Section 5. Processing of Airport Proposals By Technical Operations Services Area Offices

11-5-1. ELECTROMAGNETIC OR LINE-OF-SIGHT INTERFERENCE

The technical operations services office must study airport proposals to determine if there is a possibility of electromagnetic or line-of-sight interference. Use the guidance in paragraph 6-3-3 to determine the extent of any adverse effect. At locations with an ATCT, a shadow study is required to determine if part of the aircraft operating area would be shielded from view by the control tower. In either case, when a potential problem exists, request the Airports Office to negotiate a resolution with the sponsor. If this is not possible, then proceed with the study and submit findings to the Airports Office.

11-5-2. EVALUATION OF INSTRUMENT RUNWAY DESIGNATION

The designation of an instrument landing runway may be associated with a precision type landing aid. Conduct a study of a proposal to designate an instrument landing runway to determine the feasibility of siting various components in accordance with established siting criteria. Forward comments and recommendations to Airports. Should program approval be received for the installation of an instrument landing system to serve a runway which has not been designated as an instrument landing runway, send a letter to the Airports Office requesting a study for the runway to be so designated. Include data in the letter concerning the siting of the various components, their heights, and any other comments that may be appropriate.

11-5-3. CHANGE IN AIRPORT STATUS FROM VFR TO IFR

The technical operations services office must review all proposed airport status changes to ensure that there is no effect on its functional responsibilities. Forward the study results to the FPT or Airports Division Offices, as appropriate.

11-5-4. AIRPORT PROPOSALS

Proposals vary in complexity from a single runway airport to a major air carrier airport. When NAVAID facilities are part of the ALP, the technical operations services office must conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of siting and installing the proposed facilities as well as to evaluate the effect of the proposal on existing NAVAIDs. Conduct a shadow study, based on necessary data provided by the airport owner to ensure that existing or proposed structures, or natural objects, do not derogate the airport traffic control tower line-of-sight visibility of the proposed runway or taxiway. Forward the results of the study to the Airports Office.