Obstruction Evaluation

Obstruction evaluation refers to aeronautical studies conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for any object that may affect the national airspace, air navigation facilities, or airport capacity. Aeronautical studies are coordinated by FAA's Obstruction Evaluation Group (OEG).

Our primary mission in the Obstruction Evaluation Group (OEG), is to conduct formal aeronautical studies on existing or proposed construction as stated in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 77 to ensure the safety of air navigation and the efficient utilization of navigable airspace by aircraft.

Obstruction Evaluation Program

If a sponsor is ready to file notice, they may do so electronically at FAA's OEAAA website. Sponsors may also file notice manually by filling out the OEAAA paper form. The OEAAA website includes a list of FAQs on a range of topics including; Marking/Lighting, Wind Turbines, and Discretionary Reviews.

• OEAAA website for electronic filing
• Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance and Policy

The following Advisory Circulars, Engineering briefs, Regulations, and Orders, are to provide guidance to both Public and Private Industry, on issues most common to obstruction findings.

• U.S.C.
  • 49 U.S.C. 40103 – Sovereignty and use of Airspace
  • 49 U.S.C. 44718 – Structures interfering with air commerce
• Advisory Circulars
  • AC 70/7460-1L: Obstruction Marking and Lighting (current version)
  • AC 150/5345-43H: Specification for Obstruction Lighting Equipment (current version)
• Engineering Briefs
• Regulations
  • 14 CFR Part 77 Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation of the Navigable Airspace
• Orders
  • JO 7400.2 Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters

Contact the OEG

• Off Airport Areas of Responsibility

Quality Assurance

• ISO 9001: 2015 Certification (PDF)

OE Online Tools

To help sponsors determine if they will need to file notice, FAA has created the "Notice Criteria Tool". The Notice Criteria Tool lists the minimum conditions when a sponsor must file. The tool allows the sponsor to plug in information directly to determine if they will need to file notice.

• Notice Criteria Tool

Forms

The best and most efficient method of submitting new proposed construction or alteration notices is to electronically file (e-file).

Benefits:

• Immediate notification your proposal has been received and accepted.
• Any necessary follow up questions will be sent directly to your email.
• Status of your proposal will be posted on your Portal Page.
• Immediate notification when your proposal has been completed.
• Your Determination will be posted on the website for 24/7 download.
• No chance your proposal is 'lost in the mail' or erased in a fax transmission.
• Website e-filing is available 24/7.
• Instructions are posted for your immediate clarification requirements.

Instructions are at your finger tips

Off-Airport property proposals

If you must fax or mail your proposal,

Off-Airport Forms:FAA Form 7460-1 – Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration

• FAA Form 7460-2 – Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration

On-Airport property proposals

Contact the Airport District Office (ADO) for your on-airport property proposal.

Forms:

• FAA Form 7460-1 – Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration
• FAA Form 7460-2 – Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration
• FAA Form 5010-3 – For newly established public-use airports
• FAA Form 5010-5 – For newly established private-use airports
• FAA Form 7480-1 – Notifies the FAA of any construction, alteration, activation, deactivation, or change to the status or use of a civil or joint-use (civil/military) airport (part 157)
• FAA Form 6000-26 – Airport Sponsor Strategic Event Submission Form