Aeronautical studies

Safety management and the organisational aspects thereof are clearly very important with respect to the actual safety performance. Nevertheless, one should be aware that the final step in the safety chain concerns the actual flight operation: that is where all concerted safety actions should result in the practical achievement of a safe flight. For this reason it is essential that new or modified systems and flight procedures are carefully analysed concerning operational safety and flight technical aspects, before being introduced. These analyses are captured by the generic term “aeronautical studies”. Based on its operational and flight technical expertise, the Safety Institute has been involved in a broad range of such assessments, varying from airport operations to air navigation procedure design.

Obstacle clearance

A special case of an aeronautical study is the assessment of obstacle clearance. A high-rise building, a series of wind turbines or electricity poles may pose a hazardous situation to air traffic. ICAO Annexes indicate the formal head-room for high objects in the vicinity of airports. The obstacle assessment is therefore relatively easy to do, using professional tools and specialists trained in procedure design. Often the design of a building or other obstacle conflicts with the regulations. In such cases a flight technical assessment is carried out and very often objective facts can be given in support of the building plans. When deemed necessary, we also advise on needed changes to approach or departure procedures and on potential wind effects that may pose a danger to air traffic.

Example projects:

• Study into the safety and compatibility of mixed VFR/IFR air traffic operations at Geneva airport.
• Assessment of aircraft operations in strong wind conditions.
• Aeronautical study for Zurich airport concerning take-off RWY16, missed approach RWY14;
• Flight technical assessment for Reykjavik airport; and
• Collision risk for proposed RNAV/visual approach procedures for Zurich airport.

For more information on aeronautical studies and obstacle clearance assessments or any other question, please fill in our contact form.