U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Section 2. Petition Processing

9-2-1. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING

Upon receiving a petition, the FAA will:

a. Assign an OE case number to the petition composed of the last two digits of the calendar year in which the assignment is made, the symbol "AWA" to indicate Washington headquarters, the symbol "OE" to indicate obstruction evaluation, and a serial number. Serial numbers run consecutively within each calendar year.

b. If the petition does not meet the criteria in part 77, notify the petitioner in writing.

c. If the petition does meet the criteria in part 77, notify the sponsor, the petitioner, the OES, and, if appropriate, the FCC that the determination is not and will not become final pending disposition of the petition.

d. Distribute a copy of a valid petition and the associated determination to the Spectrum Assignment and Engineering Services, Flight Procedures Standards Branch, AFS-420, Airport Engineering Division, AAS-100; and the National Flight Procedures office for their examination.

e. There are no regulatory time frames for the completion of the processing of a petition. However, every effort should be made to complete the examination, or review, within six months of receipt of the petition.

9-2-2. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based upon the results of the examination of the petition and further coordination with Spectrum Assignment and Engineering Services, AFS-420, AAS-100, National Flight Procedures Office, and, as appropriate, AGC, the Airspace and Rules Group shall recommend to the Director of System Operations Airspace and AIM whether to grant or deny the review, and whether the review should include a public comment period.

9-2-3. DISTRIBUTION OF NOTICES OF GRANT REVIEW

The Airspace and Rules Group will distribute the notice to grant discretionary review in writing to the petitioner, the sponsor, interested parties of record, and the FCC, if appropriate. The notice will include, but is not limited to: a statement of the specific issues to be considered; the aeronautical study number, a description of the proposal's location and height; the obstruction standards that are exceeded; the date the comment period closes (no less than 45 days from issuance of the grant); where to send comments, and a person to contact for more information.

9-2-4. OES PARTICIPATION

When a discretionary review is granted, the Airspace and Rules Group shall request the OES submit a written summary report and recommendation in accordance with Section 77.37(c)(1). The summary report and recommendation shall include, but is not limited, to the following:

a. The original or certified true copy of the aeronautical study case file.

b. A narrative summary of the aeronautical study including:

1. A full description of height and location of the structure/project.

2. The obstruction standards exceeded and to what extent.

3. Adverse affects, as described in paragraph 6-3-3 of this order.

4. Summary of comments.

5. Summary of discussions conducted with sponsor.

6. Any other necessary information.

c. A recommendation as to the disposition of the petition (e.g., to affirm, revise, or reverse the determination).

d. Verify, if appropriate, the following documents have been entered into the case file:

1. FAA Form 7460-1 or other form notice.

2. Copies of all correspondence sent to the sponsor.

3. Public notice of the aeronautical study.

4. Comments received as a result of circularization for public comment.

5. Notification of informal meetings.

6. Summary of informal meetings.

7. Letters of agreement.

8. Operations letters.

9. Any other pertinent information.

9-2-5. FINAL DECISION

Based on the review of the aeronautical study, the petition, current directives and orders, and comments received, the Airspace and Rules Group shall draft and coordinate a document for the Director of System Operations Airspace and AIM signature that affirms, reverses, or revises the initial determination, or remands the case to OES for termination, re-study or other action as necessary.

9-2-6. DISTRIBUTION OF DECISION

Copies of the final decision shall be distributed by the Airspace and Rules Group to the petitioner(s), sponsor, interested parties of record, service area office, and FCC, if appropriate.