FR 2021-03879

Overview

Title

Amendment of VOR Federal Airways V-12, V-74, and V-516 in the Vicinity of Anthony, KS

Agencies

ELI5 AI

The FAA is changing some invisible flying roads in the sky near Anthony, Kansas, because a special guiding beacon there is being turned off. These changes are to ensure planes can still fly safely and smoothly along those paths.

Summary AI

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend certain VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways near Anthony, Kansas. This change is necessary due to the scheduled decommissioning of the VOR component of the Anthony, KS VORTAC. The rule results in modifications to airways V-12, V-74, and V-516, with certain segments being removed. The FAA determined this action would not have significant environmental impacts and is part of keeping airspace navigation efficient and safe.

Abstract

This action amends VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal airways V-12, V-74, and V-516, in the vicinity of Anthony, KS. The modifications are necessary due to the planned decommissioning of the VOR portion of the Anthony, KS, VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid (NAVAID), which provides navigation guidance for portions of the affected VOR Federal airways. The Anthony VOR is being decommissioned as part of the FAA's VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program.

Type: Rule
Citation: 86 FR 11859
Document #: 2021-03879
Date:
Volume: 86
Pages: 11859-11860

AnalysisAI

The document pertains to a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related to air navigation routes in the vicinity of Anthony, Kansas. The changes to the air routes are necessary because the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) portion of the Anthony VOR/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) navigation aid is scheduled for decommissioning. As a result, specific segments of airways V-12, V-74, and V-516 are being modified or removed.

General Summary

The FAA's rulemaking document details amendments to the navigation routes used by aircraft across certain airways near Anthony, Kansas. These amendments are a consequence of the decommissioning of the VOR system that helps guide these routes. This decision falls under the FAA's broader VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) program. The overarching objective is to maintain safety and efficiency in airspace management while adapting to changes in technology and navigation infrastructure.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document does not raise significant issues or concerns as it relates to regulatory compliance or safety. The rulemaking follows standard procedures for modifying airspace usage rules and ensures continuity in air traffic operations despite the decommissioning of specific navigational aids. The FAA identifies this as routine regulatory maintenance to stay in line with evolving navigation systems, thereby negating the need for an extensive regulatory evaluation due to its minimal impact.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, especially those living in the vicinity of Anthony, Kansas, the changes in air routes might influence air traffic patterns overhead. However, as these modifications are not expected to cause a significant environmental impact, they are most likely to go unnoticed by the broader public. The public at large benefits from the continued focus on safe and efficient air travel, which indirectly aids economic activity and personal travel experiences.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For specific stakeholders, namely the aviation industry, these changes carry both positive and negative implications. Pilots and airlines may need to adapt to modified flight paths, which may involve brief adjustments to flight plans and training. Despite these changes, the operational impact is considered minimal.

On the positive side, by aligning with the VOR MON program, stakeholders are assured of ongoing improvements in navigation technology, leading to long-term enhancements in airspace management. Moreover, as technologies evolve, such updates will potentially create a safer and more reliable air navigation system.

The final rule is a necessary step in maintaining up-to-date and effective navigation aids while ensuring that air traffic remains safe and efficient. This meticulous management of airspace, while not creating significant disruptions or ecological impacts, continues to support the aviation community's transition to modern technology efficiently.

Statistics

Size

Pages: 2
Words: 1,898
Sentences: 61
Entities: 333

Language

Nouns: 697
Verbs: 109
Adjectives: 63
Adverbs: 21
Numbers: 119

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.37
Average Sentence Length:
31.11
Token Entropy:
5.34
Readability (ARI):
18.07

Reading Time

about 6 minutes