Section 2. Aeronautical Review/Determinations

  1. EVALUATION OF AFFECTED AIRSPACE AREAS

The following guidelines should be used in evaluating proposals received for HIL activities in the NAS. Refer to airspace zones described in Chapter 29 to assist in evaluating those areas in close proximity to an airport. Reduction in the size of a specific zone may be considered when the aeronautical study to assure users of the NAS will not be effected.

  1. AERONAUTICAL STUDY
  1. Determination of the potential overall airspace effected by HIL operations must be conducted by the service area office. The aeronautical study, as a minimum, should include the following, as appropriate:
  1. Quantities of traffic affected.
  2. Location(s) of aviation activity that may be affected, including areas where low-level air traffic operations may occur (for example, helicopter operations, Flights for Life).
  3. Control jurisdiction (for example, ATC facility).
  4. Coordination with Flight Standards, and local officials, as necessary (for example, FAA air traffic facilities, appropriate military representatives, and airport managers).
  1. Observers, when required, must be able to see the full airspace area surrounding the HIL beam's paths to a distance appropriate to the affected airspace.
  2. Require the control measures that ensure aircraft will not be exposed to HIL illumination that has the potential to affect a pilot in the performance of their respective duties.
  1. CONTENT OF DETERMINATION
  1. After completing an aeronautical study, the service area office must prepare a Letter of Determination (LOD). Follow the guidelines published in paragraph 29-3-2 to formulate the content of the LOD. Forward a copy of the determination to the proponent of the activity, and when deemed necessary, to all affected ATC facilities, airport managers, and military liaison offices.
  2. At the discretion of the service area office, issue a NOTAM to alert pilots of known HIL activity. The service area office may delegate notification responsibility to the respective flight service stations, other air traffic facilities, or require the proponents to activate or cancel the local NOTAM involving the HIL operation through that appropriate facility.