Obstacle Free Zone

The obstacle-free zone (OFZ) is a 3D volume of airspace below 150 feet (46 m), above the established airport elevation which protects for the transition of aircraft to and from the runway. The Obstacle Free Zone (OFZ) clearing standard precludes taxiing and parked airplanes and object penetrations, except for frangible navigation aid (NAVAID) locations that are fixed by function. It is centered above the runway and the extended runway centerline and is intended to provide clearance protection for aircraft landing or taking off from the runway and for missed approaches. The OFZ is subdivided into:

  • Runway OFZ, the airspace above a surface centered on the runway centerline
  • Inner-approach OFZ, centered on the extended runway centerline and applicable only to runways with an approach lightning system
  • Inner-transitional OFZ, the airspace above the surface located on the outer edges of the runway OFZ ad the inner-approach OFZ and applicable only to runways with an approach visibility minimum lower than ¾ of mile

Famous quotes containing the words obstacle, free and/or zone:

    “Conceit is an insuperable obstacle to all progress.”
    —Ellen Terry (1847–1928)

    “I anticipate with pleasing expectations that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.”
    —George Washington (1732–1799)

    “He who, from zone to zone,
    Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight,
    In the long way that I must tread alone,
    Will lead my steps aright.”
    —William Cullen Bryant (1794–1878)