Roberta Aguirre
Building near an airport can be a complex process due to safety concerns for aircraft approaching or taking off. Various regulations and guidelines dictate the height restrictions and lighting requirements for structures near airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, for example, has regulations like Part 77, which places restrictions on the height of structures near public-use airports. Similar guidelines are provided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which recommends specific lighting systems for structures within 10,000 meters of an airport to ensure aviation safety. Understanding and adhering to these regulations are crucial when considering construction projects near airports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height restrictions | Any structure exceeding 200 feet (61 meters) above ground level must be marked and/or lighted and requires submission of a form to the FAA. |
| Obstacle clearance | Structures must maintain a vertical distance between any point and the established minimum instrument flight altitude within the terminal obstacle clearance area, including initial approach, departure, and circling approach segments. |
| Imaginary surfaces | The FAA considers imaginary surfaces when determining height restrictions, taking into account the distance between the runway and the proposed building. |
| Lighting requirements | Obstacles in the vicinity of an airport must be appropriately marked or lit according to ICAO guidelines. Lighting types (Type A, B, C, or D) and intensities depend on the height and location of the structure. |
| Local regulations | Local zoning requirements and state/local restrictions may impose additional setbacks and restrictions on building heights near airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
The FAA's role is to evaluate the effect of the construction on operating procedures, determine the potential hazardous effects on air navigation, and identify measures to enhance safe air navigation. An aeronautical study may be conducted to assess the need for aircraft warning lights and the potential hazard of the construction.
For off-airport proposals, the sponsor can e-file the required information at oeaaa.faa.gov or submit a completed 7460-1 form to the FAA's Southwest Regional Office Obstruction Evaluation Group. Non-Federal facilities within the FAA Central Region (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska) should send proposals to the FAA in Kansas City, MO.
The FAA's recommendations on marking and lighting structures can vary depending on terrain features, weather patterns, and geographic location. If the structure is not on airport property, the sponsor should contact the Air Traffic Organization Obstruction Evaluation Specialist for their area.
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Local zoning requirements
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Guidelines: The FAA establishes standards and procedures for aeronautical studies and provides a model zoning ordinance to control the height of objects around airports. These guidelines aim to ensure the safe and efficient use of navigable airspace. The FAA also defines key terms related to airport zoning, such as "approach surface," "avigation easement," and "obstacle-free zone (OFZ)."
- State and Local Regulations: State and local governments play a significant role in airport zoning requirements. For example, in Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has the authority to issue or deny Airspace Obstruction Permits for construction or alterations within a certain radius of military or public-use aviation facilities. Local governments adjacent to these facilities must adopt comprehensive plan goals that ensure land use compatibility.
- Zoning Ordinances: Local zoning ordinances typically outline height restrictions for structures near airports. These ordinances are designed to prevent obstructions to air navigation and protect the safety and welfare of people on the ground and in airplanes. The specific height limitations may vary depending on the proximity to the airport and the approach paths of aircraft.
- Airport Reference Points: Zoning regulations often refer to "airport reference points," which are specific points within the boundaries of each major airport. These points are used to establish imaginary surfaces, such as the horizontal surface, conical surface, approach surfaces, and transitional surfaces, which help determine the maximum allowable height of structures in the vicinity.
- Flight Obstruction Areas: Airports are typically divided into two parts: the Airport Approach District and the Airport Circling District. These districts define the areas below the flight paths of aircraft approaching or circling the airport. Within these districts, there are specific height restrictions to ensure that structures do not penetrate critical surfaces and create obstructions.
- Permits and Variances: When constructing or altering structures near airports, permits may be required. If a proposed structure exceeds federal notification criteria, proponents must submit FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction. In some cases, a variance to the local airport protection zoning ordinance may be sought directly with the local government, and the involvement of relevant state departments may also be necessary.
It is important to consult the specific local zoning ordinances and regulations in your area to understand the precise height restrictions and requirements for constructing or altering structures near an airport. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft operations and the surrounding community.
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Obstacle lighting
Any structure within a certain distance of an airport or its runways must be appropriately marked or lit. This includes not only tall buildings but also shorter obstacles, such as fences, that could potentially pose a risk to aircraft. The specific requirements for obstacle lighting depend on factors such as the height of the structure, its proximity to the airport, and the terrain and weather conditions.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), structures exceeding 200 feet (61 meters) in height generally require marking and/or lighting. However, this threshold may vary depending on the specific circumstances. For example, the FAA may recommend lighting for structures below 200 feet if they are located near an airport or pose a unique hazard. Conversely, an aeronautical study may determine that certain structures above 200 feet do not require lighting if they are not deemed a hazard to aviation safety.
The type of lighting used on tall structures near airports typically falls into three main categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Type A lights are typically used on standalone structures under 45 meters tall and feature a burning red light with an intensity of more than 10 candela. Type B lights are similar but are used in combination with medium or high-intensity lights. Type C lights have a steady burning red colour with an intensity of 2,000 candela and are often used at night, either alone or in combination with Type A lights.
For structures taller than 150 meters, high-intensity lighting is required. This includes Type A high-intensity lights, which have different intensities for day, twilight, and night use. To avoid disorienting pilots, these lights must not produce a dazzling effect. Medium-intensity white strobe lights are used on structures between 200 and 500 feet, while taller structures over 700 feet require high-intensity white strobes.
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Imaginary surfaces
When considering building near an airport, one must take into account the concept of "imaginary surfaces". These are theoretical planes that are used to determine the maximum height of any structure built near an airport. The purpose of these imaginary surfaces is to ensure that any new construction does not obstruct the flight paths of aircraft using the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has established regulations, specifically Part 77, that govern the height of structures near public-use airports. These regulations are designed to maintain the safety of aircraft operations and include the concept of imaginary surfaces.
The FAA defines several types of imaginary surfaces:
- Horizontal Surface: This is a plane that is generally parallel to the ground and is established at a certain height above the airport elevation. It usually extends outward from the airport reference point, which is typically located within the boundaries of the airport.
- Conical Surface: An inclined plane that extends upward and outward from the airport reference point, forming a cone-like shape.
- Approach Surface: These are imaginary inclined planes, trapezoidal in shape, and located symmetrically with respect to the extended center line of any runway. They are designed to protect aircraft during their final approach and takeoff paths.
- Transitional Surface: While not explicitly defined, transitional surfaces are mentioned alongside approach and horizontal surfaces, indicating that they serve as a buffer or transition zone between these critical areas.
These imaginary surfaces are used to determine the maximum allowable height of any structure within the vicinity of an airport. The specific height restrictions are based on the distance from the airport and the type of imaginary surface that applies at that location. Engineering and design firms can assist in calculating these imaginary surfaces, and the FAA also provides a tool on its website to aid in this determination.
It is important to note that local zoning requirements and regulations may also impose additional restrictions on building heights near airports. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft operations and to protect the lives and property of individuals in the surrounding areas.
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Private vs public airports
There are approximately 14,400 private-use and 5,000 public-use airports, heliports, and seaplane bases in the US. Public-use airports are open to the public and owned by the government, whereas private-use airports are closed to the public and are usually 100% owned by a private entity.
Public Airports
Public airports are owned by the government and open to the public. They are typically funded by the government and are considered public property. Anyone can use a public airport at any time, and the city must allow reasonable access and support for transient pilots. The FBO (fixed-base operator) at a public airport has the right to charge for parking, fuel, and after-hours access, but they cannot block anyone from using the runway. ATC (air traffic control) will allow any operation that does not interfere with the normal flow of traffic.
Private Airports
Private airports are typically owned by private entities and are closed to the public. They do not receive public funds and are considered private property. Landing at a private airport without prior permission is considered trespassing, and both the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and local law enforcement may intervene. Permission to land at a private airport can be obtained through a simple radio call, phone call, or even a text message. Private airports can put in place any restrictions they see fit, usually limited to blocking activities that would disrupt the owner's normal use of the airport.
Regulations for Structures Near Airports
The ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) sets guidelines for obstacles and structures near airports. Objects taller than 4.5 meters in the vicinity of an airport should be coloured in a checkered pattern with white and orange or red. Structures taller than 45 meters should be equipped with medium-intensity lighting, and those above 150 meters should feature high-intensity lights.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as it depends on your location and the airport in question. However, in the US, any structure taller than 200 feet (61m) must be marked and/or lighted, according to the FAA.
Yes, you must notify the FAA if your building will be tall enough to possibly obstruct air navigation. Local zoning requirements may also have restrictions relating to building near an airport.
According to the ICAO, any structure taller than 4.5m in the area of an airport should be coloured in a checkered pattern with white and orange or red.
The ICAO recommends a dual lighting system with high and medium-intensity lighting or two types of medium-intensity lights. During the daytime, Type A or B high-intensity lights or Type A medium-intensity lights are required. At night, Type B or C medium-intensity lights are sufficient.
You should consider the distance between the runway and your proposed building, as well as the height. This will help determine if your structure will be a hazard to aircraft.
