Lois Larson
Building in an airport zone comes with a unique set of challenges and considerations. With over 5,100 public-use airports in the United States alone, it's not uncommon to encounter construction projects near airports. However, such projects must navigate strict regulations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77 in the US, or Airport Zoning Regulations (AZR) and Public Safety Zones (PSZ) in the UK. These regulations are in place to ensure the safe operation of aircraft and restrict factors like the height of structures and the density of people in the area. The proximity to the runway and the concentration of accident locations also play a significant role in determining the extent of these airport zones and the restrictions within them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport zoning regulations (AZR) | Restrict the height of buildings, structures, and objects, including natural growth such as trees, on regulated land |
| AZR applicability | Applies to surrounding off-airport land and requires an airport certificate to be in force or the land to be designated as an airport site |
| Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77 | Places restrictions on the height of structures near or on public-use airports; requires submission of a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration for applicable building projects |
| Imaginary surfaces | Calculated based on the distance between the runway and the proposed building, with different surface ratios depending on the distance; used to determine if notification to the FAA is needed |
| FAA form submission | Required for any building proposed to be higher than 200 feet above ground level |
| PSZs (Public Safety Zones) | Established for particular airports with a general presumption against new development and certain changes of use; based on the level of risk to people on the ground and shaped like elongated isosceles triangles |
| PSRZ (Public Safety Restricted Zone) | Designated by the Secretary of State as an area with a significant amount of crash data, which may extend beyond airport boundaries and include occupied property |
| Acceptable developments within PSZs | Long-stay and employee car parking, built development for housing plant or machinery with no regular human presence, golf courses (but not clubhouses), and other low-density use cases |
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What You'll Learn
Height restrictions
Building near an airport comes with a unique set of challenges due to the height restrictions imposed by aviation safety regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure that any structures near an airport do not pose a hazard to aircraft navigation and that the airport can operate safely.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a crucial role in enforcing height restrictions near airports. FAA Regulation Part 77 places restrictions on the height of structures near public-use airports. This regulation establishes standards for determining obstructions in navigable airspace and requires notification to the FAA for certain proposed constructions or alterations.
To determine if a proposed building project falls under FAA regulations, an imaginary surface calculation is often necessary. This calculation takes into account the distance between the runway and the proposed structure and applies different surface ratios depending on that distance. Engineering firms and the FAA website can assist in making this determination.
Specific height restrictions can vary depending on the zone and the airport in question. For example, in the case of Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Black Hawk County, height restrictions are outlined in the airport land use and height zoning maps, with different restrictions for Zone B, Zone C, and Zone E.
Additionally, certain height limitations apply within designated flight obstruction areas, which are established in the vicinity of major airports. These areas comprise all areas of land or water below the airport-referenced imaginary surfaces, which include horizontal surfaces, conical surfaces, approach surfaces, and transitional surfaces. Within these areas, height restrictions are designed to ensure safe aircraft navigation.
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Safety concerns
Building in Airport Zone A comes with a unique set of safety challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the well-being of workers, travellers, and airport staff. Here are some critical safety concerns to consider:
Height Restrictions
Firstly, any construction in Airport Zone A must adhere to height restrictions. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safe operation of aircraft approaching or departing the airport. Non-compliance with height restrictions poses a significant safety risk to aviation and can cause operational disruptions.
Imaginary Surfaces
Determining whether a proposed structure falls within the scope of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77 can be complex. It often involves calculating an imaginary surface that factors in the distance from the runway and applies a specific surface ratio. This calculation is crucial to assess the compatibility of the structure with safe aircraft operations.
Dust and Noise Management
Construction activities can generate dust, which can spread to passenger and retail areas, causing discomfort and potential health issues. To mitigate this, temporary walls or modular wall systems can be employed to contain dust within the construction zone. Additionally, construction equipment and processes can produce excessive noise, leading to disruptive or even hazardous levels of noise for passengers and workers. Implementing noise control measures, such as installing sound barriers or utilising quieter equipment, is essential to minimise the impact of construction on airport operations and the well-being of those in the vicinity.
Hazards for Construction Workers
Construction workers face various unique hazards when working in Airport Zone A. The constant noise from airplanes, machinery, and equipment can lead to hearing damage and stress. Jet blast and wake turbulence during take-off and landing can also endanger workers, especially those near the runway. Marking safe work areas, installing barriers, and providing proper safety gear are crucial measures to protect workers. Additionally, the use of hazardous materials, such as jet fuel and chemicals, poses risks of fire, explosions, and toxic exposure. Ensuring proper training, providing appropriate PPE, and enforcing safe handling and storage procedures are essential to mitigate these risks.
Safe Work Environment
Airport construction involves a range of complex tasks, from building new terminals to repairing runways. These activities can expose workers to various safety risks, including musculoskeletal injuries from lifting heavy objects and working in awkward positions. Ensuring adequate rest and recovery times and encouraging early reporting of injuries are vital to worker well-being. Additionally, underground work in tunnels or tanks can lead to suffocation or other hazards, emphasising the importance of identifying confined spaces, ensuring airflow, and providing comprehensive worker training.
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Public Safety Zones (PSZs)
PSZs have an outer boundary called the Public Safety Controlled Zone (PSCZ) and an inner, higher-risk zone, the Public Safety Restricted Zone (PSRZ). The PSCZ for an aerodrome with fewer than 45,000 commercial air transport movements per year (ATMs) annually is set at 1,000 metres from the landing threshold. For aerodromes with more than 45,000 ATMs, the PSCZ is extended to 1,500 metres. The PSRZ is set at 500 metres from the landing threshold, regardless of the number of ATMs.
The level of risk in some areas within the PSZs may be much higher. The basis of the policy of restricting new development within PSZs is a cost-benefit analysis. This analysis is a risk appraisal principle under which individual risk is reduced to a tolerable level, and further reduction is sought only if the benefits of doing so exceed the costs.
Development within PSZs is restricted to control the number of people on the ground at risk of death or injury in the event of an aircraft accident. Over time, the number of people in these areas should be reduced as circumstances allow. The implementation of PSZ policy at civil airports is based on the level of risk to people on the ground. The extent of the zone contours is based on aircraft accident data.
If you want to build or redevelop a structure near a public airport, you will likely need to navigate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77, which places restrictions on the height of structures that may be built near or on a public-use airport.
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Imaginary surfaces
When considering building near an airport, you will need to take into account various factors, including the distance from the runway, the height of the proposed structure, and any applicable zoning regulations.
An important concept to understand when it comes to building near airports is "imaginary surfaces". These are calculated based on the distance between the runway and the proposed building, and they help determine whether you need to notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about your construction plans. The FAA has established specific rules and regulations regarding building heights and distances from runways to ensure the safe operation of aircraft.
The calculation of imaginary surfaces can be complex, and it involves applying different surface ratios depending on the distance from the runway. These calculations take into account the potential impact of the structure on aircraft approaching or taking off from the airport. Engineering and design firms can assist with these calculations, and the FAA also provides a tool on its website for the public to determine if their project requires notification.
It is important to note that even alterations to existing properties within airport zones may require notification to the FAA. Additionally, certain types of developments, such as windmills, can pose a hazard to aircraft navigation, so extra caution is necessary.
In the United States, the FAA's Regulation Part 77 outlines the restrictions on the height of structures near public-use airports. If a building project falls within the scope of Part 77, the owner must submit a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration to the FAA. This regulation helps ensure that any new developments near airports do not compromise the safety of aircraft operations.
In the UK, a similar concept exists with Public Safety Zones (PSZs) and Public Safety Restricted Zones (PSRZs). These zones are established based on the level of risk to people on the ground around airports, with PSRZs specifically focusing on areas with a higher risk of accidents, including occupied properties near runways. While new developments within these zones are generally discouraged, certain low-density use cases may be acceptable, such as long-stay car parking, housing for plant machinery, and golf courses.
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
Building in an airport zone, especially near the runways, is a challenging task due to the safety concerns for aircraft during landing and takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has laid down several regulations that must be complied with to ensure the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace. These regulations are collectively referred to as Part 77.
Part 77 establishes standards and notification requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace near airports. It requires any person or organisation intending to sponsor construction or alterations exceeding 200 feet above ground level, or within 20,000 feet of a public or military airport, to notify the FAA administrator. This notification allows the FAA to identify potential aeronautical hazards and prevent adverse impacts on airspace. The FAA also provides a tool on its website to help determine if a proposed construction falls under Part 77 jurisdiction.
For off-airport proposals, the FAA requires the submission of specific forms, which can be e-filed or mailed to the designated FAA regional office. The FAA also differentiates between federal and non-federal facilities, with separate submission processes for each. Additionally, there are specific time requirements for notifications, with proponents required to submit notifications at least 45 working days before the start of construction.
Compliance with FAA regulations is crucial for any construction or alteration projects near airports. Failure to comply can result in safety hazards and negative impacts on airport operations. It is important to consult with experts in this field to ensure adherence to all applicable rules and maintain the safe operation of aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport zone A, also known as a Public Safety Zone (PSZ) or Public Safety Restricted Zone (PSRZ), is an area surrounding an airport where development is restricted due to safety concerns. The size of the zone is based on aircraft accident data and the landing threshold of the airport's runways.
The general policy for buildings within airport zone A is that people should not be expected to live or work in the area. Certain forms of development with a very low density of people may be acceptable, such as long-stay car parking, housing for plant or machinery, golf courses, and transport infrastructure.
The extent of airport zone A should be indicated on local plan maps. You can also use the FAA's online tool, which requires inputting the exact coordinates of the building.
Yes, you will likely need to notify the relevant aviation authority, such as the FAA in the US or the Secretary of State in the UK, and may need to submit a form for any building proposed to be higher than 200 feet above ground level.
If your property is within airport zone A, the airport operator may be expected to make an offer to purchase the property or part of its land, especially if it falls within a high-risk area near the runway.
