90 FR 90 pgs. 20136-20138 - Establishment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-190 and T-497, and Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194; Eastern United States
Type: PRORULEVolume: 90Number: 90Pages: 20136 - 20138
Pages: 20136, 20137, 20138Docket number: [Docket No. FAA-2025-0668; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASO-34]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-08203 Filed 5-9-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: Transportation Department
Sub Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0668; Airspace Docket No. 24-ASO-34]
RIN 2120-AA66
Establishment of United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-190 and T-497, and Amendment of Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194; Eastern United States
AGENCY:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY:
This action proposes to establish United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes Q-190 and T-497, and amend domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194 in the eastern United States. The FAA is taking this action due to the planned decommissioning of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC). This action is in support of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program.
DATES:
Comments must be received on or before June 26, 2025.
ADDRESSES:
Send comments identified by FAA Docket No. FAA-2025-0668 and Airspace Docket No. 24-ASO-34 using any of the following methods:
*? Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically.
*? Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
*? Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
*? Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at (202) 493-2251.
Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at www.regulations.gov at any time. Follow the online instructions for accessing the docket or go to the Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FAA Order JO 7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, and subsequent amendments can be viewed online at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. You may also contact the Rules and Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-8783.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Vidis, Rules and Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; 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 amends the route structure to maintain the efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System (NAS).
Comments Invited
The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should submit only one time if comments are filed electronically, or commenters should send only one copy of written comments if comments are filed in writing.
The FAA will file in the docket all comments it receives, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this proposal, the FAA will consider all comments it receives on or before the closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light of the comments it receives.
Privacy: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
Availability of Rulemaking Documents
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the internet at www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Operations office (see ADDRESSES section for address, phone number, and hours of operations). An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room 210, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337.
Incorporation by Reference
United States Area Navigation Routes are published in paragraphs 2006 and 6011, and Domestic VOR Federal Airways are published in paragraph 6010(a) of FAA Order JO 7400.11, Airspace Designations and Reporting Points, which is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 on an annual basis. This document proposes to amend the current version of that order, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024. These updates would be published in the next update to FAA Order JO 7400.11. FAA Order JO 7400.11J is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section of this document. FAA Order JO 7400.11J lists Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, air traffic service routes, and reporting points.
Background
[top] The FAA is planning to decommission the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC in March 2026. The Cofield VORTAC was a candidate navigational
The Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes affected by the planned NAVAID decommissioning are VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194. With the planned decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC, the remaining ground-based NAVAID coverage in the area is insufficient to enable the continuity of the affected ATS routes. As such, proposed modifications to VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194 would result in the airways being shortened.
To overcome the proposed modifications to the affected routes, instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic could use adjacent VOR Federal Airways V-139, V-157, V-266, V-310, and V-472 or receive air traffic control (ATC) radar vectors to fly through or circumnavigate the affected area. Additionally, IFR pilots with Area Navigation (RNAV)-equipped aircraft could also use the adjacent RNAV Routes T-291, T-303, T-307, T-480, and T-497; or navigate point-to-point using the existing fixes that will remain in place to support continued operations through the affected area. Visual flight rules (VFR) pilots who elect to navigate via airways through the affected area could also take advantage of ATC services listed previously.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 71 to establish RNAV Routes Q-190 and T-497, and amend domestic VOR Federal Airways V-1, V-70, and V-194 to support the planned decommissioning of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. This action is in support of the FAA's VOR MON Program.
Q-190: Q-190 is a new RNAV route proposed to extend between the Carleton, MI (CRL), VOR/Distance Measuring Equipment (VOR/DME) and the PONCT, NY, waypoint (WP). The route would overlay Jet Route J-190 between the Carleton VOR/DME and the PONCT WP. The new proposed route would provide RNAV connectivity between the Detroit, MI area and the Albany, NY area.
V-1: V-1 currently extends between the Craig, FL (CRG), VORTAC and the Boston, MA (BOS), VOR/DME. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segments between the Kinston, NC (ISO), VORTAC and the Cape Charles, VA (CCV), VORTAC due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Craig VORTAC and the Kinston VORTAC; and between the Cape Charles VORTAC and the Boston VOR/DME. Concurrent changes to other segments of V-1 have been proposed in a separate rulemaking docket, Docket No. FAA 2024-2512 published in the Federal Register (89 FR 93233; November 26, 2024).
V-70: V-70 currently extends between Monterrey Mexico and the Picayune, MS (PCU), VOR/DME; between the Monroeville, AL (MVC), VORTAC and the Allendale, SC (ALD), VOR; and between the Grand Strand, SC (CRE), VORTAC and the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC. The airspace within Mexico is excluded. The FAA proposes to remove the airway segments between the Kinston, NC (ISO), VORTAC and the Cofield VORTAC due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between Monterrey Mexico and the Picayune VOR/DME; between the Monroeville VORTAC and the Allendale VOR; and between the Grand Strand VORTAC and the Kinston VORTAC. The airspace within Mexico would remain excluded.
V-194: V-194 currently extends between the Cedar Creek, TX (CQY), VORTAC and the College Station, TX (CLL), VORTAC; between the Sabine Pass, TX (SBI), VOR/DME and the Meridian, MS (MEI), VORTAC; and between the Liberty, NC (LIB), VORTAC and the intersection of the Cofield, NC (CVI), VORTAC 077° and the Norfolk, VA (ORF), VORTAC 209° radials (SUNNS Fix). The FAA proposes to remove the airway segments between the Tar River, NC (NC), VORTAC and the SUNNS Fix due to the scheduled decommissioning of the Cofield VORTAC. As amended, the airway would be changed to extend between the Cedar Creek VORTAC and the College Station VORTAC; between the Sabine Pass VOR/DME and the Meridian VORTAC; and between the Liberty VORTAC and the Tar River VORTAC.
T-497: T-497 is a proposed new RNAV route that would extend between the Elizabeth City, NC (ECG), VOR/DME and the FAGED, VA, WP. The route would overlay VOR Federal Airway V-286 between the OUTLA, VA, WP and the FAGED, VA, Fix. The new proposed route would provide RNAV connectivity between the Elizabeth City, NC area and the Warsaw, VA area.
The full proposed descriptions of the above routes are set forth below in the proposed text amendments to part 71. The NAVAID radials listed in the VOR Federal airway description regulatory text of this NPRM are stated in degrees True north. Additionally, minor editorial corrections to the airway descriptions are made to comply with ATS route formatting requirements.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this proposed 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 is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed 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.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, "Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures" prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR 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.
§?71.1 [Amended]
[top] 2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order JO 7400.11J, Airspace Designations and Reporting
Paragraph 2006 United States Area Navigation Routes.
| Q-190 Carleton, MI (CRL) to PONCT, NY [New] | ||
| Carleton, MI (CRL) | VOR/DME | (Lat. 42°02'52.90? N, long. 083°27'27.26? W) |
| WIGGZ, PA | WP | (Lat. 41°30'51.00? N, long. 077°58'52.00? W) |
| RAHKS, NY | WP | (Lat. 42°27'59.28? N, long. 075°14'21.68? W) |
| PONCT, NY | WP | (Lat. 42°44'48.83? N, long. 073°48'48.07? W) |
Paragraph 6010(a) Domestic VOR Federal Airways.
V-1 [Amended]
From Craig, FL, INT Craig 020° and Charleston, SC, 214° radials; Charleston; Grand Strand, SC; INT Grand Strand 031° and Kinston, NC, 214° radials; to Kinston. From Cape Charles, VA; INT Cape Charles 006° and Salisbury, MD, 206° radials; Salisbury; Waterloo, DE; INT Waterloo 024° and Coyle, NJ, 216° radials; Coyle; INT Coyle 036° and Kennedy, NY, 209° radials; Kennedy; Deer Park, NY; Madison, CT; Hartford, CT; INT Hartford 040° and Boston, MA, 252° radials; to Boston, MA; excluding the airspace below 2,700 feet MSL outside the United States between STARY INT and Charleston, SC. The portions within R-5002A, R-5002C and R-5002D are excluded during their times of use. The airspace within R-4006 is excluded.
V-70 [Amended]
From Monterrey, Mexico; Brownsville, TX; INT Brownsville 338° and Corpus Christi, TX, 193° radials; 34 miles standard width, 37 miles 7 miles wide (4 miles E and 3 miles W of centerline), Corpus Christi; INT Corpus Christi 054° and Palacios, TX, 226° radials; Palacios; Scholes, TX; Sabine Pass, TX; Lake Charles, LA; Lafayette, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; to Picayune, MS. From Monroeville, AL; INT Monroeville 073° and Eufaula, AL, 258° radials; Eufaula; Vienna, GA; to Allendale, SC. From Grand Strand, SC; Wilmington, NC; to Kinston, NC. The airspace within Mexico is excluded.
V-194 [Amended]
From Cedar Creek, TX; to College Station, TX. From Sabine Pass, TX; Lafayette, LA; Fighting Tiger, LA; McComb, MS; INT McComb 055° and Meridian, MS, 221° radials; to Meridian. From Liberty, NC; Raleigh-Durham, NC; to Tar River, NC.
Paragraph 6011 United States Area Navigation Routes.
| T-497 Elizabeth City, NC (ECG) to FAGED, VA [New] | ||
| Elizabeth City, NC (ECG) | VOR/DME | (Lat. 38°20'16.21? N, long. 076°26'10.51? W) |
| Oceana, VA (NTU) | TACAN | (Lat. 38°05'59.23? N, long. 076°39'50.85? W) |
| SKOUT, VA | FIX | (Lat. 37°51'07.69? N, long. 076°40'55.91? W) |
| TURET, VA | FIX | (Lat. 37°20'45.48? N, long. 075°59'54.08? W) |
| FAAFO, VA | WP | (Lat. 37°20'13.20? N, long. 075°55'30.29? W) |
| BAYSO, VA | WP | (Lat. 37°19'17.65? N, long. 075°49'40.37? W) |
| LNSKY, VA | FIX | (Lat. 37°03'08.52? N, long. 075°44'12.51? W) |
| OUTLA, VA | WP | (Lat. 37°00'10.90? N, long. 075°47'08.35? W) |
| FAGED, VA | FIX | (Lat. 36°55'55.13? N, long. 075°51'07.39? W) |
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025.
Brian Konie,
Manager (A), Rules and Regulations Group.
[FR Doc. 2025-08203 Filed 5-9-25; 8:45 am]
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