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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 236 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 97572-97574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-28725]

[[Page 97572]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2588; Airspace Docket No. 24-AGL-17]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment of Jet Routes J-26, J-64 and J-181, and VOR Federal 
Airways V-10 and V-156; and Revocation of VOR Federal Airway V-262 in 
the Vicinity of Bradford, IL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Jet Routes J-26, J-64, and J-
181, and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal 
Airways V-10 and V-156; and to revoke VOR Federal Airway V-262. The FAA 
is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR 
portion of the Bradford, IL (BDF), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) 
navigational aid (NAVAID). The Bradford VOR is being decommissioned in 
support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

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

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2588 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-AGL-17 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 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

    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 and VOR Federal Airways 
are published in paragraph 6010(a) 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

    The FAA is planning to decommission the VOR portion of the 
Bradford, IL, VORTAC in August 2025. The Bradford VOR is one of the 
candidate VORs identified for discontinuance by the FAA's VOR MON 
program and listed in the Final policy statement notice, ``Provision of

[[Page 97573]]

Navigation Services for the Next Generation Air Transportation System 
(NextGen) Transition to Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) (Plan for 
Establishing a VOR Minimum Operational Network),'' published in the 
Federal Register on July 26, 2016 (81 FR 48694), Docket No. FAA-2011-
1082.
    Although the VOR portion of the Bradford VORTAC is planned for 
decommissioning, the co-located Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) portion 
of the NAVAID is being retained. The TACAN would continue to provide 
navigational service for military operations and Distance Measuring 
Equipment (DME) service supporting current and future NextGen PBN 
flight procedure requirements.
    The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the planned 
decommissioning of the Bradford VOR are J-26, J-64, J-181, V-10, V-156, 
and V-262. With the planned decommissioning of the Bradford VOR, the 
remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to 
enable the continuity of the affected routes. As such, proposed 
modifications to J-26, J-181, and V-156 would result in the ATS routes 
being shortened; to J-64 and V-10 would result in an existing gap in 
the ATS routes being expanded; and to V-262 would result in the airway 
being revoked.
    To address the proposed amendments and revocation to the affected 
ATS routes, instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use Jet Routes 
J-18, J-87, J-96, and J-232 in the high-altitude stratum or use VOR 
Federal Airways V-8, V-38, V-48, and V-434 in the low-altitude stratum 
to navigate around the area affected by the planned decommissioning of 
the Bradford VOR. Additionally, IFR pilots with Area Navigation (RNAV)-
equipped aircraft could navigate using RNAV Route Q-42 in the high-
altitude stratum and RNAV Routes T-215, T-325 and T-354 in the low-
altitude stratum, or point-to-point using the existing Fixes and 
Waypoints (WP) that would remain in place to support continued 
operations though the affected area. Visual flight rules pilots who 
elect to navigate via the affected ATS routes could also take advantage 
of the adjacent conventional routes and airways listed above, as well 
as the listed RNAV routes and point-to-point navigation, if properly 
equipped. Lastly, all aircraft have the option to request and receive 
radar vectors from air traffic control to transit the affected area as 
well.

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 by amending Jet 
Routes J-26, J-64, and J-181, and VOR Federal Airways V-10 and V-156; 
and revoking VOR Federal Airway V-262. The FAA is proposing this action 
due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Bradford, 
IL, VORTAC NAVAID. The proposed ATS route actions are described below.
    J-26: J-26 currently extends between the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, 
VOR/DME and the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME. The airspace within Mexico is 
excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment between the 
Kirksville, MO, VORTAC and the Joliet VOR/DME. As amended, the route 
would be changed to extend between the Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, VOR/DME 
and the Kirksville VORTAC. The airspace within Mexico would remain 
excluded.
    J-64: J-64 currently extends between the Los Angeles, CA, VORTAC 
and the Hill City, KS, VORTAC; and between the Lamoni, IA, VOR/DME and 
the intersection of the Ravine, PA, VORTAC 102[deg] and Lancaster, PA, 
VOR/DME 044[deg] radials (SARAA Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the 
route segment between the Lamoni VOR/DME and the Fort Wayne, IN, 
VORTAC. As amended, the route would be changed to extend between the 
Los Angeles VORTAC and the Hill City VORTAC, and between the Fort Wayne 
VORTAC and the intersection of the Ravine VORTAC 102[deg] and Lancaster 
VOR/DME 044[deg] radials (SARAA Fix).
    J-181: J-181 currently extends between the Ranger, TX, VORTAC and 
the Okmulgee, OK, VOR/DME; and between the Hallsville, MO, VORTAC and 
the Bradford, IL, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the route segment 
between the Hallsville VORTAC and the Bradford VORTAC. As amended, the 
route would be changed to extend between the Ranger VORTAC and the 
Okmulgee VOR/DME.
    V-10: V-10 currently extends between the Pueblo, CO, VORTAC and the 
intersection of the Bradford, IL, VORTAC 058[deg] and Joliet, IL, VOR/
DME 287[deg] radials (PLANO Fix); and between the intersection of the 
Chicago Heights, IL, VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper, MI, VORTAC 271[deg] 
radials (NILES Fix) and the Gipper VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove 
the airway segment between the Burlington, IA, VOR/DME and the 
intersection of the Bradford VORTAC 058[deg] and Joliet VOR/DME 
287[deg] radials (PLANO Fix). Additionally, the FAA proposes to remove 
the legacy airway floor altitude information in the description between 
the Pueblo VORTAC and the Lamar, CO, VOR/DME route points as it is no 
longer required. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend 
between the Pueblo VORTAC and the Burlington VOR/DME, and between the 
intersection of the Chicago Heights VORTAC 358[deg] and Gipper VORTAC 
271[deg] radials (NILES Fix) and the Gipper VORTAC.
    V-156: V-156 currently extends between the Cedar Rapids, IA, VOR/
DME and the Peotone, IL, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway 
segment between the Moline, IL, VOR/DME and the Peotone VORTAC. As 
amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Cedar Rapids 
VOR/DME and the Moline VOR/DME.
    V-262: V-262 currently extends between the Peoria, IL, VORTAC and 
the Joliet, IL, VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway in its 
entirety. However, the airway segment between the intersection of the 
Bradford, IL, VORTAC 085[deg] and Joliet VOR/DME 204[deg] radials 
(MOTIF Fix) and the Joliet VOR/DME would remain as V-69 and V-586.
    All NAVAID radials listed in the ATS route descriptions in the 
regulatory text of this notice of proposed rulemaking 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

[[Page 97574]]

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-26 [Amended]

    From Ciudad Juarez, Mexico; El Paso, TX; INT El Paso 070[deg] 
and Chisum, NM, 215[deg] radials; Chisum; Panhandle, TX; Mitbee, OK; 
Wichita, KS; Kansas City, MO; to Kirksville, MO. The airspace within 
Mexico is excluded.
* * * * *

J-64 [Amended]

    From Los Angeles, CA; INT Los Angeles 083[deg] and Hector, CA, 
226[deg] radials; Hector; Peach Springs, AZ; Tuba City, AZ; 
Rattlesnake, NM; Pueblo, CO; to Hill City, KS. From Fort Wayne, IN; 
Ellwood City, PA; Ravine, PA; to INT Ravine 102[deg] and Lancaster, 
PA, 044[deg] radials.
* * * * *

J-181 [Amended]

    From Ranger, TX; to Okmulgee, OK.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-10 [Amended]

    From Pueblo, CO; Lamar, CO; Garden City, KS; Dodge City, KS; 
Hutchinson, KS; Emporia, KS; INT Emporia 063[deg] and Napoleon, MO, 
243[deg] radials; Napoleon; Kirksville, MO; to Burlington, IA. From 
INT Chicago Heights, IL, 358[deg] and Gipper, MI, 271[deg] radials; 
to Gipper.
* * * * *

V-156 [Amended]

    From Cedar Rapids, IA; to Moline, IL.
* * * * *

V-262 [Removed]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 3, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-28725 Filed 12-6-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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