[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 88 (Friday, May 6, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26975-26977]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-09241]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0057; Airspace Docket No. 21-AWA-3]
RIN 2120-AA66


Amendment of Class B Airspace Description; Atlanta, GA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This action amends the description of the Hartsfield-Jackson 
Atlanta International Airport, GA, Class B airspace area by changing 
the reference for defining the center point of the airspace from the 
``Atlanta VORTAC'' to a ``Point of Origin.'' This action is required 
because the Atlanta VORTAC is scheduled for decommissioning. The Point 
of Origin is based on the same geographical coordinates as the Atlanta 
VORTAC; therefore, the change is editorial only and does not alter the 
currently charted boundaries, or altitudes, or the air traffic control 
(ATC) procedures for the Atlanta Class B airspace area.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 14, 2022. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
1 CFR part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order JO 7400.11 
and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting 
Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. For further information, you can 
contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Rules and Regulations 
Group, Office of Policy, 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 makes editorial changes to an existing Class B airspace 
description to maintain accuracy.

History

    The Atlanta, GA, Class B airspace area was established as a 
``Terminal Control Area (TCA)'' on June 15, 1970 (35 FR 7784, May 21, 
1970). In 1993, as part of the Airspace Reclassification Final Rule (56 
FR 65638, December 17, 1991), the term ``terminal control area'' was 
replaced by ``Class B airspace area.'' The Atlanta Class B airspace 
area was last modified on March 3, 2013 (78 FR 1742, January 9, 2013). 
Currently, the Atlanta VORTAC serves as the reference point for 
defining the center of the Class B airspace area. The Atlanta VORTAC is 
also used in defining the boundaries of seven of the ten subareas that 
make up the Class B airspace area. The Atlanta VORTAC is scheduled to 
be decommissioned, so the FAA is establishing a ``Point of Origin'' to 
replace references to the Atlanta VORTAC in the Atlanta Class B 
description. The Point of Origin has the same latitude and longitude 
coordinates as the Atlanta VORTAC therefore, there is no change to the 
existing charted boundaries of the Atlanta Class B airspace area. All 
references to the Atlanta VORTAC in the Atlanta Class B airspace 
description (as published in FAA Order JO 7400.11F) are replaced by 
``Point of Origin.'' This practice is consistent with other Class B 
airspace

[[Page 26976]]

locations that do not have a suitable navigation aid located on the 
airport.
    Class B airspace areas are published in paragraph 3000 of FAA Order 
JO 7400.11F dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 15, 2021, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Class B airspace 
area listed in this document will be published subsequently in FAA 
Order JO 7400.11.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order JO 7400.11F, Airspace Designations 
and Reporting Points, dated August 10, 2021, and effective September 
15, 2021. FAA Order JO 7400.11F is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11F lists Class 
A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

The Rule

    This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by editing the description of the 
Atlanta, GA, Class B airspace area (as published in FAA Order JO 
7400.11F) to replace references to the ``Atlanta VORTAC'' with a 
``Point of Origin.'' This action is necessary because the Atlanta 
VORTAC is scheduled to be decommissioned. The ``Point of Origin'' uses 
the same latitude/longitude position as the current Atlanta VORTAC 
location. The descriptions of the following seven Atlanta Class B 
airspace subareas are affected by the change: A, B, F, G, H, I, and J. 
The FAA is taking this action so that the currently charted boundaries 
of the Atlanta Class B airspace area are not affected by the 
decommissioning of the Atlanta VORTAC and for accuracy.
    Because this action is an editorial change that does not alter the 
currently charted boundaries and altitudes, or the ATC procedures for 
the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, notice and public 
procedure under 5 U.S.C. Sec.  553(b) are unnecessary and contrary to 
the public interest.
    FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, 
is published yearly and effective on September 15.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
Therefore, this regulation: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' 
under Department of Transportation (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 only affects air traffic 
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when 
promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action of amending the description 
of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, GA, Class B 
airspace area by changing the reference for defining the center point 
of the airspace from the ``Atlanta VORTAC'' to a ``Point of Origin'', 
qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 
40 CFR part 1500, and in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, 
Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 5-6.5a, which 
categorically excludes from further environmental impact review 
rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace areas, 
airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation 
of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; 
and Reporting Points). As such, this action is an editorial change that 
is not expected to cause any potentially significant environmental 
impacts. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 regarding 
Extraordinary Circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this action for 
factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded 
action may have a significant environmental impact requiring further 
analysis. The FAA has determined no extraordinary circumstances exist 
that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment or 
environmental impact study.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 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 JO 
7400.11F, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed August 10, 
2021, and effective September 15, 2021, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 3000 Subpart B Class B Airspace.

* * * * *

ASO GA B Atlanta, GA

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Primary Airport)
    (Lat. 33[deg]38'12'' N, long. 84[deg]25'40'' W)
Point of Origin
    (Lat. 33[deg]37'45'' N, long. 84[deg]26'06'' W)

Boundaries

    Area A. That airspace extending upward from the surface to and 
including 12,500 feet MSL, bounded on the east and west by a 7-mile 
radius of the Point of Origin, on the south by a line 4 miles south 
of and parallel to the Runway 10/28 localizer courses, and on the 
north by a line 4 miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/26R 
localizer courses; excluding the Atlanta Fulton County Airport-Brown 
Field, GA, Class D airspace area.
    Area B. That airspace extending upward from 2,500 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, bounded on the east and west by a 12-
mile radius of the Point of Origin, on the south by a line 4 miles 
south of and parallel to the Runway 10/28 localizer courses, and on 
the north by a line 4 miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/
26R localizer courses; excluding the Atlanta Fulton County Airport-
Brown Field, GA, Class D airspace area and that airspace contained 
in Area A.
    Area C. That airspace extending upward from 3,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, bounded on the east by long. 
84[deg]00'32'' W, on the west by long. 84[deg]51'38'' W, on the 
south by a line 8 miles south of and parallel to the Runway 10/28 
localizer courses, and on the north by a line 4 miles north of and 
parallel to the Runway 08L/26R localizer courses; excluding that 
airspace contained in Areas A and B.
    Area D. That airspace extending upward from 3,500 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, bounded on the east by long. 
84[deg]00'32'' W, on the west by long. 84[deg]51'38'' W, on the 
south by a line 4 miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/26R 
localizer courses, and on the north by a line 8 miles north of and 
parallel to the Runway 08L/26R localizer courses.
    Area E. That airspace extending upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, bounded on the east by long.

[[Page 26977]]

83[deg]54'04'' W, on the west by long. 84[deg]57'41'' W, on the 
south by a line 12 miles south of and parallel to the Runway 10/28 
localizer courses and on the north by a line 8 miles north of and 
parallel to the Runway 08L/26R localizer courses; excluding that 
airspace contained in Areas A, B, C, and D.
    Area F. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, within a 30-mile radius of the Point 
of Origin and bounded on the east by long. 83[deg]54'04'' W, on the 
south by a line 8 miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/26R 
localizer courses, on the west by long. 84[deg]57'41'' W, and on the 
north by a line 12 miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/26R 
localizer courses.
    Area G. That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL bounded on the north by a line 12 
miles south of and parallel to the Runway 10/28 localizer courses, 
on the east by a line from lat. 33[deg]25'21'' N, long. 
84[deg]16'49'' W direct to lat. 33[deg]15'33'' N, long. 
84[deg]01'55'' W, on the south by a 30-mile radius of the Point of 
Origin, and on the west by a line from lat. 33[deg]25'25'' N, long. 
84[deg]33'32'' W direct to lat. 33[deg]18'26'' N, long. 
84[deg]42'56'' W and thence south via long. 84[deg]42'56'' W.
    Area H. That airspace extending upward from 5,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL, within a 30-mile radius of the Point 
of Origin south of a line 12 miles south of and parallel to the 
Runway 10/28 localizer courses, bounded on the west by long. 
84[deg]57'41'' W and on the east by long. 83[deg]54'04'' W. 
excluding that airspace within the lateral limits of area G.
    Area I. That airspace extending upward from 7,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL bounded on the north by the 30-mile 
radius of the Point of Origin, on the east by a line from lat. 
33[deg]50'59'' N, long. 84[deg]16'38'' W direct to lat. 
34[deg]04'20'' N, long. 84[deg]09'24'' W, on the south by a line 12 
miles north of and parallel to the Runway 08L/26R localizer courses, 
and on the west by a line from lat. 33[deg]50'59'' N, long. 
84[deg]34'14'' W direct to lat. 34[deg]01'40'' N, long. 
84[deg]47'55'' W.
    Area J. That airspace extending upward from 6,000 feet MSL to 
and including 12,500 feet MSL bounded on the north by a 30-mile 
radius of the Point of Origin, on the east by long. 83[deg]54'04'' 
W, on the south by a line 12 miles north of and parallel to the 
Runway 08L/26R localizer courses, and on the west by long. 
84[deg]57'41'' W, excluding that airspace within the lateral limits 
of area I.
* * * * *

Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Manager, Airspace Rules and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2022-09241 Filed 5-5-22; 8:45 am]
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