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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 97574-97577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28727]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2573; Airspace Docket No. 23-AGL-20]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment of Jet Route J-538 and VOR Federal Airways V-129; 
Establishment of Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797; 
and Revocation of Jet Routes J-483 and J-562; Northcentral United 
States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Jet Route J-538 and Very High 
Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-129; establish 
Canadian Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797 
within United States (U.S.) airspace; and revoke Jet Routes J-483 and 
J-562. The FAA is proposing this action due to NAV CANADA's 
decommissioning of the Sioux Narrows (VBI), Ontario (ON), Canada, Very 
High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment 
(VOR/DME) navigational aid (NAVAID) and the planned decommissioning of 
the Lumsden (VLN), Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, VOR/Tactical Air 
Navigation (VORTAC) and Brandon (YBR), Manitoba (MB), Canada, VORTAC 
NAVAIDs. This action is proposed in support of NAV CANADA's NAVAID 
Modernization Program within Canada.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 23, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2573 and 
Airspace Docket No. 23-AGL-20 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: 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

[[Page 97575]]

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

    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004, Canadian Area 
Navigation Routes (Q-routes) are published in paragraph 2007, VOR 
Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a), and Canadian Area 
Navigation Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 6013 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

    NAV CANADA, which operates Canada's civil air navigation service, 
is implementing changes to Canada's instrument flight rules (IFR) 
navigation infrastructure as part of their NAVAID Modernization 
Program. This modernization program is designed to enhance the 
efficiency of Canada's flying operations by taking advantage of 
performance-based navigation and RNAV avionics capabilities. The 
changes being implemented by NAV CANADA affect Jet Routes J-483, J-538, 
and J-562, and VOR Federal Airway V-129. These Air Traffic Service 
(ATS) routes provide cross-border connectivity between the U.S. and 
Canada.
    NAV CANADA has decommissioned the Sioux Narrows, ON, VOR/DME and 
plans to decommission the Lumsden, SK, VORTAC and Brandon, MB, VORTAC 
as part of their NAVAID Modernization Program. As a result, amendments 
to J-538 and V-129, and revocation of J-483 and J-562 in U.S. airspace 
are required due to the loss of navigational guidance provided by the 
Sioux Narrows, ON; Lumsden, SK; and Brandon, MB, VORs and to match 
airway changes NAV CANADA is making within Canadian airspace. NAV 
CANADA has established Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828 in the high-altitude 
enroute structure and T-797 in the low-altitude enroute structure 
already and plans to establish Canadian RNAV Routes Q-945 and Q-971 in 
the high-altitude enroute structure as mitigations for the affected ATS 
routes within Canadian and U.S. airspace.
    To mitigate the proposed loss of J-538 and V-129 route segments and 
proposed revocation of J-483 and J-562, and to support NAV CANADA's 
planned RNAV route replacements for these affected ATS routes, the FAA 
must establish portions of Canadian RNAV Routes Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, 
and T-797 within U.S. airspace. The new Canadian RNAV route segments in 
U.S. airspace would provide airway continuity with NAV CANADA's RNAV 
Routes that are established or being established within Canadian 
airspace and provide cross-border airway connectivity between the U.S. 
and Canada. Existing NAVAIDs that provide conventional enroute 
structure in the affected area are limited and alternate, parallel, or 
adjacent Jet Routes or VOR Federal Airways to use as mitigations are 
not available. To compensate for the loss of the conventional enroute 
structure, IFR pilots with RNAV-equipped aircraft could navigate using 
the Canadian RNAV Routes proposed in this action or fly point-to-point 
using the Fixes and Waypoints (WP) that would remain in place. 
Additionally, IFR pilots could request air traffic control (ATC) radar 
vectors to fly through or around the affected areas. Visual flight 
rules pilots who elect to navigate via airways could also take 
advantage of the ATC services listed previously.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 by amending Jet Route 
J-538 and VOR Federal Airway V-129; establishing Canadian RNAV Routes 
Q-828, Q-945, Q-971, and T-797 in U.S. airspace; and revoking Jet 
Routes J-483 and J-562. The FAA is proposing this action due to the 
decommissioning of the Sioux Narrows, ON, Canada, VOR/DME and the 
planned decommissioning of the Lumsden, SK, Canada, VORTAC and Brandon, 
MB, Canada, VORTAC by NAV CANADA in support of their NAVAID 
Modernization Program. The proposed ATS route actions are described 
below.
    J-483: J-483 currently extends between the Minot, ND, VOR/DME and 
the Lumsden, SK, Canada, VORTAC. The airspace within Canada is 
excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route in its entirety.
    J-538: J-538 currently extends between the Sioux Narrows, ON, 
Canada, VOR/DME and the Badger, WI, VOR/DME. The airspace within Canada 
is excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment between the 
Sioux Narrows, ON, VOR/DME and the Duluth, MN, VORTAC. As amended, the 
route would be changed to extend between the Duluth VORTAC and the 
Badger VOR/DME.
    J-562: J-562 currently extends between the Dickinson, ND, VORTAC 
and the Brandon, MB, Canada, VORTAC. The airspace within Canada is 
excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route in its entirety.
    Q-828: Q-828 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be 
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Duluth, MN, 
VORTAC and the FARID, MN, WP that would replace the ``CFCJN'' Computer 
Navigation Fix (CNF) on the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route 
would mitigate the proposed J-538 amendment and provide route 
continuity and cross-border connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-828 
established by NAV CANADA within Canadian airspace.

[[Page 97576]]

    Q-945: Q-945 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be 
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Dickinson, ND, 
VORTAC and the OSMEE, ND, WP that would replace the ``CFMSZ'' CNF on 
the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed 
J-562 revocation and provide route continuity and cross-border 
connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-945 being established by NAV CANADA 
within Canadian airspace.
    Q-971: Q-971 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be 
established within U.S. airspace extending between the Minot, ND, VOR/
DME and the CIPTA, ND, WP that would replace the ``CFHLT'' CNF on the 
U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed J-
483 revocation and provide route continuity and cross-border 
connectivity with the RNAV Route Q-971 being established by NAV CANADA 
within Canadian airspace.
    V-129: V-129 currently extends between the Spinner, IL, VORTAC and 
the intersection of the International Falls, MN, VOR/DME 335[deg] 
radial and United States/Canadian border. The FAA proposes to remove 
the airway segment between the International Falls VOR/DME and the 
intersection of the International Falls VOR/DME 335[deg] radial and 
United States/Canadian border. As amended, the airway would be changed 
to extend between the Spinner VORTAC and the International Falls VOR/
DME.
    T-797: T-797 is a new Canadian RNAV route proposed to be 
established within U.S. airspace extending between the International 
Falls, MN, VOR/DME and the WUGOR, MN, WP replacing the ``CFDTS'' CNF on 
the U.S./Canada border. The new RNAV route would mitigate the proposed 
V-129 airway segment removal and provide route continuity and cross-
border connectivity with the RNAV Route T-797 established by NAV CANADA 
within Canadian airspace.
    The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal Airway V-129 
description in the regulatory text of this NPRM are unchanged and 
stated in degrees True north.

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); 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 July 31, 
2024, and effective September 15, 2024, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-483 [Removed]

* * * * *

J-538 [Amended]

    From Duluth, MN; Dells, WI; to Badger, WI.
* * * * *

J-562 [Removed]

* * * * *

Paragraph 2007 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-828 Duluth, MN (DLH) to FARID, MN [New]
 
Duluth, MN (DLH)                                VORTAC                         (Lat. 46[deg]48'07.79'' N, long. 092[deg]12'10.33'' W)
FARID, MN                                       WP                             (Lat. 48[deg]36'13.96'' N, long. 093[deg]25'16.09'' W)
 

* * * * *

Q-945 Dickinson, ND (DIK) to OSMEE, ND [New]
 
Dickinson, ND (DIK)                             VORTAC                         (Lat. 46[deg]51'36.14'' N, long. 102[deg]46'24.60'' W)
OSMEE, ND                                       WP                             (Lat. 48[deg]59'59.19'' N, long. 100[deg]49'57.63'' W)
 

* * * * *

Q-971 Minot, ND (MOT) to CIPTA, ND [New]
 
Minot, ND (MOT)                                 VOR/DME                        (Lat. 48[deg]15'37.21'' N, long. 101[deg]17'13.46'' W)
CIPTA, ND                                       WP                             (Lat. 48[deg]59'55.84'' N, long. 102[deg]20'17.11'' W)
 

Paragraph 6010(a) VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-129 [Amended]

    From Spinner, IL; Peoria, IL; Davenport, IA; Dubuque, IA; INT 
Dubuque 348[deg] and Nodine, MN, 150[deg] radials; Nodine; Eau 
Claire, WI; Duluth, MN; Hibbing, MN; to International Falls, MN.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6013 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

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T-797 International Falls, MN (INL) to WUGOR, MN [New]
 
International Falls, MN (INL)                   VOR/DME                        (Lat. 48[deg]33'56.87'' N, long. 093[deg]24'20.44'' W)
WUGOR, MN                                       WP                             (Lat. 48[deg]35'58.85'' N, long. 093[deg]25'44.53'' W)
 

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 3, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-28727 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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