This document delves into the details of Federal Register Document 2025-03932, a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation. This rule, identified by the docket number FAA-2024-2268 and Airspace Docket No. 24-AAL-95, and cataloged under RIN 2120-AA66, addresses significant changes to Alaskan airspace. Specifically, it concerns the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) in Alaska and the subsequent adjustments to air traffic service routes. This final rule, published as FR Doc. 2025-03932, is crucial for aviation professionals operating within and transiting Alaskan airspace.
Authority for This Rulemaking Explained
The FAA’s mandate to enact regulations concerning aviation safety is firmly rooted in Title 49 of the United States Code. Section 106 of Subtitle I outlines the FAA Administrator’s powers, while Subtitle VII, focusing on Aviation Programs, elaborates on the agency’s broad authority. FR Doc. 2025-03932 is issued under the specific authority of Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. This section empowers the FAA to prescribe regulations for airspace usage, ensuring both aircraft safety and the efficient management of airspace. The modifications detailed in FR Doc. 2025-03932 to the Air Traffic Service (ATS) route structure fall squarely within this authority, aiming to maintain a safe and efficient flow of air traffic within the National Airspace System following the decommissioning of ground-based navigation aids.
History Leading to FR Doc. 2025-03932
The journey to the final rule, FR Doc. 2025-03932, began with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Docket No. FAA-2024-2268, published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2024 (89 FR 80157). This NPRM proposed the revocation of Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155, alongside amendments to Jet Route J-115 in Alaska. The impetus for these changes was the planned decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB in Alaska. The FAA proactively sought input from interested parties, inviting written comments on the proposed changes. Notably, despite the significance of these airspace modifications, no public comments were received during the comment period, suggesting either broad agreement or a lack of awareness among stakeholders – though the former is more likely given the specialized nature of these regulations.
Incorporation by Reference: FAA Order JO 7400.11J
A critical aspect of FR Doc. 2025-03932 is its reliance on FAA Order JO 7400.11, “Airspace Designations and Reporting Points,” which is incorporated by reference into 14 CFR 71.1 annually. This order is the definitive source for Alaskan VOR Federal Airways (paragraph 6010) and Jet Routes (paragraph 2004). FR Doc. 2025-03932 specifically amends the current version, FAA Order JO 7400.11J, dated July 31, 2024, and effective September 15, 2024. This amendment, detailed in FR Doc. 2025-03932, will be officially integrated into the next update of FAA Order JO 7400.11, ensuring that airspace designations remain current and reflect the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB. FAA Order JO 7400.11J is publicly accessible, as outlined in the ADDRESSES section of FR Doc. 2025-03932, allowing stakeholders to review the comprehensive details of airspace classifications, routes, and reporting points.
Key Changes Introduced by FR Doc. 2025-03932
FR Doc. 2025-03932 directly amends 14 CFR part 71 to implement the following airspace modifications in Alaska, all stemming from the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB:
-
Revocation of V-447: Alaskan VOR Federal Airway V-447 is entirely revoked. This means V-447 no longer exists as a designated airway in Alaskan airspace. Pilots and air traffic control will need to adjust flight plans and routing accordingly.
-
Revocation of J-155: Jet Route J-155 is also completely revoked. Similar to V-447, J-155 is removed from the Alaskan jet route structure, requiring adjustments to high-altitude flight planning.
-
Amendment of J-115: Jet Route J-115 is amended to reflect current navigational infrastructure. The amended J-115 now extends from the Shemya, AK, NDB, sequentially passing through Mount Moffett, AK, NDB; Dutch Harbor, AK, NDB; Cold Bay, AK, VORTAC; King Salmon, AK, VORTAC; the intersection of the King Salmon 053° radial and the Kenai, AK, VOR/DME 239° radial; Kenai, AK, VOR/DME; Anchorage, AK, VOR/DME; Big Lake, AK, VORTAC; and finally to Fairbanks, AK, VORTAC. This revised routing of J-115 ensures continued jet route service while adapting to the removal of the Chandalar Lake NDB.
Regulatory and Environmental Impact Assessments
The FAA conducted a thorough regulatory review for FR Doc. 2025-03932 and determined that it qualifies as a routine amendment to technical regulations. Consequently, it is not classified as a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, nor as a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The FAA also concluded that FR Doc. 2025-03932 would not necessitate a regulatory evaluation due to its minimal anticipated impact. Furthermore, the rule is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
From an environmental perspective, the FAA determined that the actions in FR Doc. 2025-03932—revoking V-447 and J-155 and amending J-115—are categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act. This exclusion is consistent with FAA Order 1050.1F, paragraph 5-6.5a and 5-6.5k, which cover actions related to airspace designations and air traffic control procedures that do not significantly alter flight tracks, altitudes, or aircraft concentration. The FAA confirmed that no extraordinary circumstances exist that would warrant a more detailed environmental assessment or impact study, reinforcing the minimal environmental consequence of FR Doc. 2025-03932.
Subjects Covered in 14 CFR Part 71
FR Doc. 2025-03932 directly relates to the following subjects as listed in 14 CFR Part 71:
- Airspace
- Incorporation by reference
- Navigation (air)
These subjects underscore the regulatory scope of FR Doc. 2025-03932 and its importance for maintaining safe and efficient air navigation within the National Airspace System.
In conclusion, Federal Register Document 2025-03932 is a critical FAA final rule that formally revokes specific Alaskan airways and amends another, reflecting necessary updates due to the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake NDB. For aviation stakeholders operating in Alaskan airspace, understanding and adhering to the changes outlined in FR Doc. 2025-03932 is paramount for safe and efficient flight operations. The full details of this rule, including the precise amendments to FAA Order JO 7400.11J, are available through the provided links and contact information within the official document, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all affected parties.
