[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 87 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24789-24790]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-10608]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0008; Airspace Docket No. 09-ANM-21]


Modification of Jet Route J-3; Spokane, WA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This action modifies Jet Route J-3 by terminating the route at 
the Spokane, WA, VHF omnidirectional range/tactical air navigation 
(VORTAC) instead of the Canadian border. This action is necessary for 
the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations 
within the National Airspace System (NAS).

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 29, 2010. 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 7400.9 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken McElroy, Airspace and Rules Group, 
Office of System Operations Airspace and AIM, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

History

    On February 4, 2010, the FAA published in the Federal Register a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to modify J-3 Spokane, WA. (75 FR 
5703). Interested parties were invited to participate in this 
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on this proposal to 
the FAA. No comments were received in response to the NPRM, therefore, 
this amendment is the same as that proposed in the NPRM.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by removing the segment of J-3 that extends from the Spokane 
VORTAC to Cranbrook, BC. The route terminates at the EDGES fix located 
on the United States and Canadian border. The FAA has determined that 
this segment of J-3 is not required since the Jet Route, as currently 
described, terminates or originates at a point in space on the 
international border and does not meet or connect to any corresponding 
airway within Canadian airspace. Additionally, the segment between the 
Spokane VORTAC and Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME causes confusion because it 
appears that pilots can file a flight plan all the way to the 
Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME, however, the computer rejects the flight plans 
filed to the Cranbrook, BC VOR/DME.
    Jet Routes are published in paragraph 2004 of FAA Order 7400.9T, 
dated August 27, 2009 and effective September 15, 2009, which is 
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Jet Route listed in this 
document would be subsequently published in the Order.
    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 will only affect air 
traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this 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.
    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 modifies a Jet Route from Oakland, CA, to Spokane, WA.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act in accordance 
with FAA Order 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and 
Procedures,'' paragraph 311a. This airspace action is not expected to 
cause any potentially significant environmental impacts, and no 
extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an 
environmental assessment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 part 71 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 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 7400.9T, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 27, 2009 and 
effective September 15, 2009, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004--Jet Routes

* * * * *

J-3 [Modified]

    From Oakland, CA, via Red Bluff, CA; Lakeview, OR; Kimberly, OR; 
Spokane, WA.


[[Page 24790]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, April 29, 2010.
Paul Gallant,
Acting Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.
[FR Doc. 2010-10608 Filed 5-5-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P