[Federal Register: September 2, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 170)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 48090] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr02se99-11] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Airspace Docket No. 99-AAL-13] RIN 2120-AA66 Amendment to Time of Designation and Using Agency for Restricted Area R-2211 (R-2211), Blair Lakes, AK AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action changes the using agency and eliminates the 24- hour Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) requirement for the activation of R-2211, Blair Lakes, AK. The FAA is taking this action in response to a request from the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Alaska Regional Air Traffic Division to standardize procedures for the activation of airspace in Alaska. EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, November 4, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken McElroy, Airspace and Rules Division, ATA-400, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-8783. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background As a result of a review of restricted area operation, the USAF and the FAA Alaska Air Traffic Division requested to change the requirements for the activation of R-2211, Blair Lakes, AK, by eliminating the requirement for a 24-hour NOTAM to activate the airspace. The USAF Special Use Airspace Information System, operated by the USAF in interior Alaska, provides real-time information on the status of R-2211 and makes the advanced NOTAM requirement unnecessary. The Rule This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 changes the times of designation for R-2211, Blair Lakes, AK, by removing the words ``NOTAM issued by the using agency at least 24 hours in advance,'' and inserting the words ``NOTAM issued by the using agency,'' and changes the using agency. This is an administrative change and does not affect the boundaries, designated altitudes, or activities conducted within the restricted areas. Therefore, I find that notice and public procedures under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. Section 73.22 of part 73 was republished in FAA Order 7400.8F, dated October 27, 1998. The FAA has determined that this action 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 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. Environmental Review In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Polices and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, this action is not subject to environmental assessments and procedures. 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. 73.22 [Amended] 2. Section 73.22 is amended as follows: * * * * * R-2211 Blair Lakes, AK [Amended] By removing the words ``Time of designation. 0800 to 1800, local time, Monday-Friday and at other times as activated by NOTAM issued by the using agency at least 24 hours in advance'' and inserting the words ``Time of designation. 0800 to 1800, local time, Monday-Friday and at other times as activated by NOTAM issued by the using agency''; and by removing the words ``Using agency. U.S. Air Force, 345th Fighting Wing, Eielson AFB, AK'' and inserting the words ``Using agency. U.S. Air Force, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, AK.'' * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, August 25, 1999. Reginald C. Matthews, Manager, Airspace and Rules Division. [FR Doc. 99-22893 Filed 9-1-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P