FAA Obstruction Evaluation (OE/AAA) Consulting

How the FAA OE/AAA process works

1. Determine whether notice is required

   Under 14 CFR 77.9, notice is required for structures taller than 200 feet above ground level, and for shorter structures near public-use and military airports and heliports that would rise above set sloping surfaces. Cranes and other temporary construction equipment count. The FAA's Notice Criteria Tool gives a first answer, but it does not show what height the FAA is likely to accept.

2. File FAA Form 7460-1

   The Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration is filed through the OE/AAA website at least 45 days before construction begins. Coordinates and ground elevations should come from a licensed surveyor, because less precise data can lead the FAA to study a taller or closer structure than you plan to build.

3. The FAA studies the proposal

   The Obstruction Evaluation Group coordinates the review with more than ten offices, including Technical Operations, Flight Procedures, the Office of Airports, air traffic facilities and the military.

4. The FAA issues its initial findings

   Many filings receive a Determination of No Hazard, sometimes with marking and lighting conditions. When the study raises concerns, the FAA issues a Notice of Preliminary Findings (NPF), which opens a discussion of adjustments, mitigation or further study.

5. The FAA issues a final determination

   The outcome is a Determination of No Hazard or a Determination of Hazard. A Determination of No Hazard normally expires 18 months after it is issued, and extension requests must be filed at least 15 days before expiration. Once construction starts, Form 7460-2 is filed in two parts: when work begins and when the structure reaches its greatest height.

Where experience changes the outcome

• Before filing: identify which airspace surfaces and procedures are likely to control the height, so the design starts from a defensible number. See Maximum Building Height Analysis.
• During filing: prepare complete, accurate notices that avoid avoidable questions and delays. See FAA Form 7460-1 Filing.
• After an NPF: understand which office raised the concern and what adjustment is likely to resolve it. See Notice of Preliminary Findings Response.
• Through to construction: track determinations, extensions and Form 7460-2 notices so approvals don't lapse.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FAA OE/AAA process?

It is the FAA's review of proposed construction to determine whether a structure would be a hazard to air navigation. Proposals are filed and tracked through the OE/AAA website.

When do I need to file FAA Form 7460-1?

When a structure meets the notice criteria in 14 CFR 77.9, generally if it is taller than 200 feet or close to an airport or heliport. File at least 45 days before construction begins, and earlier for complex sites.

Do cranes need their own Form 7460-1?

Yes, if the crane meets the notice criteria. Cranes are a common source of late construction delays, so plan their filings with the building's.

What is the difference between a Determination of No Hazard and a Notice of Preliminary Findings?

A Determination of No Hazard is a final finding that the structure would not be a hazard, sometimes with conditions. A Notice of Preliminary Findings states the FAA's initial concerns and starts a discussion; it is not a final decision.

How long does a Determination of No Hazard last?

Normally 18 months from issuance, unless the FAA sets a different period or extends it.

Does an FAA determination replace local zoning approval?

No. A Determination of No Hazard does not override state or local requirements, and local authorities may set their own height limits.

Planning a project near an airport? Request an airspace review.