[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6801-6803]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02327]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 24 / Wednesday, February 5, 2014 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 6801]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0891; Airspace Docket No. 12-ASO-37]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes; Atlanta, GA
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This action establishes nine low-altitude RNAV routes (T-
routes) in the Atlanta, GA, area. The new routes enhance the efficiency
of the National Airspace System (NAS) by providing routing through,
around and over the busy Atlanta terminal airspace and by providing
connectivity to the existing airway structure.
DATES: Effective date 0901 UTC, April 3, 2014. 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: Paul Gallant, Airspace Policy and
Regulations Group, Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267-8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
History
On November 15, 2013, the FAA published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish nine new RNAV routes
in the Atlanta, GA area (78 FR 68777). Interested parties were invited
to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments
on the proposal. Four comments were received.
Discussion of Comments
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and a pilot who
often flies in the area, both wrote in support of the proposal. Two
other commenters, the City of College Park, GA, and the Woodward
Academy, expressed concerns about the proximity of proposed route T-319
to the Woodward Academy campus in College Park, GA. The City and the
Academy stated concerns about possible environmental and related
economic impacts that might result from the establishment of the route.
Additionally, the City advised that they had not been informed as to
potential changes to the types and frequency of traffic along the path
due to the creation of T-319. The commenters also were concerned about
the potential impact of helicopter noise from T-319.
Route T-319 is almost congruent with an existing VOR Federal airway
(V-97) which passes through the same area near the Woodward Academy
campus. Additionally, this area has long been used by air traffic
control (ATC) as a corridor to vector aircraft north and south over the
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport (ATL). We do not
anticipate an increase in traffic with the establishment of T-319. Air
traffic is already utilizing that airspace. There are no plans to move
additional small propeller aircraft, small jets or helicopters over
this route. Further, the route is being established for aircraft
transiting through the area and is not intended for aircraft or
helicopters circling the area. Aircraft using T-319 will be assigned an
altitude of 5,000 feet MSL or 6,000 feet MSL as they are today in the
corridor. Additionally, with this RNAV route, ATC will be able to move
some traffic through the area at higher altitudes (e.g., 12,000 feet
MSL and 13,000 feet MSL). This should reduce the potential for noise
impacts. The commenters recommended that the FAA consider moving T-319
to the east along a line approximately 0.3 miles east of Harrison Road
(the east edge of the City). Regarding the placement of T-319, the
route must be located as proposed in the NPRM so that separation can be
provided between the transiting traffic and ATL departures that are
climbing to 10,000 feet MSL when ATL is on either an east or west
operation.
Differences from the NPRM
The description of T-297 in the NPRM contained a one minute error
in the longitude coordinate of the RKMRT, GA, waypoint. The NPRM read
``long. 85[deg]14'03'' W.'' The correct point is ``long. 85[deg]15'03''
W.''
The NPRM stated that this action would support the Atlanta
Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in a Metroplex (OAPM) Project.
That statement resulted in some confusion over the status of the T-
route proposal versus the Metroplex project. While these new routes
will enhance airspace efficiency in the Atlanta terminal area, the T-
routes in this rule have independent utility from the Metroplex
project, and environmental evaluations were conducted independently.
The Rule
The FAA is amending Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 to establish nine low altitude RNAV routes (T-routes) in the
Atlanta, GA, area to provide published routes for aircraft to use to
circumnavigate the busy Atlanta terminal area airspace. The new routes
are described below.
T-290: T-290 provides a route south of Atlanta from the SCAIL, AL,
waypoint (WP), near Tallapoosa County, AL, to the JACET, GA, WP, near
Augusta, GA.
T-292: T-292 provides a route to the north of Atlanta from the
RKMRT, GA, WP (near Polk County Airport, GA) to the JACET, GA, WP.
T-293: T-293 extends around the west of the Atlanta area from the
CHUTT, AL, WP, in Alabama (south of Columbus, GA) to the DAISI, GA, WP
(near Pickens County Airport, GA [JZP]). Aligning the route segments
between the RTLRY, HONRR and POLLL waypoints keeps T-293 within Atlanta
TRACON's airspace and provides vertical and lateral separation from
three separate published arrival procedures used by aircraft descending
to land at airports within the Metroplex area.
T-294: T-294 provides an alternative RNAV route through the Atlanta
area on the southwest side, between the GRANT, GA, WP (near Thomaston,
GA) and the HEFIN, AL, WP (near Heflin, AL).
[[Page 6802]]
T-296: T-296 provides a route southeast of Atlanta between the
JMPPR, GA, WP (near Woodbury, GA) and the TACKL, GA, WP (southwest of
Athens, GA).
T-297: T-297 provides an alternative route around the west side of
the Atlanta area between the PAIRA, GA, WP (south of Atlanta, near
Geneva, GA) and the REELL, GA, WP (northwest of Athens, GA). The route
has altitude limitations so that T-297 flights are procedurally
separated from all optimized published departure and arrival
procedures.
T-319: T-319 provides an RNAV route directly over the Hartsfield-
Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for aircraft transitioning
Class B airspace from north-to-south and vice versa.
T-321: T-321 provides a north-south oriented route east of ATL,
between the BBOAT, GA, WP (near Eatonton, GA) and the BIGNN, GA, WP
(abeam Habersham County, GA). The BBOAT and BIGNN waypoints also
connect to T-290 and T-323, respectively, enabling more flexibility in
routing options.
T-323: T-323 allows aircraft to transition the Atlanta area between
a point approximately 110 NM northeast of ATL from the HIGGI, NC, WP
and a point 110 NM southeast of ATL at the CROCS, GA, WP. T-323
intersects the new T-290 and T-321 enabling alternative routing between
the Knoxville, TN, area and locations south of the Atlanta area.
These new T-routes provide access through, around and over the
Atlanta terminal area that are procedurally deconflicted from arrivals,
departures and other airspace areas. This will benefit the efficiency
and safety of the NAS by establishing published routes that are more
direct and by reducing air traffic controller and pilot workload.
Low altitude RNAV routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA
Order 7400.9X dated August 7, 2013, and effective September 15, 2013,
which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1. The RNAV routes
listed in this document will be published subsequently 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 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.
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 route structure as required to enhance the
safe and efficient flow of air traffic in the Atlanta, GA area.
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
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 7400.9X,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, dated August 7, 2013, and
effective September 15, 2013, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6011--United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-290 SCAIL, AL to JACET, GA [New]
SCAIL, AL WP (lat. 33[deg]02'01'' N., long. 85[deg]39'32'' W.)
BBAIT, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]07'14'' N., long. 84[deg]46'13'' W.)
BBASS, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]11'33'' N., long. 83[deg]59'21'' W.)
BBOAT, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]16'51'' N., long. 83[deg]28'10'' W.)
BOBBR, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]19'57'' N., long. 83[deg]08'19'' W.)
JACET, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]29'41'' N., long. 82[deg]06'28'' W.)
T-292 RKMRT, GA to JACET, GA [New]
RKMRT, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]03'37'' N., long. 85[deg]15'03'' W.)
POLLL, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]08'57'' N., long. 84[deg]46'50'' W.)
CCATT, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]16'15'' N., long. 84[deg]09'05'' W.)
REELL, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
TRREE, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]47'15'' N., long. 82[deg]55'30'' W.)
JACET, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]29'41'' N., long. 82[deg]06'28'' W.)
T-293 CHUTT, AL to DAISI, GA [New]
CHUTT, AL WP (lat. 32[deg]13'23'' N., long. 85[deg]03'06'' W.)
NFTRY, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]02'03'' N., long. 85[deg]09'06'' W.)
RTLRY, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]45'18'' N., long. 85[deg]07'48'' W.)
HONRR, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]57'35'' N., long. 85[deg]01'28'' W.)
[[Page 6803]]
POLLL, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]08'57'' N., long. 84[deg]46'50'' W.)
DAISI, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]26'08'' N., long. 84[deg]25'51'' W.)
T-294 HEFIN, AL to GRANT, GA [New]
HEFIN, AL Fix (lat. 33[deg]35'55'' N., long. 85[deg]25'11'' W.)
BBAIT, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]07'14'' N., long. 84[deg]46'13'' W.)
JMPPR, GA WP (lat. 32[deg]57'42'' N., long. 84[deg]33'19'' W.)
GRANT, GA Fix (lat. 32[deg]49'45'' N., long. 84[deg]22'36'' W.)
T-296 JMPPR, GA to TACKL, GA [New]
JMPPR, GA WP (lat. 32[deg]57'42'' N., long. 84[deg]33'19'' W.)
BBASS, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]11'33'' N., long. 83[deg]59'21'' W.)
TATRS, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]20'37'' N., long. 83[deg]51'37'' W.)
TACKL, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]44'25'' N., long. 83[deg]30'31'' W.)
T-297 PAIRA, GA to REELL, GA [New]
PAIRA, GA WP (lat. 32[deg]31'48'' N., long. 84[deg]31'42'' W.)
NFTRY, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]02'03'' N., long. 85[deg]09'06'' W.)
HEFIN, AL Fix (lat. 33[deg]35'55'' N., long. 85[deg]25'11'' W.)
RKMRT, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]03'37'' N., long. 85[deg]15'03'' W.)
CHTTE, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]23'18'' N., long. 84[deg]52'55'' W.)
DAISI, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]26'08'' N., long. 84[deg]25'51'' W.)
AWSON. GA Fix (lat. 34[deg]28'49'' N., long. 83[deg]59'03'' W.)
REELL, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
T-319 CCLAY, GA to BLEWW, GA [New]
CCLAY, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]18'11'' N., long. 84[deg]24'41'' W.)
DUNCS, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]27'34'' N., long. 84[deg]25'23'' W.)
SHURT, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]32'13'' N., long. 84[deg]25'50'' W.)
KLOWD, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]43'59'' N., long. 84[deg]26'05'' W.)
BLEWW, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]58'14'' N., long. 84[deg]25'43'' W.)
T-321 BBOAT, GA to BIGNN, GA [New]
BBOAT, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]16'51'' N., long. 83[deg]28'10'' W.)
TACKL, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]44'25'' N., long. 83[deg]30'31'' W.)
REELL, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]01'33'' N., long. 83[deg]31'44'' W.)
BIGNN, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]20'34'' N., long. 83[deg]33'07'' W.)
T-323 CROCS, GA to HIGGI, NC [New]
CROCS, GA WP (lat. 32[deg]27'18'' N., long. 82[deg]46'29'' W.)
BOBBR, GA WP (lat. 33[deg]19'57'' N., long. 83[deg]08'19'' W.)
BIGNN, GA WP (lat. 34[deg]20'34'' N., long. 83[deg]33'07'' W.)
ZPPLN, NC WP (lat. 34[deg]59'47'' N., long. 83[deg]49'38'' W.)
HIGGI, NC WP (lat. 35[deg]26'47'' N., long. 83[deg]46'41'' W.)
Issued in Washington, DC, on January 29, 2014.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2014-02327 Filed 2-4-14; 8:45 am]
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