[Federal Register: January 25, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 15)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 3623-3624] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr25ja99-2] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 73 [Airspace Docket No. 98-ASW-47] RIN 2120-AA66 Amendments to Restricted Areas 6302C, D and E; Fort Hood, TX AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 3624]] SUMMARY: This action modifies the internal boundaries of Restricted Areas 6302 (R-6302) Fort Hood, TX. Specifically, this action reduces the dimension of R-6302E, and reconfigures the internal adjoining boundaries of R-6302C and R-6302D. In addition, this action removes the altitude restrictions associated with R-6302C and R-6302D, when R-6302E is activated. The FAA is taking this action in response to a request from the United States Army (USA) to modify the restricted areas to more accurately reflect the actual use of the airspace. EFFECTIVE DATE: 0901 UTC, March 25, 1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Nelson, 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 recent review of restricted area activity, the USA requested that the FAA take action to modify the dimensions of R-6302E to accurately reflect the protected airspace required for the operations being conducted therein. As a result of the review, the USA determined that when R-6302E is activated it encompasses the airspace above R-6302C and R-6302D which have not been activated because they are not required for the activity conducted therein. The FAA is granting the request because the total modification of the boundaries of the restricted airspace will provide additional airspace for other users of the National Airspace System. While this action modifies the western boundary of R-6302E, and redefines the internal abutting boundaries of R-6302C and R-6302D, it does not affect the designated altitudes, or activities conducted within R-6302C, R-6302D, and R- 6302E. The Rule This amendment to 14 CFR part 73 modifies the dimension of R-6302E and the internal boundaries of R-6302C, and R-6302D. The FAA is taking this action in response to a request to modify the restricted areas to more accurately reflect the actual use of the airspace. Because this airspace is restricted, the solicitation of comments would not offer any meaningful right or benefit to any segment of the public, therefore, notice and comment under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are unnecessary. 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 This action reduces the lateral size of R-6302E, and internal boundaries of R-6302C and R-6302D. In accordance with FAA Order 1050.1D, ``Polices and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts,'' this action is not subject to environmental assessments and procedures and the National Environmental Policy Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73 Airspace, Navigation (air). Adoption of the Amendment In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. 73.25 [Amended] Sec. 73.25 is amended as follows: * * * * * R-6302C Fort Hood, TX [Amended] By removing the existing boundaries and substituting the following: Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 31 deg.09'01'' N., long. 97 deg.45'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.09'01'' N., long. 97 deg.55'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.16'01'' N., long. 97 deg.54'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.19'01'' N., long. 97 deg.51'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.18'25'' N., long. 97 deg.48'48'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.14'15'' N., long. 97 deg.50'33'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.10'01'' N., long. 97 deg.48'01'' W.; to the point of the beginning. R-6302D Fort Hood, TX [Amended] By removing the existing boundaries and substituting the following: Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 31 deg.18'25'' N., long. 97 deg.48'48'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.19'01'' N., long. 97 deg.51'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.24'01'' N., long. 97 deg.48'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.23'01'' N., long. 97 deg.43'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.22'08'' N., long. 97 deg.41'56'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.22'09'' N., long. 97 deg.43'27'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.20'00'' N., long. 97 deg.45'23'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.18'23'' N., long. 97 deg.45'43'' W.; to the point of the beginning. R-6302E Fort Hood, TX [Amended] By removing the existing boundaries and substituting the following: Boundaries: Beginning at lat. 31 deg.22'08'' N., long. 97 deg.41'56'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.21'01'' N., long. 97 deg.41'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.20'01'' N., long. 97 deg.41'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.14'01'' N., long. 97 deg.33'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.08'01'' N., long. 97 deg.39'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.10'01'' N., long. 97 deg.41'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.09'01'' N., long. 97 deg.43'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.09'01'' N., long. 97 deg.45'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.10'01'' N., long. 97 deg.48'01'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.14'15'' N., long. 97 deg.50'33'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.18'25'' N., long. 97 deg.48'48'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.18'23'' N., long. 97 deg.45'43'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.20'00'' N., long. 97 deg.45'23'' W.; to lat. 31 deg.22'09'' N., long. 97 deg.43'27'' W.; to the point of the beginning. * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, January 15, 1999. Reginald C. Matthews, Acting Program Director for Air Traffic Airspace Management. [FR Doc. 99-1555 Filed 1-22-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P