[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 1997)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 65359-65360] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-32574] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Airspace Docket No. 97-AEA-38] RIN 2120-AA66 Name Change for Restricted Area 4007A (R-4007A); Patuxent River, MD AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action changes the name of Restricted Area R-4007A, Patuxent River, MD, to R-4007, by deleting the ``A'' suffix. This action is necessary because the former ``B'' area subdivision no longer exists and there is no requirement for further subdivision of the restricted area. This action simplifies the name of the restricted area to eliminate confusion. EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, February 26, 1998. 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) 267-9361. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On September 7, 1978, the FAA redesignated Restricted Area R-4007 as R-4007A, and temporarily established a new restricted area, R-4007B, directly above it which extended up to 17,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) (43 FR 28813). The purpose of R-4007B was to provide additional airspace to accommodate F-18 development testing. The R-4007B designation expired on January 1, 1983. However, R-4007A was not renumbered at that time due to the possibility of future rulemaking action to re-establish the ``B'' area to contain other flight test projects. Based on forecast requirements at the Patuxent River test facility, the U.S. Navy determined that there is no future need for R-4007B. Consequently, the U.S. Navy requested that R-4007A be redesignated R- 4007. The Rule This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 (part 73) changes the designation of Restricted Area R-4007A, Patuxent River, MD, to R-4007, Patuxent River, MD. There are no changes to the boundaries, altitudes, time of designation, or activities conducted within the restricted area. 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 action simply changes the name of restricted area R-4007A, and does not involve a change in the dimensions or operating requirements of that airspace, the FAA finds that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. Environmental Review This action is a minor administrative change amending the name of an existing restricted area. There are no changes to air traffic control procedures or routes as a result of this action. Therefore, this action is not subject to environmental assessments and procedures under FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Policies and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' [[Page 65360]] and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Navigation (air). Adoption of the Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 73, as follows: PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE 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. Sec. 73.40 [Amended] 2. Section 73.40 is amended as follows: * * * * * R-4007A Patuxent River, MD [Removed] R-4007 Patuxent River, MD [New] Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 38 deg.21'00'' N., long. 76 deg.13'59'' W.; to lat. 38 deg.11'10'' N., long. 76 deg.25'09'' W.; to lat. 38 deg.05'10'' N., long. 76 deg.34'04'' W.; to lat. 38 deg.15'00'' N., long. 76 deg.36'34'' W.; to lat. 38 deg.17'25''N., long. 76 deg.32'59'' W.; to lat. 38 deg.25'40'' N., long. 76 deg.23'34'' W.; to the point of beginning. Designated Altitudes: Surface to but not including 5,000 feet MSL. Time of designation: 0700-2300 local time, daily; other times as specified by NOTAM. Controlling agency: FAA, Washington ARTCC. Using agency. Commanding Officer, NAS Patuxent River, MD. * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, on December 2, 1997. Reginald C. Matthews, Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management. [FR Doc. 97-32574 Filed 12-11-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P