This programme was launched to address the growing complexity and regulatory demands surrounding temporary airspace obstacle applications. Initially focused on improving the efficiency and accuracy of obstacle assessments for temporary structures, the programme later expanded to encompass broader aerodrome technical inspection workflows.

This R&D initiative aimed to modernise how airport operators, air traffic managers, engineers, and planners manage compliance with aviation safety regulations. By integrating advanced visualisation, automated analysis, and data-driven inspection tools, the programme sought to reduce manual effort, improve regulatory alignment, and enhance operational safety across aerodrome environments.

Programme Objectives

Visualise Airspace Constraints: Develop digital tools to model and visualise Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) and PANS-OPS, enabling stakeholders to assess the impact of temporary and permanent structures on airspace safety.

Streamline Obstacle Applications: Simplify the process of submitting, evaluating, and approving temporary obstacle applications through automated calculations and compliance checks.

Enhance Aerodrome Inspection Workflows: Create systems that support technical inspections of aerodrome infrastructure, improving efficiency, traceability, and data capture for engineering teams.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Build frameworks that align with international aviation safety standards, facilitating consistent and transparent compliance across jurisdictions.

Enable Real-Time Analysis: Integrate real-time data processing and reporting capabilities to support timely decision-making and reduce delays in safety assessments.

Reduce Manual Workload: Automate complex calculations and reporting tasks to save time and minimise human error in both obstacle analysis and technical inspections.