Special Aeronautical studies

07.05.2007

Submission:

Aeronautical studies - safeguarding Annex 14 permits penetration of certain obstacle limitation surfaces subject to an aeronautical study. Unfortunately there is little guidance on the criteria for such studies. At least one One State only limits new constructions if they significantly affect operations (increase minima). Others allow no Annex 14 penetrations at all except for shielding (once the first exception has been allowed, it is very difficult to reject the second). The majority of States have no guidance at all. My own view is that it is a safety issue - the airspace between the Annex 14 OLS and the PANS-OPS OCS is the only margin to protect non-normal operations or contingency procedures (PANS-OPS deals only with normal operations). Whilst accidents involving non-normal operations and such Annex 14 penetrations are very rare, the consequences can be far greater and can involve public enquiries. These in turn can adversely affect the aerodrome (think the 747 that lost two engines at Schiphol). Without ICAO criteria, there are going to be wide variations in responses to planning applications for new constructions. Many of us are being asked to perform these studies, and it is in our own interests to have some logical framework within which to work. Given appropriate input, it becomes possible to influence ICAO material. For this reason, I would much appreciate advice on the criteria currently being used by others carrying out these studies.

 Robert Woodhouse

Answer or Commentary:

(I.W.

The CAA of United Arab Emirates brought out an Aeronautical Information Circular that deals specifically with Special Aeronautical studies. In the section detailed "Action" the requirements of a special aeronautical study are detailed.

 a)    The company references and the credentials of the person(s) who made the study.

b)    Site survey to aeronautical data quality standards,

c)    Operational considerations including air traffic management, present and projected air traffic flow.

d)   Annex 14 considerations

e)    PANS - OPS considerations,

f)    Other ICAO standards and recommended practices,

g)   Aviation law and regulations

h)   Affect on air navigation facilities including radio navigation aids and airport lighting,

i)     Environmental concerns,

j)     Mitigating factors

k)    Risk analysis.