Aeronautical Information Management
Obstacle Evaluations
In line with the South African Civil Aviation Authority Notice 2024/2 : Obstacle Assessment Service Provider Refer Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 001-2024. ATNS has met all the requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations Part 178 and has been duly approved as a service provider responsible for the assessment of obstacle applications.
ATNS conducts all obstacle types of assessment including the Annex 14 OLS for all aerodromes.
Introduction
An Obstacle is defined as any fixed (temporary/permanent) or mobile object—or part thereof—that is located on an area intended for surface movement of aircraft, or that extends above defined surfaces meant to protect aircraft in flight. These objects pose potential hazards to air navigation, requiring special marking or lighting.
Obstacle Assessment is a process where aeronautical studies are conducted to assess an impact of a proposed structure with the intent to ensuring the protection of the environment surrounding the Aerodrome from developments and activities that have the potential to impact on the aerodrome’s safe operation. Safe airport operations demand a permanent monitoring of obstacles at and around airports. It is crucial to keep them in line with the applicable obstacle limitations. The construction of new infrastructure or changes to airport operations require systematic obstacle evaluations and assessments to maintain an acceptable level of safety
The construction of new buildings and infrastructure like masts and power lines, in and around the vicinity of airports could potentially effect flight safety, and therefore require assessments to be conducted to determine if these new buildings and infrastructure infringe on the obstacle limitation surfaces established around each airport thus Annex 14 assessment.
The purpose of the Annex 14 Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) is to define the volume of airspace that should be ideally kept free or safeguarded from obstacles, and to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of aircraft, and thereby the passengers and crews aboard them, while taking -off or landing, or while flying in the vicinity of an airport.
Assessment and Evaluation
The Aeronautical Information Department at ATNS oversees all Obstacle Assessments.
Applications
How to register your Obstacle Assessment Application
Steps to follow :
- Visit the ATNS Aeronautical Obstacle Assessment site (link provided below)
- Click “Download Documents”
- Select your appropriate obstacle type template and download.
- Fill-in the required data/information on the downloaded template.
- Click “Request a Service” and follow the prompts
ATNS accepts applications for Obstacle Assessments directly from clients. Applications may be submitted electronically, via the ATNS website Aeronautical Obstacle Assessment click here
Please note there’s a charge attached to this service.
Information important for your application :
The structural characteristics of the obstacle.
The coordinates for the location of the obstacle (presented in WGS84 format – Degrees, Minutes, Seconds to at least 4 decimal places).
The heights and elevations of the obstacle.
Site plans and relevant documents that may be deemed crucial.
Any other additional information that may assist in the assessment (consent letters, Glint and Glare Studies etc)
Applicants will be informed on receipt of the application (via email with Ref ATNS26XX-XXX).