### 86630 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 231 / Thursday, December 1, 2016 / Proposed Rules

F IGURE 

### 1 TO 

### P ARAGRAPH 

### (g) OF 

### T HIS 

### AD—A FFECTED 

### S ERIAL 

### N UMBERS OF 

### EPSU P/N 301–3100 A MDT 

### A—Continued

4745 4956 4989 5021 5072 5109 5147 None 4926 4957 4990 5022 5073 5110 5153 None 4927 4958 4991 5023 5075 5111 5154 None 4928 4959 4993 5024 5076 5112 5155 None

(h) Definition of Serviceable EPSU

For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable EPSU is one that meets the criteria in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD.

(1) Has P/N 301–3100 Amdt A and a serial number that is not included figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

(2) Has P/N 301–3100 Amdt A, a serial number that is included in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, but has a control sticker marked with ‘‘SIL 301–3100–33–001.’’

(3) Has P/N 301–3100 Amdt B, or later amendment.

(i) Alternative Modification of Affected EPSU

In lieu of the replacement required by paragraph (g) of this AD, modification of an affected EPSU may be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of COBHAM Service Bulletin 301–3100–33– 002, Revision 3, dated July 30, 2015.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any EPSU having P/N 301–3100 Amdt A and a serial number identified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, unless it has a control sticker marked with ‘‘SIL 301–3100–33–001’’.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using the service information identified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, provided it can be determined that no EPSU having a serial number listed in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD has been installed on that airplane since the actions in the applicable service bulletin were completed.

(1) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42–33–0050, dated December 11, 2015.

(2) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72–33–1043, dated December 11, 2015.

(l) Other FAA AD Provisions

The following provisions also apply to this AD:

(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1112; fax 425–227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.

(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR—GIE Avions de Transport
Re

 ́ gional’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.

(m) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2016–0070, dated April 11, 2016; corrected April 12, 2016; for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–

2016–9430.

(2) For ATR service information identified in this AD, contact ATR–GIE Avions de Transport Re  ́ gional, 1, Alle  ́ e Pierre Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21; fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email continued.airworthiness@atr.fr;
Internet http://www.aerochain.com. For Cobham service information identified in this AD, contact COBHAM 174–178 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010, Paris, France; telephone +33 (0) 1 53 38 98 98; fax +33 (0) 1 42 00 67 83. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2016. Phil Forde, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2016–28618 Filed 11–30–16; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION** 

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2014–0363; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–08–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2015–17– 19 that applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768–60, 772–60, and 772B–60 turbofan engines. AD 2015– 17–19 requires inspection of the fan case low-pressure (LP) fuel tubes and associated clips and the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and associated hardware. Since we issued AD 2015–17–19, fractures on the LP fuel return tube at mid-span locations were found with resulting fuel leaks. This proposed AD would require a modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the fan caseLP fuel tubes, which could lead to an inflight shutdown, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 30, 2017.

**ADDRESSES :**  You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

• Fax: 202–493–2251.

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone:


### 86631 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 231 / Thursday, December 1, 2016 / Proposed Rules

011–44–1332–242424; fax: 011–44– 1332–249936; email: http://www.rollsroyce.com/contact/civil

_ team.jsp; Web site: https://www.aeromanager.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125. Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0363; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the

**ADDRESSES** section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238–7134; fax: 781–238–7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 
Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the

**ADDRESSES** section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2014–0363; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE–08–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those
comments.

We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

On August 20, 2015, we issued AD 2015–17–19, Amendment 39–18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015), (‘‘AD 2015–17–19’’) for RR RB211 Trent 768– 60, 772–60, and 772B–60 turbofan engines. AD 2015–17–19 requires inspection of the fan case LP fuel tubes and associated clips and the FOHE mounts and associated hardware. AD 2015–17–19 resulted from fuel leaks caused by damage to the fan case LP fuel tube. We issued AD 2015–17–19 to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tube, which could lead to an in-flight shutdown, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2015–17–19 Was Issued

Since we issued AD 2015–17–19, fractures on the LP fuel return tube at mid-span locations were found with resulting fuel leaks. Also since we issued AD 2015–17–19, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2016–0120, dated June 17, 2016, which supersedes EASA AD 2014–0243, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2014 and Correction, dated March 23, 2015.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

RR has issued Alert Non-Modification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211–73– AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016; Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015; and Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211–73–AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016. Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016 describes procedures for inspecting and, if necessary, replacing worn rubber sections of the P-clip. Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015 describes procedures for inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the P-clip attaching bracket, supporting hardware, and low-pressure (LP) fuel tube.Alert SB RB.211–73– AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016 describes procedures for modification of the routing of fuel, oil, and hydraulic tube assemblies. 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.

Other Related Service Information

RR has issued SB RB.211–73–F343, Revision 4, dated May 26, 2011. The service information describes procedures for replacing the fuel tube assemblies and supporting hardware.

FAA’s Determination

We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2015–17–19, (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015), except it would require a modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would add a mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections by incorporating ASB RB.211–73–AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016. Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 108 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 6 hours per engine to perform the inspections in this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per hour. We also estimate that 54 of the engines will fail the inspections required by this AD. Replacement parts cost about $4,031 per engine.

We also estimate that it would take about 50 hours per engine to modify each engine. The modification would cost about $150,000 per engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $16,931,754. 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.

We are 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

We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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


### 86632 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 231 / Thursday, December 1, 2016 / Proposed Rules

responsibilities among the various levels of government.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation:

(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and

(4) 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 Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2015–17–19, Amendment 39–18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015), and adding the following new AD:
Rolls-Royce plc: Docket No. FAA–2014– 0363; Directorate Identifier 2014–NE– 08–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by January 30,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs

This AD supersedes AD 2015–17–19, Amendment 39–18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015).
(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211 Trent 768–60, 772–60, and 772B–60 turbofan engines, if fitted with fuel tube, part number (P/N) FW53576, which was incorporated through RR production modification 73–F343 or which were modified in service in accordance with RR Service Bulletin (SB) RB.211–73–F343, Revision 4, dated May 26, 2011.

(d) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by fractures found on the low-pressure (LP) fuel return tube at mid span locations with resulting fuel leaks. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the fan case LP fuel tube, which could lead to an in-flight engine shutdown, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
(e) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) Within 800 flight hours (FH) after October 20, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015–17–19, Amendment 39–18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015)), or prior to further flight, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 FH, inspect the clip at the uppermost fan case LP fuel tube clip position, CP4881, and support bracket, P/N FW26692. Use AccomplishmentInstructions, paragraph 3.A, of RR Alert NonModification Service Bulletin (NMSB) RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016, to do the inspection.

(i) If the clip at the uppermost clip position, CP4881, fails inspection, before further flight, replace the clip with a part eligible for installation and inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, for fretting, and clips for cracks or failure, according to Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016.

(ii) If the support bracket, P/N FW26692, fails inspection, before further flight, replace the bracket with a part eligible for installation and inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, and clips for cracks or failure, according to Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015, or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016.

(2) Within 4,000 FH since new or 800 FH after October 20, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015–17–19, Amendment 39–18252 (80 FR 55232, September 15, 2015)), or prior to further flight, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 FH, inspect the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, and clips, and the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE) mounts and hardware, for damage, wear, or fretting. Use paragraph 3.A. or 3.B., Accomplishment Instructions, of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016, to do the inspection.

(i) If the fan case LP fuel tube, P/N FW53576, fails inspection, before further flight, replace the fuel tube and clips with parts eligible for installation.

(ii) If any FOHE mount or hardware shows signs of damage, wear, or fretting, before further flight, replace the damaged part with a part eligible for installation.

(3) At each shop visit after the effective date of this AD, inspect the fan case LP fuel tubes, P/Ns FW26589, FW36335, FW26587, FW53577, and FW53576, and clips, and the FOHE mounts and hardware, for damage, wear, or fretting. Use paragraphs 3.B.(1) and 3.B.(2) of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016, to do the inspection. (i) If any fan case LP fuel tube fails inspection, before further flight, replace the fuel tube and clips with parts eligible for installation.

(ii) If any FOHE mount or hardware shows signs of damage, wear, or fretting, before further flight, replace the damaged part with a part eligible for installation.

(4) If you replace any fan case LP fuel tube, clip, FOHE mount, or hardware as a result of the inspections in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), or (3) of this AD, you must still continue to perform the repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD, until you comply with paragraph (e)(6) of this AD.

(5) No reports requested in any of the Alert NMSBs that are referenced in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD are required by this AD.

(6) During the next shop visit after the effective date of this AD, modify the engine in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs (B) and (C), Section 3, of RR Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) RB.211– 73–AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016.

(7) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an M07 module, unless it is modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs (B) and (C), Section 3, of RR ASB RB.211–73– AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016.
(f) Credit for Previous Actions

If, before the effective date of this AD, you performed the inspections and corrective actions required by paragraph (e) of this AD using RR NMSB RB.211–73–G848, Revision 3, dated June 12, 2014; or RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015; or paragraph 3.A. or 3.B. of RR Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016; or any earlier version of those NMSBs, you met the inspection requirements in paragraph (e) of this AD.
(g) Mandatory Terminating Action

Modification of an engine, as required by paragraph (e)(6) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (e)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this AD.

(h) Definitions

For the purposes of this AD: (1) An ‘‘engine shop visit’’ is the induction of an engine into the shop for maintenance involving the separation of pairs of major mating engine flanges, except that the separation of engine flanges solely for the purposes of transportation without subsequent engine maintenance is not an engine shop visit.

(2) The fan case LP fuel tubes and clips, and the FOHE mounts and hardware, are eligible for installation if they have passed the inspection requirements of paragraphs (e)(1), (2), and (3) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

The Manager, Engine Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs to this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to


### 86633 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 231 / Thursday, December 1, 2016 / Proposed Rules

make your request. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@faa.gov.
(j) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–238– 7134; fax: 781–238–7199; email: wego.wang@ faa.gov.

(2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2016–0120, dated June 17, 2016, which supersedes EASA AD 2014–0243, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2014 and Correction dated March 23, 2015, for more information. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2014–
0363.

(3) Rolls-Royce plc has issued SB RB.211– 73–F343, Revision 4, dated May 26, 2011; Alert NMSB RB.211–73–AH522, Revision 4, dated January 18, 2016; Alert NMSB RB.211– 73–AH837, Revision 1, dated November 6, 2015; and ASB RB.211–73–AJ366, Initial Issue and Supplement, dated May 3, 2016. These service bulletins can be obtained from Rolls-Royce plc, using the contact information in paragraph (j)(4) of this AD.

(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce plc, Corporate Communications, P.O. Box 31, Derby, England, DE248BJ; phone: 011–44–1332– 242424; fax: 011–44–1332–249936; email: http://www.rolls-royce.com/contact/civil

_ team.jsp; Web site: https://
www.aeromanager.com.

(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 781–238–7125.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 2, 2016. Robert J. Ganley, Acting Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2016–27923 Filed 11–30–16; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 71**

**[Docket No. FAA–2016–9178; Airspace Docket No. 16–ASO–12]** 

**RIN 2120–AA66**

**Proposed Amendment of VOR Federal Airways; Eastern United States** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  This action proposes to modify VOR Federal airways V–16, V– 94 and V–124, in the eastern United States due to the planned decommissioning of the Jacks Creek, TN, VOR/DME navigation aid.

**DATES :**  Comments must be received on or before January 17, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under title 1, Code of Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA, Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

**ADDRESSES :**  Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590; telephone: 1 (800) 647–5527 or (202) 366–9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA– 2016–9178 and Airspace Docket No. 16– ASO–12 at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov

.

FAA Order 7400.11A, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at http://www.faa.gov/air

_ traffic/ publications/. For further information, you can contact the Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11A at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to http:// www.archives.gov/federal

_register/ code

_ of

_ federal-regulations/ibr

_ locations.html

.

FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, is published yearly and effective on September 15.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Paul Gallant, 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 modify three air traffic service route structures in the eastern United States to maintain the efficient flow of air traffic.

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– 2016–9178 and Airspace Docket No. 16– ASO–12) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (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–2016–9178 and Airspace Docket No. 16–ASO–12.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.

All communications received on or before the specified comment closing date 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 comment closing date. 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/air

_ traffic/publications/ airspace

_amendments/

.

You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in