[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 117 (Monday, June 17, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30508-30509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15212]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 73

[Airspace Docket No. 95-ASO-18]


Subdivision of Restricted Area R-2103, Fort Rucker, AL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action subdivides Restricted Area 2103 (R-2103), Fort 
Rucker, AL, into two separate areas, to permit more efficient use of 
the airspace. R-2103A is designated from the surface to but not 
including 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), and R-2103B is designated 
from 10,000 feet MSL to 15,000 feet MSL. This subdivision of the 
restricted areas utilize the existing lateral boundaries of R-2103. No 
new restricted airspace is established by this action.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, August 15, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace and Rules 
Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal 
Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Rule

    This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 subdivides R-2103, Fort Rucker, 
AL, into two separate areas to permit more efficient utilization of 
airspace. Currently, R-2103 extends from the surface to 15,000 feet 
MSL, with a time of designation of ``continuous.'' The using agency has 
determined that the majority of mission activities currently do not 
require restricted airspace above 10,000 feet MSL. Certain activities, 
however, still require restricted airspace up to the 15,000 feet MSL 
ceiling, but not on a ``continuous'' basis. Under the current 
restricted area configuration, airspace is restricted up to 15,000 feet 
MSL even when mission activities do not require airspace above 10,000 
feet MSL. This unnecessarily limits public access to a portion of the 
airspace. This amendment will subdivide the existing R-2103 as follows: 
R-2103A is designated from the surface to but not including 10,000 feet 
MSL, and retains a ``continuous'' time of designation. Cairns Approach 
Control, a U.S. Army air traffic control facility, is designated as the 
controlling agency for R-2103A, per agreement with the FAA, 
Jacksonville ARTCC. R-2103B is designated from 10,000 feet MSL to 
15,000 feet MSL, with a time of designation of ``By Notice to Airmen 
(NOTAM) 6 hours in advance.'' The FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC is designated 
as the controlling agency for R-2103B. This change enables the using 
agency to accomplish its mission while improving the capability to 
activate only the minimum amount of restricted airspace necessary for 
that mission. There is no change to the lateral boundaries or 
activities conducted in the existing area. This action affects only the 
internal subdivision of an existing restricted area and enhances 
efficient airspace utilization. Therefore, I find that notice and 
public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary since this 
action is a minor amendment in which the public would not be 
particularly interested. The coordinates for this airspace docket are 
based on North American Datum 83. Section 73.21 of part 73 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations was republished in FAA Order 7400.8C dated 
June 19, 1995.

Environmental Review

    This action internally subdivides an existing restricted area and 
does not affect the lateral boundaries or overall vertical limits of 
restricted airspace. There are no changes to air traffic control 
procedures, routes, or type of activity conducted within these 
boundaries as a result of this amendment. Therefore, this action is not 
subject to environmental assessments and procedures under FAA Order 
1050.1D, ``Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental 
Impacts,'' and the National Environmental Policy Act.
    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. 
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 rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Navigation (air).

[[Page 30509]]

Adoption of the Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 73 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; 14 CFR 11.69.


Sec. 73.21  [Amended]

    2. Section 73.21 is amended as follows:

R-2103 Fort Rucker, AL [Removed]

R-2103A Fort Rucker, AL [New]

    Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at 
lat. 31 deg.26'56''N., long. 85 deg.47'45''W.
    Designated altitudes. Surface to but not including 10,000 feet 
MSL.
    Time of designation. Continuous.
    Controlling agency. U.S. Army, Cairns Approach Control.
    Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, 
Fort Rucker, AL.

R-2103B Fort Rucker, AL [New]

    Boundaries. A circular area with a radius of 4 miles centered at 
lat. 31 deg.26'56''N., long. 85 deg.47'45''W.
    Designated altitudes. 10,000 feet MSL to 15,000 feet MSL.
    Time of designation. By NOTAM 6 hours in advance.
    Controlling agency. FAA, Jacksonville ARTCC.
    Using agency. Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center, 
Fort Rucker, AL.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 5, 1996.
Harold W. Becker,
Acting Program Director for Air Traffic, Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 96-15212 Filed 6-14-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P