FR 2025-02281

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed changes to Jet Route J-96 due to navigation issues that have persisted since 2020. Specifically, the segment of the route between Cimarron, New Mexico, and Garden City, Kansas, is set for removal because of unusable navigation radials caused primarily by water damage. This removal aims to address ongoing safety and efficiency concerns in this segment of airspace.

Summary of the Document

The document outlines a proposal from the FAA to amend Jet Route J-96 within the national airspace system. It does so by removing a problematic section between Cimarron, New Mexico, and Garden City, Kansas. The navigation issues have reportedly rendered this segment unusable, thus necessitating regulatory action. The proposal includes an invitation for public comment and lays out multiple channels for participating in this regulatory process.

Issues and Concerns

There are several issues worth noting in the proposal. One significant concern is the lack of a detailed cost analysis regarding the removal of this route segment, which makes it challenging to assess the economic impact of this measure. Furthermore, the document justifies not updating the navigational system ("dopplerizing" the VOR), citing a high cost of three million dollars. However, it fails to provide a thorough analysis or a comparative discussion of potential costs that may arise from the route's removal.

Additionally, while alternative routes (such as J-18 and J-110) and the use of RNAV-equipped aircraft are suggested as viable options, the proposal lacks data-backed analysis to substantiate that these can effectively accommodate the displaced traffic. Moreover, the legal language used to describe the FAA's authority could be difficult for those unfamiliar with regulatory texts to understand. This complexity may hinder public engagement and understanding.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the most immediate concern might be how this change affects air travel routes they rely on, particularly in the regions affected. People residing in or near Cimarron and Garden City could see changes in flight paths, resulting in adjustments to travel plans or schedules.

Impact on Stakeholders

Key stakeholders include aviation companies, pilots, and airline passengers who could be directly impacted by these changes. Airlines might face rerouting, potentially leading to longer flight times or increased fuel costs. However, the FAA believes that the adverse effect on flight operations is minimal due to available alternatives such as adjacent routes or radar vectors.

On the other hand, such changes could positively affect stakeholders by addressing long-term safety issues, as maintaining secure and efficient air routes is paramount for airspace safety. The proposal’s success, however, hinges on adequate accommodation by alternative pathways.

In summary, while the proposal is aimed at solving existing issues along Jet Route J-96, the absence of thorough analyses in some areas leaves unanswered questions about economic and operational impacts. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback to ensure all potential challenges are adequately addressed.

The Federal Register document discusses a proposed amendment regarding Jet Route J-96, necessitated by unusable radials between the Cimarron, NM, VORTAC and the Garden City, KS, VORTAC. One significant financial reference within this document relates to the cost of addressing these unusable radials.

Cost Implications

The document makes a notable mention of the FAA's consideration to "dopplerize" the problematic VOR system to restore the radials. The estimated cost for this technical upgrade is three million dollars. This amount is significant and provides insight into the FAA's decision-making process regarding whether it is financially prudent to invest in restoring the unusable radials or to pursue an alternative course of action, such as removing the segment of Jet Route J-96 altogether.

Evaluation of Financial Decision-making

The document lacks a detailed financial analysis that might outline the potential economic impact of removing this segment of the jet route. For stakeholders and the general public, it is crucial to understand whether the three million dollars required for dopplerizing the VOR might have been a more cost-effective solution in the long term, compared to the rerouting of air traffic. The absence of such a cost-benefit analysis makes it difficult to assess whether the decision to not proceed with the dopplerization due to its cost truly serves the best interests of the aviation community and economic efficiency.

Impact on Alternative Routes and Air Traffic

While the document references the availability of alternative routes, such as Jet Routes J-18 and J-110, for instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic, it does not include a financial evaluation of whether these alternative paths can effectively accommodate displaced traffic from the closed route segment. Financial considerations might include the potential increase in operational costs for airlines if the alternative routes result in longer flight times or increased fuel consumption.

Assumptions Regarding RNAV-Equipped Aircraft

Lastly, the document assumes that most RNAV-equipped aircraft will face no adverse effects due to this change. However, there is no financial or empirical data provided to support this claim. Understanding any indirect costs that might arise due to these assumptions is crucial in evaluating the FAA's financial prudence and potential economic impact on airline operators.

In summary, while the decision to not proceed with a three million dollar dopplerization reflects a cost consideration, the document does not provide comprehensive financial details that would aid in understanding the broader economic implications of the proposed changes to Jet Route J-96.