FAA Part 77 Obstruction Evaluation Area
In addition to the imaginary surfaces established by the DoD, the (FAA) has
also established guidance to reduce the potential for accidents surrounding
an airfield. Associated with the imaginary surfaces of an active airfield and in
relation to flight operations from an airport (military or civilian), vertical
obstructions are assessed through compliance with Code of Federal
Regulation (CFR) Title 14 Part 77 Safe and Efficient Use and Preservation of
the Navigable Airspace, which establishes standards and notification
requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace. Figure 8 illustrates the
Part 77 defined footprint based on the elevation of the runway.
Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Title 14 Part 77is commonly referred to as
Part 77 compliance, this regulation provides details to evaluate the potential
for a vertical obstruction based on the elevation of the airfield, the height
and resulting elevation of the new structure or facility, and the location of
the structure or facility in relation to the airfield in question. The guidance
and process for obstruction evaluation is more fully detailed in Chapter 4,
Existing Tools under federal tools.
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