Document ID: FAA-2020-0567-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airspace Designations and Reporting Points: Alaska
Posted Date: 2021-07-15T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37235-37238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14978]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0567; Airspace Docket No. 20-AAL-15]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment to Federal Airways Amber 15 (A-15), V-444, J-502, J-
511, and Extension of Canadian Area Navigation Routes Q-902 and Q-811; 
Alaska

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends Federal airways, A-15, V-444, J-502, and J-
511 in Alaska. It also establishes an extension of two Canadian Area 
Navigation Q routes, Q-902, and Q-811. The modifications are necessary 
due to the decommissioning of the Burwash Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) 
in Yukon Territory, Canada, which provides navigation guidance for 
portions of the affected routes. The Burwash NDB was decommissioned 
effective March 26, 2020 due to ongoing maintenance problems and 
logistic issues.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, October 7, 2021. 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 7400.11 and 
publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11E, 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. The Order is also available for inspection 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of FAA Order 7400.11E at NARA, email: 
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher McMullin, Rules and

[[Page 37236]]

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 modifies the air traffic service route structure in the 
National Airspace System as necessary to preserve the safe and 
efficient flow of air traffic.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0567 in the Federal Register (85 FR 38799; June 29, 2020) 
amending Federal airways A-15, V-444, J-502, and J-511 in Alaska. A 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking was also published for 
Docket No. FAA-2020-0567 in the Federal Register (85 FR 60108 September 
24, 2020) amending Federal airways J-502, and J-511 in Alaska, and 
establishing two Q routes, Q-902, and Q-811. Interested parties were 
invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written 
comments on the proposal. No comments were received.
    Colored and Alaskan VOR Federal airways are published in paragraph 
6009 and 6010(b), Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004, and 
Canadian Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 2007 of FAA 
Order 7400.11E dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 2020, 
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The Federal airways, 
jet routes, and Canadian Area Navigation routes listed in this document 
will be subsequently published in the Order.

Differences From the NPRM

    In the supplemental NPRM published in the Federal Register (85 FR 
60108; September 24, 2020) proposal section addressing the 
establishment of Q-811 and Q-902, they were referred to as Alaskan Air 
Navigational routes, which was stated in error. This same error was 
made in the proposed amendment section. Q-811 and Q-902 are extensions 
of Canadian Area Navigation routes that extend into Alaskan airspace 
and should be referenced under paragraph 2007. This rule corrects that 
editorial error in the amendment section.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11E, Airspace Designations and 
Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and effective September 15, 
2020. FAA Order 7400.11E is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11E 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 modifying Federal airways A-
15, and V-444, jet routes J-502, and J-511, and Canadian Area 
Navigation Routes Q-811, and Q-902. The airway actions are described 
below.
    A-15: A-15 currently extends between the Ethelda, BC, Canada, NDB 
and the Delta Junction, AK, NDB. This action removes the segment 
between the Intersection of Sisters Island 331[deg], and Whitehorse 
207[deg] radials and Beaver Creek, YT, NDB. The unaffected portions of 
the existing route remain as charted.
    V-444: V-444 currently extends between the Barrow, AK, NDB and the 
Burwash, YT, NDB. This action removes the segment between the 
intersection of the Northway 138[deg], and Gulkana 079[deg] and 
Burwash, YT, NDB. The unaffected portions of the existing route remain 
as charted. The portion within Canada is excluded.
    J-502: J-502 currently extends between Seattle, WA and Kotzebue, 
AK. This action removes the segment between the Sister Island, AK, 
VORTAC and the Northway, AK, VORTAC. The unaffected portions of the 
existing route would remain as charted.
    J-511: J-511 currently extends between Dillingham, AK and Burwash 
Landing, YT, Canada, NDB. This action removes the segment between the 
Gulkana VORTAC and the Burwash Landing, YT, Canada. The unaffected 
portions of the existing route would remain as charted.
    Q-811: This action extends Canadian Area Navigation Route Q-811 to 
overly the existing J-511 to mitigate the route segments that cannot be 
supported by ground navigational facilities. Q-811 starts at 
Dillingham, AK and terminates at the newly established waypoint of 
IGSOM, which was established to replace the Burwash NDB, excluding that 
airspace in Canada.
    Q-902: This action extends Canadian Area Navigation Route Q-902 to 
overlay the existing J-502 in its entirety, to mitigate route segments 
that cannot be supported by ground navigation facilities. Q-902 starts 
at Seattle, WA and terminates at Kotzebue, AK, excluding that airspace 
in Canada.
    FAA Order 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. 
It, therefore: (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 airspace action of amending of 
Federal airways A-15, and V-444, jet routes J-502, and J-511, and 
Canadian Area Navigation Routes Q-811, and Q-902 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 not expected to result in 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

[[Page 37237]]

circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may 
have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis. The 
FAA has determined that 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).

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 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 7400.11E, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated July 21, 2020, and 
effective September 15, 2020, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 6009 Colored Federal Airways.

* * * * *

A-15 [Amended]

    From Ethelda, BC, Canada, NDB; Nichols, AK, NDB; Sumner Strait, 
AK, NDB; Coghlan Island, AK, NDB; Haines, AK, NDB; Intersection of 
Sisters Island 311[deg] (M), 331[deg] (T), and Whitehorse 189[deg] 
(M), 207[deg] (T) radials; and then; Beaver Creek, YT, Canada, NDB; 
Nabesna, AK, NDB; to Delta Junction, AK, NDB. The airspace within 
Canada is excluded.
* * * * *

Paragraph 6010(b) Alaskan VOR Federal Airways.

* * * * *

V-444 [Amended]

    From Barrow, AK, Evansville, AK, NDB; Bettles, AK; Fairbanks, 
AK; Big Delta, AK; Northway, AK; intersection of the Northway 
120[deg] (M), 138[deg] (T), and Gulkana 062[deg] (M), 079[deg] (T) 
radials.
* * * * *

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes.

* * * * *

J-502 [Amended]

    From Seattle, WA; via Victoria, BC, Canada; Port Hardy, BC, 
Canada; Annette Island, AK; Level Island, AK; Sisters Island; and 
then; Northway, AK; Fairbanks, AK; to Kotzebue, AK, excluding the 
airspace within Canada.
* * * * *

J-511 [Amended]

    From Dillingham, AK; via INT Dillingham 059[deg] and Anchorage, 
AK 247[deg] radials, to Anchorage, AK; Gulkana, AK.
* * * * *

Paragraph 2007 Canadian Area Navigation Routes.

* * * * *

Q-811 Dillingham, AK to IGSOM [New]
 
DILLINGHAM, AK (DLG)              VOR/DME           (Lat. 58[deg]59'39.24'' N, long. 158[deg]33'07.99'' W)
KOWOK, AK                         FIX               (Lat. 59[deg]12'31.22'' N, long. 157[deg]50'52.40'' W)
SAHOK, AK                         FIX               (Lat. 59[deg]34'38.92'' N, long. 156[deg]35'01.99'' W)
FAGIN, AK                         WP                (Lat. 59[deg]51'56.15'' N, long. 155[deg]32'43.30'' W)
NONDA, AK                         WP                (Lat. 60[deg]19'15.50'' N, long. 153[deg]47'57.60'' W)
AMOTT, AK                         WP                (Lat. 60[deg]52'26.59'' N, long. 151[deg]22'23.60'' W)
GASTO, AK                         WP                (Lat. 60[deg]56'38.36'' N, long. 151[deg]02'43.16'' W)
ANCHORAGE, AK (TED)               VOR/DME           (Lat. 61[deg]10'04.32'' N, long. 149[deg]57'36.51'' W)
GULKA N, AK (GKN)                 VOR/DME           (Lat. 62[deg]09'13.51'' N, long. 145[deg]26'50.51'' W)
TOVAD, CAN                        FIX               (Lat. 61[deg]37'45.02'' N, long. 140[deg]58'54.31'' W)
IGSOM, CAN                        WP                (Lat. 61[deg]22'14.38'' N, long. 139[deg]02'23.81'' W)
 
                                                    * * * * *
Q-902 SEATTLE, WA to KOTZEBUE, AK [New]
 
SEATTLE, WA (SEA)                 VORTAC            (Lat. 47[deg]26'07.34'' N, long. 122[deg]18'34.62'' W)
ORCUS, WA                         WP                (Lat. 48[deg]20'39.54'' N, long. 123[deg]07'44.01'' W)
VICTORIA, CAN (YYJ)               VOR/DME           (Lat. 48[deg]43'37.34'' N, long. 123[deg]29'03.69'' W)
ARRUE, CAN                        INT               (Lat. 49[deg]04'23.00'' N, long. 124[deg]07'47.00'' W)
ROYST, CAN                        INT               (Lat. 49[deg]35'29.00'' N, long. 125[deg]07'35.00'' W)
PORT HARDY, CAN (YZT)             VOR/DME           (Lat. 50[deg]41'02.90'' N, long. 127[deg]21'55.10'' W)
PRYCE, CAN                        INT               (Lat. 52[deg]14'17.00'' N, long. 128[deg]45'00.00'' W)
DUGGS, CAN                        INT               (Lat. 53[deg]02'05.00'' N, long. 129[deg]30'12.00'' W)
HANRY, CAN                        INT               (Lat. 54[deg]36'23.00'' N, long. 131[deg]05'36.00'' W)
ANNETTE ISLA N, AK (ANN)          VOR/DME           (Lat. 55[deg]03'37.47'' N, long. 131[deg]34'42.24'' W)
GESTI, AK                         INT               (Lat. 55[deg]25'57.47'' N, long. 131[deg]57'50.40'' W)
DOOZI, AK                         WP                (Lat. 55[deg]37'57.14'' N, long. 132[deg]10'28.73'' W)
LEVEL ISLA N, AK (LVD)            VOR/DME           (Lat. 56[deg]28'03.75'' N, long. 133[deg]04'59.21'' W)
HOODS, AK                         WP                (Lat. 57[deg]44'34.56'' N, long. 134[deg]40'53.66'' W)
SISTERS ISLA N, AK (SSR)          VORTAC            (Lat. 58[deg]10'39.58'' N, long. 135[deg]15'31.91'' W)
IGSOM, CAN                        WP                (Lat. 61[deg]22'14.38'' N, long. 139[deg]02'23.81'' W)
AYZOL, AK                         WP                (Lat. 62[deg]28'16.15'' N, long. 141[deg]00'00.00'' W)
NORTHWAY, AK (ORT)                VORTAC            (Lat. 62[deg]56'49.92'' N, long. 141[deg]54'45.39'' W)
RDFLG, AK                         WP                (Lat. 63[deg]35'27.26'' N, long. 143[deg]51'00.14'' W)
HRD N, AK                         WP                (Lat. 64[deg]18'04.42'' N, long. 146[deg]12'01.50'' W)
FAIRBANKS, AK (FAI)               VORTAC            (Lat. 64[deg]48'00.25'' N, long. 148[deg]00'43.11'' W)
KOTZEBUE, AK (OTZ)                VOR/DME           (Lat. 66[deg]53'08.46'' N, long. 162[deg]32'23.77'' W)
 

[[Page 37238]]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2021.
George Gonzalez,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2021-14978 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P