BACKGROUND

Airports consistently face challenges coordinating with external entities to address verified obstructions to air navigation. Even when obstructions are verified through inspections by state aeronautical agencies or additional analysis, airports often must negotiate with landowners or other stakeholder to remove the obstructions that do not fall within the airport or jurisdiction (e.g., obstructions on private land, land in a neighboring municipality, etc.). The need for external coordination may result in delays, additional costs, or legal action to address the obstruction (such as eminent domain). There is currently no single resource that synthesizes how airports address these situations.

OBJECTIVE & AUDIENCE

The objective of this synthesis is to collect information on the various mechanism’s airports utilize to address obstructions, with a focus on obstructions that are outside of the airport boundary. The audience for this synthesis is airport sponsors, local permitting authorities, state aviation officials, and other non-airport stakeholders. 

STATUS The first draft is expected March 2025