Document ID: FAA-2012-0510-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Amendment of Restricted Area R-2101: Anniston Army Depot, AL
Posted Date: 2012-05-23T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 23, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30376-30377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12576]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0510; Airspace Docket No. 12-ASO-17]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment of Restricted Area R-2101; Anniston Army Depot, AL

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends the description of restricted area R-2101, 
Anniston Army Depot, AL, by removing the abbreviation ``CST'' from the 
time of designation, and by including a controlling agency for the 
restricted area. This amendment does not change the dimensions of, or 
activities conducted within, R-2101.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, July 26, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Gallant, Airspace, Regulations 
and ATC Procedures Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 
telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The time of designation for R-2101 currently reads ``0700 to 1800 
CST, Monday-Friday.'' Since the restricted area lies completely within 
the central time zone, it is unnecessary to specify ``CST'' in the 
description. The use of ``CST'' has led to confusion about the time of 
designation during that part of the year when daylight saving time is 
in effect. The intended time of designation for the restricted areas is 
0700-1800 local time, Monday-Friday, during both standard time and 
daylight saving time periods.
    Currently, R-2101 does not have a designated controlling agency. A 
controlling agency is the air traffic control facility that exercises 
control of the airspace when it is not in use by the using agency for 
its designated purpose. Since the using agency releases R-2101 during 
periods when it is not scheduled for use, the FAA is designating a 
controlling agency to enable joint use of the airspace during such 
periods.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 73 by removing ``CST'' from the time of designation for restricted 
area R-2101, Anniston Army Depot, AL, and inserting the words ``local 
time'' in its place. The time of designation is amended to read ``0700 
to 1800 local time, Monday-Friday.'' In addition, the FAA, Atlanta Air 
Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) is designated as the controlling 
agency for the restricted area. A controlling agency enables joint use 
of the airspace during periods when it is not required by the military 
using agency. These changes do not alter the current dimensions or 
usage of the restricted area.
    Because this action is a minor editorial change that does not alter 
the physical location or utilization of the restricted areas, I find 
that notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
unnecessary.
    Section 73.21 of Title 14 CFR part 73 was republished in FAA Order 
7400.8T, effective February 16, 2011.
    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 amends airspace descriptions to keep them current.

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 311d. This action updates the technical description of 
special use airspace that does not alter the dimensions, altitudes, or 
use of the airspace. It 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 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

Adoption of Amendment

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

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
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.

0
2. Sec.  73.21 is amended as follows:

Sec.  73.21  [Amended]

* * * * *

R-2101 Anniston Army Depot, AL [Amended]

    By replacing the current time of designation and adding a 
controlling agency as follows:

Time of designation. 0700 to 1800 local time, Monday-Friday.

[[Page 30377]]

Controlling agency. FAA, Atlanta ARTCC.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2012.
Ellen Crum,
Acting Manager, Airspace, Regulations and ATC Procedures Group.
[FR Doc. 2012-12576 Filed 5-22-12; 8:45 am]
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