Proposed Redesignation and Expansion of Restricted Area R-4403; Gainesville, MS
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 158 (Monday, August 17, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Number 158 (Monday, August 17, 2015)
Proposed Rules
Pages 49181-49184
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2015-20277
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
Docket No. FAA-2014-0370; Airspace Docket No. 14-ASO-2
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Redesignation and Expansion of Restricted Area R-4403; Gainesville, MS
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
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SUMMARY: This SNPRM amends the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2014, proposing to redesignate and expand restricted area R-4403, Gainesville, MS, by changing the parameters of some restricted area subareas. The changes would include expanding the time of designation, modifying some restricted area lateral and vertical boundaries, and eliminating the proposed air-to-ground munitions delivery in some parts of the restricted area complex.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 1, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001; telephone: (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2014-
0370 and Airspace Docket No. 14-ASO-2, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments through the Internet at www.regulations.gov. Comments on environmental and land use aspects to should be directed to: Mr. David Lorance, P.E., Center Environmental Officer, Center Operations Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Stennis Space Center, Roy S. Estess Building 1100, Mail Code RA02, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000.
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:
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 restructure the restricted airspace at the Stennis Space Center, MS, to enhance aviation safety and accommodate essential NASA and Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) requirements.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA-2014-0370 and Airspace Docket No. 14-ASO-2) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to FAA Docket No. FAA-2014-0370 and Airspace Docket No. 14-ASO-2.'' The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
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All communications received on or before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of comments received. All comments submitted will be available for examination in the public docket both before and after the closing date for comments. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at www.regulations.gov.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received and any final disposition in person at the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, 1701 Columbia Ave., College Park, GA 30337.
Persons interested in being placed on a mailing list for future NPRMs should contact the FAA's Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267-9677, for a copy of Advisory Circular No. 11-2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Distribution System, which describes the application procedure.
Background
On July 10, 2014, the FAA published in the Federal Register an NPRM proposing to redesignate and expand restricted area R-4403, Gainesville, MS, to support missions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) (79 FR 39344). Eight comments were received; two commenters supported the proposal, four commenters posed limited concerns, and the remaining two commenters objected to the proposal.
Subsequent to publication, both NASA and NSWC revised their airspace proposal by changing certain restricted area boundaries, eliminating some proposed activities and increasing the proposed times of use of the airspace. The changes are described in the next section, below.
Since these changes to the proposal are significant, the FAA has determined it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for public comment. The FAA will dispose of all the comments to the NPRM and SNPRM when it issues its final determination on the proposal.
Differences From NPRM
The southern boundary of R-4403B and R-4403C is shifted slightly to the north to address a comment that the restricted areas were too close to Interstate I-10, which is used by some pilots as a visual flight reference.
The NPRM proposed to establish R-4403C, extending from the surface up to but not including 6,000 feet MSL; and to establish R-4403D, with the same lateral boundaries as R-4403C, and extending above R-4403C from 6,000 feet MSL up to 10,000 feet MSL. This SNPRM proposes to combine R-4403C and R-4403D into a single restricted area extending from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL. This combined area would be designated R-4403C and the formerly proposed designation ``R-4403D'' would not be used.
The NPRM proposed the time of designation for restricted areas R-
4403C, D, E and F as ``Intermittent, 1800 to 2400 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; other times by NOTAM with air traffic control (ATC) approval.'' The SNPRM would revise the time of designation for R-4403C, E and F to ``Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.'' The new times would expand the basic time frame during which the restricted areas could be activated from six hours per day to nine hours per day. Further, it would add a provision allowing for additional activation during the hours 1800 to 2000 local time between November 1 and March 1. However, use of the 1800 to 2000 time frame between November 1 and March 1 would be limited to a maximum of 20 days per year. The provision in the NPRM allowing for activation of R-4403C, E and F at ``other times by NOTAM with ATC approval'' is removed from consideration in this proposal.
The NPRM proposed the use of R-4403E and F for delivery of air-to-
ground munitions at a ground target by aircraft, including AC-130 gunships and armed helicopters. The NSWC determined that the area is too small to contain the weapons safety footprint, so R-4403E and F would only be used to contain air-to-ground firing of non-eye-safe lasers. Ground forces would use lasers that are eye-safe in R-4403E and F to signal military aircraft operating overhead.
The southeastern-most point of the R-4403E boundary (where it intersects the Stennis International Airport Class D airspace boundary (at lat. 30deg20'22'' N., long. 89deg31'43'' W.) would be shifted northward by approximately 2.5 NM to intersect the Class D airspace area at lat. 30deg22'35'' N., long. 89deg32'06'' W. The airspace south of the new line would become a part of R-4403C.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to 14 CFR part 73 to remove restricted area R-4403, Gainesville, MS, and redesignate and expand the airspace to consist of five subareas: R-4403A, B, C, E and F, Stennis Space Center, MS. The FAA is proposing this action at the request of NASA and the NSWC to confine activities that potentially present hazards to nonparticipating aircraft. The existing airspace is too small to fully contain NASA activities and the proposed expansion would also enable NSWC to conduct realistic Special Operations Force training.
R-4403A and B would continue be used for NASA activities, such as rocket engine testing and untethered space vehicle propulsion system testing. The NSWC would use the proposed R-4403C, E and F for integrated Special Operations Forces training. The proposed restricted areas are described below.
R-4403A would be used by NASA to test rocket engine technology. It would consist of that airspace within a 2.5 NM radius of lat. 30deg21'51'' N., long. 89deg35'39'' W., centered on the rocket engine test complex. R-4403A would extend from the ground to 12,000 feet MSL. It would replace R-4403 with an expanded area to more fully contain rocket engine testing hazards. This area remains as proposed in the NPRM.
R-4403B would be used by NASA for untethered autonomous space vehicle testing. The area would extend upward from the ground to 6,000 feet MSL. These vehicles are utilized to explore planets and asteroids. Testing of these vehicles involves potential hazards since failure of the vehicle, its propulsion system or propellant tanks can result in explosion of the vehicle. The propensity for this to occur is greater with these vehicles than with a standard aircraft because of the extremely volatile nature of the propellants and the poor aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle during earth-based operation. Proposed R-4403B is designed to contain the flight profiles of these vehicles as well as any potential hazards to nonparticipating aircraft. Except for the slight adjustment of the southern boundary, as described
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above, this area remains as proposed in the NPRM.
R-4403C would be used for Special Operations Forces Integration Training. The NPRM proposed R-4403C to extend from the ground to 6,000 feet MSL. This SNPRM would expand R-4403C to extend from the ground to 10,000 feet MSL, incorporating the airspace from 6,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL, which was formerly proposed as R-4403D. The designation ``R-4403D'' will no longer be used. R-4403C would contain air-to-ground live-fire training for AC-130 gunships, armed helicopters and tilt-rotor (CV-22) aircraft and surface-to-surface weapons firing. R-4403C would contain two impact areas for air-to-ground munitions employment (up to 105mm), and air-to-ground non-eye-safe laser firing. Ground forces would use lasers that are eye-safe to signal military aircraft operating overhead. Anticipated use of R-4403C is 100-120 days per year.
R-4403D designation is removed from the proposal as described above.
R-4403E would also be used for Special Operations Forces Integration Training. It would extend upward from the ground to 10,000 feet MSL. It would contain a ground target to be used only for air-to-
ground firing of non-eye safe lasers. The proposal in the NPRM to use this area for air-to-ground munitions delivery is eliminated. Ground forces would also use lasers that are eye-safe to signal military aircraft operating overhead.
R-4403F would extend upward from 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL. R-4403F would wrap around the northeast corner of R-4403E and would be used in conjunction with R-4403E.
R-4403E and F would always be activated together for AC-130 air-to-
ground firing of non-eye-safe lasers. The two areas could be activated separately from R-4403C, but typically would be used in conjunction with R-4403C.
The proposed time of designation for R-4403A and R-4403B is ``Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.'' This time frame is the same as proposed in the NPRM. The proposed time of designation for R-4403C, E and F is ``Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local time, November 1 to March 1 (not to exceed 20 days per year).'' The times for R-4403C, E and F are changed from those in the NPRM as explained in the ``Differences from NPRM'' section, above.
Note: The term ``Intermittent'' is used to indicate occasional, irregular, or changeable use periods.
During periods when the restricted areas are not needed by the using agencies, the airspace would be returned to the controlling agency for access by other airspace users.
A revised color chart depicting the proposed restricted areas will be posted on the www.regulations.gov Web site (search Docket No. FAA-
2014-0370).
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. Therefore, this proposed 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 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 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures,'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:
PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
0
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The authority citation for part 73 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. 73.44 Amended
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Section 73.44 is amended as follows:
R-4403 Gainesville, MS Removed
R-4403A Stennis Space Center, MS New
Boundaries. Within a 2.5-NM radius centered at lat. 30deg21'51'' N., long. 89deg35'39'' W.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 12,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
Using agency. NASA, Director, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS.
R-4403B Stennis Space Center, MS New
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg35'16'' W.;
to lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.; thence clockwise along a 0.85-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
to lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
to lat. 30deg26'25'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
to lat. 30deg24'02'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg22'04'' N., long. 89deg27'17'' W.;
to lat. 30deg20'28'' N., long. 89deg31'46'' W.;
to lat. 30deg19'19'' N., long. 89deg35'32'' W.;
to lat. 30deg18'23'' N., long. 89deg40'17'' W.;
to lat. 30deg21'08'' N., long. 89deg42'25'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'22'' N., long. 89deg42'58'' W.;
to lat. 30deg23'44'' N., long. 89deg42'43'' W.;
to lat. 30deg26'40'' N., long. 89deg40'51'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 3-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg29'15'' N., long. 89deg39'04'' W.;
to lat. 30deg27'08'' N., long. 89deg36'37'' W.;
to lat. 30deg27'58'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to lat. 30deg28'47'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 6,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent, 1000 to 0300 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance.
Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
Using agency. NASA, Director, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS.
R-4403C Stennis Space Center, MS New
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30deg27'58'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'35'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'35'' N., long. 89deg32'06'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg22'04'' N., long. 89deg27'17'' W.;
to lat. 30deg20'28'' N., long. 89deg31'46'' W.;
to lat. 30deg19'19'' N., long. 89deg35'32'' W.;
to lat. 30deg18'23'' N., long. 89deg40'17'' W.;
to lat. 30deg21'08'' N., long. 89deg42'25'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'22'' N., long. 89deg42'58'' W.;
to lat. 30deg23'44'' N., long. 89deg42'43'' W.;
to lat. 30deg26'40'' N., long. 89deg40'51'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 3-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg29'15'' N., long. 89deg39'04'' W.;
to lat. 30deg27'08'' N., long. 89deg36'37'' W.;
to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local time, November 1 to March 1, as
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activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS.
R-4403E Stennis Space Center, MS New
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg35'16'' W.;
to lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
thence clockwise along a 0.85-M arc centered
at lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
to lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
to lat. 30deg26'25'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
to lat. 30deg24'02'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 4.2-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg22'04'' N., long. 89deg27'17'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'35'' N., long. 89deg32'06'' W.;
to lat. 30deg22'35'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to lat. 30deg27'58'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W,;
to lat. 30deg28'47'' N., long. 89deg35'27'' W.;
to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. Surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS.
R-4403F Stennis Space Center, MS New
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg35'16'' W.;
thence clockwise along a 2.5-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
to lat. 30deg26'25'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
to lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg31'34'' W.;
thence counterclockwise along a 0.85-NM arc centered
at lat. 30deg28'46'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
to lat. 30deg29'37'' N., long. 89deg32'33'' W.;
to the point of beginning.
Designated altitudes. 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL.
Time of designation. Intermittent, 2000 to 0500 local time, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance; and 1800 to 2000 local time, November 1 to March 1, as activated by NOTAM at least 24 hours in advance, not to exceed 20 days per year.
Controlling agency. FAA, Houston ARTCC.
Using agency. U.S. Navy, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Naval Special Warfare N31 Branch, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on August 10 2015.
Gary A. Norek,
Manager, Airspace Policy and Regulations Group.
FR Doc. 2015-20277 Filed 8-14-15; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
