]53'00.00'' N, long. 108[deg]07'00.00'' W)
SWIMS, TX                    WP                 (Lat. 31[deg]50'35.65'' N, long. 106[deg]35'10.22'' W)
El Paso, TX (ELP)            VORTAC             (Lat. 31[deg]48'57.28'' N, long. 106[deg]16'54.78'' W)
FNLAY, TX                    WP                 (Lat. 31[deg]10'24.00'' N, long. 105[deg]20'29.00'' W)
TRQSE, TX                    WP                 (Lat. 31[deg]01'00.41'' N, long. 105[deg]05'22.81'' W)
Marfa, TX (MRF)              VOR/DME            (Lat. 30[deg]17'54.14'' N, long. 103[deg]57'17.12'' W)
MRTHN, TX                    WP                 (Lat. 30[deg]04'59.00'' N, long. 102[deg]38'47.00'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 31, 2024.
Brian Eric Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-25706 Filed 11-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P