Airport Obstruction

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required to administer navigable airspace in the public interest to ensure the safety of aircraft and its efficient use. In administering Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 77, the prime objectives of the FAA are to promote air safety and the efficient use of the navigable airspace. This is completed through, in part, the Federal Air Regulation (FAR) Part 77 Surfaces and other surfaces.

Chapter 18.38 of the Auburn City Code (ACC) contains the height limitations of the FAR Part 77 Surfaces established for the Auburn Municipal Airport airspace by the FAA. No structure, building, sign, lighting, tree, fence, device, or other object, is permitted to have a height exceeding these surfaces. If one of the aforementioned objects exceeds the surface, it is described as “penetrating the airspace”. Section ACC 18.38.070 outlines how compliance with the height limitations must be demonstrated. 

In addition to penetrations to the airspace, if requested by the FAA, or if any of the following types of construction or alteration are proposed, a noticed must be filed with the FAA:

• any construction or alteration exceeding 200 ft above ground level; or
• any construction or alteration:
  • within 20,000 ft of a public use or military airport which exceeds a 100:1 surface from any point on the runway of each airport with its longest runway more than 3,200 ft;
  • within 10,000 ft of a public use or military airport which exceeds a 50:1 surface from any point on the runway of each airport with its longest runway no more than 3,200 ft;
  • within 5,000 ft of a public use heliport which exceeds a 25:1 surface; or
• any highway, railroad or other traverse way whose prescribed adjusted height would exceed the above noted standards; or
• when requested by the FAA; or
• any construction or alteration located on a public use airport or heliport regardless of height or location.
  

Notice to the FAA includes the preparation and submission of the FAA Form 7460-1, “Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration”. This must be completed at least 45 days prior to construction. The “Obstruction Tool” can help you determine whether your object will affect navigable airspace. Review the “Obstruction Evaluation” to help you file the FAA Form 7460-