Document ID: FAA-2020-0187-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Amendment and Removal of Air Traffic Service Routes: Eastern United States
Posted Date: 2020-09-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 1, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54233-54235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19082]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0187; Airspace Docket No. 19-ASO-27]
RIN 2120-AA66

Amendment and Removal of Air Traffic Service (ATS) Routes; 
Eastern United States

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends 6 jet routes, removes 4 jet routes, and 
removes 1 high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the eastern 
United States. This action is in support of the Northeast Corridor 
Atlantic Coast Route Project to improve the efficiency of the National 
Airspace System (NAS) and reduce dependency on ground-based 
navigational systems.

DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, November 5, 2020. The Director of the 
Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 
Title 1 Code of Federal Regulations part 51, subject to the annual 
revision of FAA Order 7400.11 and publication of conforming amendments.

ADDRESSES: FAA Order 7400.11D, 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 7400.11D at NARA, email: 
fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean Hook, 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 would modify the route structure as necessary to 
preserve the safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the NAS.

History

    The FAA published a notice of proposed rulemaking for Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0187 in the Federal Register (85 FR 16289; March 23, 2020), 
amending 9 jet routes, removing 22 jet routes and removing 1 high 
altitude RNAV route in the eastern United States in support of the 
Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast Route Project. The NPRM proposed to 
amend the following existing routes: J-2, J-14, J-24, J-37, J-39, J-42, 
J-52, J-61, and J-68. In addition, the NPRM proposed to remove the 
following existing routes: J-55, J-62, J-79, J-109, J-121, J-150, J-
165, J-174, J-191, J-193, J-207, J-209, J-222, J-225, J-230, J-506, J-
561, J-563, J-570, J-573, J-582, J-585 and Q-108. Interested parties 
were invited to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting 
written comments on the proposal. One comment was received expressing 
overall agreement with the proposal.
    Jet routes are published in paragraph 2004; and United States Area 
Navigation Routes are published in paragraph 2006; of FAA Order 
7400.11D dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 2019, which 
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The jet routes and RNAV 
route listed in this document would be subsequently amended in, or 
removed, respectively, from the Order.

Availability and Summary of Documents for Incorporation by Reference

    This document amends FAA Order 7400.11D, Airspace Designations and

[[Page 54234]]

Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and effective September 15, 
2019. FAA Order 7400.11D is publicly available as listed in the 
ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order 7400.11D lists Class A, 
B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and 
reporting points.

Differences From the Proposal

    As the NPRM was published, the United States was undergoing the 
effects of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions imposed 
to confront the pandemic impacted the ability of air traffic control 
facilities to conduct the required air traffic controller training to 
amend or remove these routes and the necessary administrative actions 
to decommission the NAVAIDs.
    As a result, the FAA is limiting the scope of this rule to amending 
the following 6 jet routes: J-2, J-37, J-39, J-55, J-61, and J-121; and 
removing the 4 existing jet routes and 1 high altitude area navigation 
(RNAV) route: J-62, J-109, J-230, J-570, and Q-108. The descriptions of 
these routes are the same as proposed in the NPRM; however, in the 
original proposal the FAA was to remove J-55 and J-121; due to the 
impacts of COVID-19 the FAA will amend them as noted in this rule, thus 
retaining the air navigation services they provide. The remaining 
routes contained in the NPRM are removed from this rule and will be 
addressed by separate rulemaking action at a later date.
    The J-37 route description information contained in ``The 
Proposal'' section and in the regulatory text of the NPRM contained an 
editorial error. Prior to publication of the NPRM, the FAA published a 
rule for Docket No. FAA-2018-0817 in the Federal Register (85 FR 3814, 
January 23, 2020) amending J-37 by removing the route segment between 
the Hobby, TX, VOR/DME and the Harvey, LA, VORTAC. The J-37 amendment, 
effective March 26, 2020, is included in this rule.
    Additionally, in the NPRM for this rule, the eastern end point for 
the J-2 route was defined by the intersection of the Crestview, FL, 
091[deg] and the Seminole, FL, 290[deg] radials. Subsequent to the 
NPRM, the Seminole, FL radial was replaced by the Montgomery, AL, 
173[deg] radial to define the intersection. This rule amends that point 
to read ``the intersection of Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery, 
AL, 173[deg] radials'' (depicted on aeronautical charts as the DEFUN, 
FL, INT). Also, in the preamble of the NPRM, in describing J-61, the 
EDDYS, NC fix was incorrectly identified as the WETRO, NC waypoint. The 
correct reference is included in this rule.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 
part 71 by amending 6 jet routes, removing 4 jet routes, and removing 1 
high altitude area navigation (RNAV) route in the eastern United 
States. This action will support the Northeast Corridor Atlantic Coast 
Route Project by amending and removing certain jet route segments that 
are being replaced by RNAV routing. Additionally, the proposed jet 
route changes will reduce aeronautical chart clutter by removing 
unneeded route segments.
    The jet route changes are as follows:
    J-2: J-2 currently extends between the Mission Bay, CA, VORTAC, and 
the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. This action removes the segment of the route 
between the Seminole, FL, VORTAC and the Taylor, FL, VORTAC. As 
amended, J-2 extends between the Mission Bay VORTAC and intersection of 
the Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery, AL, 173[deg] radials 
(depicted on aeronautical charts as the DEFUN, FL, INT).
    J-37: J-37 currently consist of two separate segments: between the 
Harvey, LA, VORTAC and the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC; followed by a gap; and 
then between the Kennedy, NY, VOR/DME, and the Massena, NY, VORTAC. As 
amended, J-37 will extend in three separate segments: The Harvey, LA, 
VORTAC and the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC; the Lynchburg, VA, VOR/DME and 
the Coyle, NJ, VORTAC; and the Kennedy, NY, VOR/DME and the Albany, NY, 
VORTAC.
    J-39: J-39 currently extends between the Crestview, FL, VORTAC, and 
the Rosewood, OH, VORTAC. This action will remove the portion of the 
route between the Crestview, FL and the Montgomery, AL, VORTAC. The 
amended route will extend between Montgomery, AL and Rosewood, OH.
    J-55: J-55 currently extends in two parts: Between the Charleston, 
SC, VORTAC, and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] 
radials; followed by a gap in the route, and resuming between the Sea 
Isle, NJ, VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The amended route 
will extend in two parts: From INT Flat Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh 
Durham, NC, 224[deg] radials and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and 
Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials, and resuming from the Sea Isle, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME.
    J-61: J-61 currently extends between the intersection of the Dixon, 
NC, NDB 023[deg] and Nottingham, MD, VORTAC 174[deg] radials (the 
EDDYS, NC fix), and the Philipsburg, PA, VORTAC. This action will 
remove the segment between the EDDYS fix, and the Nottingham VORTAC. 
The amended route will extend between the Westminster, MD, VORTAC, and 
the Philipsburg VORTAC.
    J-62: J-62 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, VORTAC, 
and INT Hopewell, VA, 030[deg] and Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials; 
followed by a gap in the route, and resuming between the Sea Isle, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Presque Isle, ME, VOR/DME. The FAA will remove the 
entire route. Alternative routing is available via J-222 to J-79.
    J-109: J-109 currently extends between the Wilmington, NC, VORTAC, 
and the Linden, VA, VORTAC. The FAA will delete the entire route.
    J-121: J-121 currently extends between the Charleston, SC, VORTAC, 
and the Kennebunk, ME, VOR/DME. The amended route will extend between 
the Charleston, SC, VORTAC and INT Sea Isle, NJ, 050[deg] and Cedar 
Lake, NJ, 091[deg] radials.
    J-230: J-230 currently extends between the Robbinsville, NJ, 
VORTAC, and the Bellaire, OH, VOR/DME. The FAA will delete the entire 
route.
    J-570: J-570 currently extends between the Albany, NY, VORTAC, and 
the Mirabel, PQ, Canada, VOR/DME, excluding the portion outside of the 
United States. The FAA will delete the entire route.
    In addition to the above jet route changes, the FAA proposes to 
remove one high altitude RNAV route as follows:
    Q-108: Q-108 currently extends between the GADAY, FL, WP and the 
HKUNA, FL, fix. The FAA will delete the entire route.
    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

[[Page 54235]]

procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed 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 6 jet routes, 
removing 4 jet routes, and removing 1 high altitude area navigation 
(RNAV) route in the eastern United States qualifies for categorical 
exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act 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 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).

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 7400.11D, 
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 8, 2019, and 
effective September 15, 2019, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 2004 Jet Routes

* * * * *

J-2 [Amended]

    From Mission Bay, CA; Imperial, CA; Bard, AZ; INT Bard 089[deg] 
and Gila Bend, AZ, 261[deg]radials; Gila Bend; Tucson, AZ; El Paso, 
TX; Fort Stockton, TX; Junction, TX; San Antonio, TX; Humble, TX; 
Lake Charles, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; Semmes, AL; Crestview, FL; to 
INT Crestview, FL, 091[deg] and Montgomery, AL, 173[deg] radials.
* * * * *

J-37 [Amended]

    From Harvey, LA; Semmes, AL; to Montgomery, AL. From Lynchburg, 
VA; Gordonsville, VA; Brooke, VA; INT Brooke 067[deg] and Coyle, NJ, 
226[deg] radials; to Coyle. From Kennedy, NY; Kingston, NY; to 
Albany, NY.
* * * * *

J-39 [Amended]

    From Montgomery, AL; Vulcan, AL, Nashville, TN; Louisville, KY, 
to Rosewood, OH.
* * * * *

J-55 [Amended]

    From INT Flat Rock, VA, 212[deg] and Raleigh-Durham, NC, 
224[deg] radials; Raleigh-Durham; INT Raleigh-Durham 035[deg] and 
Hopewell, VA, 234[deg] radials; Hopewell; INT Hopewell 030[deg] and 
Nottingham, MD, 174[deg] radials. From Sea Isle, NJ; INT Sea Isle 
050[deg]and Hampton, NY, 223[deg] radials; Hampton; Providence, RI; 
Boston, MA; Kennebunk, ME; to Presque Isle, ME.
* * * * *

J-61 [Amended]

    From Westminster, MD; to Philipsburg, PA.
* * * * *

J-62 [Remove]

* * * * *

J-109 [Remove]

* * * * *

J-121 [Amended]

    From Charleston, SC; Kinston, NC; Norfolk, VA; INT Norfolk 
023[deg] and Snow Hill, MD, 211[deg] radials; Snow Hill; Sea Isle, 
NJ; INT Sea Isle, NJ 050[deg] and Cedar Lake, NJ 091[deg] radials.
* * * * *

J-230 [Remove]

* * * * *

J-570 [Remove]

* * * * *

Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes

* * * * *

Q-108 [Remove]

* * * * *

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 26, 2020.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2020-19082 Filed 8-31-20; 8:45 am]
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