Project of development of an automated tool for the design of obstacle limitation surfaces and navigation procedures at the airport

Abstract

The project aims at the development of an automated tool for obtaining the graphical and numerical representation of both surfaces and procedures based on ICAO design requirements, surrounding topography and other design constraints. The tool will be tested in the design of the elements in new real Greenfield airport development projects.Every new airport development includes within its design work two airspace related activities required for the entry into service: obstacle limitation surfaces and approach procedures design.ICAO Annex 14 defines a set of object-free surfaces around the airport to permit airplane operations to be conducted safely and to ensure that operability is maintained by preventing new objects to disturb normal operation. These surfaces are the so-called obstacle limitation surfaces: outer horizontal, conical, inner horizontal, approach, transitional, balked landing and take-off climb surfaces.Operations to and from the new airport requires a set of approach and take-off procedures based on navigation aids. ICAO performance-based navigation (PBN) represents a shift from sensor-based to performance-based navigation. PBN is the new method for the design of instrumental procedures.