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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 241 (Monday, December 16, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 101545-101547]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-29514]

========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 241 / Monday, December 16, 2024 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 101545]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2024-2672; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-13]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-161, V-163, and V-568; and 
Establishment of United States RNAV Route T-545 in the Vicinity of 
Three Rivers, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend Very High Frequency 
Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-161, V-163, and V-568; 
and to establish United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Route T-545. The 
FAA is proposing this action due to the planned decommissioning of the 
VOR portion of the Three Rivers, TX (THX), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation 
(VORTAC) navigational aid (NAVAID). The Three Rivers 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 30, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2024-2672 and 
Airspace Docket No. 24-ASW-13 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, 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, Policy Directorate, 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.

[[Page 101546]]

Incorporation by Reference

    VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) and United 
States Area Navigation Routes (T-routes) are published in paragraph 
6011 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 Three 
Rivers, TX, VORTAC in August 2025. The Three Rivers VOR was 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 
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 Three Rivers 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 VOR Federal Airways affected by the Three Rivers VOR 
decommissioning are V-161, V-163, and V-568. With the planned 
decommissioning of the Three Rivers VOR, the remaining ground-based 
NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to enable the continuity of 
V-161 and V-568. As such, proposed modifications to V-161 and V-568 
would result in the airways being shortened. Proposed modifications to 
V-163 would retain the airway with a minor alignment change by 
replacing the Three Rivers VORTAC and YENNS Fix route points with a new 
single intersection Fix using radials from the Corpus Christi, TX, 
VORTAC and the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC.
    To mitigate the loss of the V-161 and V-568 airway segments, 
instrument flight rules (IFR) pilots could use V-68 and the proposed 
amended V-163 airway to navigate through and around the affected area. 
IFR pilots with RNAV-equipped aircraft could navigate using RNAV Route 
T-499, the proposed new RNAV Route T-545, or point-to-point using the 
existing Fixes that would remain in place to support continued 
operations though the affected area. Additionally, IFR pilots could 
request and receive air traffic control (ATC) radar vectors to fly 
through or around the affected area. Visual flight rules pilots who 
elect to navigate via airways could also take advantage of the proposed 
amended V-163, the ATC services listed previously, as well as the 
listed RNAV routes and point-to-point navigation, if properly equipped.
    The proposed establishment of United States RNAV Route T-545 would 
mitigate portions of the proposed modifications to V-161 and V-568 and 
overlay V-163 to provide positive course guidance for RNAV-equipped 
aircraft between the Brownsville, TX, area and the San Antonio, TX, 
area. The proposed T-545 would also ensure RNAV-equipped aircraft 
safely circumnavigate the Kingsville 4, TX, and the Randolph 1B, TX, 
Military Operations Areas (MOA).

The Proposal

    The FAA is proposing to amend 14 CFR part 71 by amending VOR 
Federal Airways V-161, V-163, and V-568; and establishing United States 
RNAV Route T-545. This action is required due to the planned 
decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Three Rivers, TX, VORTAC 
NAVAID. The proposed Air Traffic Service (ATS) route actions are 
described below.
    V-161: V-161 currently extends between the Three Rivers, TX, VORTAC 
and the Center Point, TX, VORTAC; between the Millsap, TX, VORTAC and 
the Tulsa, OK, VORTAC; and between the Butler, MO, VORTAC and the 
Gopher, MN, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segment 
between the Three Rivers VORTAC and the Center Point VORTAC. As 
amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Millsap 
VORTAC and the Tulsa VORTAC, and between the Butler VORTAC and the 
Gopher VORTAC.
    V-163: V-163 currently extends between the Matamoros, Mexico, VOR/
Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the Gooch Springs, TX, 
VORTAC. The airspace within Mexico is excluded. The FAA proposes to 
amend the airway by removing the Three Rivers, TX, VORTAC and the 
intersection of the Three Rivers VORTAC 345[deg] and San Antonio, TX, 
VORTAC 168[deg] radials (YENNS Fix) route points and replacing them 
with a new route point at the intersection of the Corpus Christi, TX, 
VORTAC 314[deg] True (T)/305[deg] Magnetic (M) and San Antonio VORTAC 
168[deg](T)/160[deg](M) radials (SLENA Fix). Additionally, the airway 
width reduction between the Brownsville, TX, VORTAC and the Corpus 
Christi VORTAC would be removed as it is no longer needed. As amended, 
the airway would continue to extend between the Matamoros, Mexico, VOR/
DME and the Gooch Springs VORTAC. The airspace within Mexico would 
continue to be excluded.
    V-568: V-568 currently extends between the Corpus Christi, TX, 
VORTAC and the Stonewall, TX, VORTAC; and between the Millsap, TX, 
VORTAC and the Wichita Falls, TX, VORTAC. The FAA proposes to remove 
the airway segment between the Corpus Christi VORTAC and the San 
Antonio, TX, VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend 
between the San Antonio VORTAC and the Stonewall VORTAC, and between 
the Millsap VORTAC and the Wichita Falls VORTAC.
    T-545: T-545 is a new United States RNAV route proposed to be 
established extending between the Brownsville, TX, VORTAC and the Gooch 
Springs, TX, VORTAC. The new route would provide an RNAV alternative to 
the proposed V-163 airway segment amendment between the Corpus Christi, 
TX, VORTAC and the San Antonio, TX, VORTAC. Additionally, the route 
would also provide positive RNAV navigational guidance for aircraft to 
remain clear of the Kingsville 4, TX, and the Randolph 1B, TX, MOAs.

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.

[[Page 101547]]

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 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-161 [Amended]

    From Millsap, TX; Bowie, TX; Ardmore, OK; Okmulgee, OK; to 
Tulsa, OK. From Butler, MO; Napoleon, MO; Lamoni, IA; Des Moines, 
IA; Mason City, IA; Rochester, MN; Farmington, MN; to Gopher, MN.
* * * * *

V-163 [Amended]

    From Matamoros, Mexico; Brownsville, TX; Corpus Christi, TX; INT 
Corpus Christi 314[deg](T)/305[deg](M) and San Antonio, TX, 
168[deg](T)/160[deg](M) radials; San Antonio; to Gooch Springs, TX. 
The airspace within Mexico is excluded.
* * * * *

V-568 [Amended]

    From San Antonio, TX; to Stonewall, TX. From Millsap, TX; to 
Wichita Falls, TX.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

T-545 Brownsville, TX (BRO) to Gooch Springs, TX (AGJ) [New]
 
Brownsville, TX (BRO)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 25[deg]55'26.66'' N, long. 097[deg]22'30.97'' W)
Corpus Christi, TX (CRP)                        VORTAC                         (Lat. 27[deg]54'13.56'' N, long. 097[deg]26'41.57'' W)
SLENA, TX                                       FIX                            (Lat. 28[deg]32'38.31'' N, long. 098[deg]11'47.89'' W)
San Antonio, TX (SAT)                           VORTAC                         (Lat. 29[deg]38'38.51'' N, long. 098[deg]27'40.74'' W)
Gooch Springs, TX (AGJ)                         VORTAC                         (Lat. 31[deg]11'07.82'' N, long. 098[deg]08'30.69'' W)
 

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 11, 2024.
Richard Lee Parks,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2024-29514 Filed 12-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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