[Federal Register: November 18, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 223)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 68317-68318]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18no08-6]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0716; Airspace Docket No. 08-ASW-9]
Establishment of Low Altitude Area Navigation Route T-254;
Houston, TX
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action establishes a low altitude Global Positioning
System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) area navigation
route, designated T-254, in the vicinity of the Houston, TX, terminal
area. This route allows for more efficient utilization of airspace and
enhances the management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of
Houston, TX.
DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, January 15, 2009. 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: Colby Abbott, Airspace and Rules
Group, Office of System Operations
[[Page 68318]]
Airspace and AIM, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
History
On July 2, 2008, the FAA published in the Federal Register a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish T-254 in the vicinity of
Houston, TX (73 FR 37905). The purpose of the route is to provide a
more efficient use of navigable airspace for westbound and eastbound en
route Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations navigating around the
Houston Class B terminal airspace area. Interested parties were invited
to participate in this rulemaking effort by submitting written comments
on the proposal. No comments were received.
Area navigation routes are published in paragraph 6011 of FAA Order
7400.9S, signed October 3, 2008, and effective October 31, 2008, which
is incorporated by reference in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 71.1. The area navigation route listed in this document
will be published subsequently in the Order.
The Rule
This action amends 14 CFR part 71 by establishing area navigation
route T-254 in the vicinity of Houston, TX. The new route extends
between the Centex, TX, very high frequency omnidirectional range/
tactical air navigation (VORTAC) aid and the Lake Charles, LA, VORTAC.
T-254 enhances aviation safety, facilitates more efficient use of the
navigable airspace for en route IFR operations flying westbound and
eastbound in the vicinity of Houston, TX, and establishes a published
route to assist aircraft navigating around the Houston Class B terminal
airspace 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.
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 establishes area navigation route T-254 in the vicinity of
Houston, TX.
Environmental Review
The FAA has determined that this action is categorically excluded
from further environmental documentation according to FAA Order
1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, in accordance
with paragraph 311a. Additionally, the implementation of this action
will not result in any extraordinary circumstances in accordance with
FAA Order 1050.1E paragraph 304.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 7400.9S,
Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, signed October 3, 2008, and
effective October 31, 2008, is amended as follows:
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
* * * * *
T-254 Centex, TX to Lake Charles, LA [New]
Centex, TX (CWK)............ VORTAC.............. (Lat. 30[deg]22'43'' N., long. 97[deg]31'47'' W.)
College Station, TX (CLL)... VORTAC.............. (Lat. 30[deg]36'18'' N., long. 96[deg]25'14'' W.)
EAKES, TX................... WP.................. (Lat. 30[deg]33'18'' N., long. 95[deg]18'29'' W.)
CREPO, TX................... WP.................. (Lat. 30[deg]16'54'' N., long. 94[deg]14'43'' W.)
Lake Charles, LA (LCH)...... VORTAC.............. (Lat. 30[deg]08'28'' N., long. 93[deg]06'18'' W.)
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on November 5, 2008.
Edith V. Parish,
Manager, Airspace and Rules Group.
[FR Doc. E8-26933 Filed 11-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P