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ICAO/ACI OBSTACLE LIMITATION SURFACES (OLS) SYMPOSIUM 2021 REVIEWS

Apr 18,2022 – Arzu ÇUBUKÇU

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First of all, I’d like to share my impressions of the event by recommending that those who missed it watch it for free on ICAO TV. Please keep in mind that this article will be entirely based on my personal understandings and opinions.

It was an interactive, efficient, and fun event that welcomed participants from all over the world for such a unique workspace. Our company Haritaevi was among the participants as the sole sponsor of this important international event.

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During the three-day event, the existing Obstacle Limiting Surfaces (OLS-Mania Plans), their shortcomings, and the types of developments that will occur in the new period were explained. It was mentioned that the existing OLSs have a history dating back to the 1950s; however, during this time, the aircraft changed, accelerated, and strengthened, as well as the increased in construction, and as a result, the existing surfaces became unable to meet the needs. The new surfaces that will be created by configuring OLS are still operational. It is stated that the new surfaces, Obstacle-Free Zone Surfaces (OFS) and Obstacle Evaluation Surfaces (OES), will be applicable beginning in 2026, with the transition taking place in 2024 after the works are completed. Of course, there will be improvements at regular intervals after that. The OFS will have six surfaces (takeoff climbing, approach, transition, internal passage, internal approach, forced landing), while the OES will have four surfaces (horizontal, instrumented takeoff, direct instrument approach, precise approach).

The event was extremely beneficial to the participants, and the feedback was both plentiful and informative. The impact it had on blogs and social media after three days supported this viewpoint. The presentations demonstrated meticulous planning of the event’s schedule and flow.

Of course, some aspects of the event could be criticized. Some of these include the fact that almost no one from the private sector was among the speakers and participants, the fact that the event was paid for in a narrow and private space such as OLS, which further limited participation, and finally, there were no female participants among the speakers. I personally believe and hope that these issues can be addressed and corrected at future events.

I’d like to thank all of the speakers, especially ICAO and ACI, as well as all of the participants who helped each other in the Q&A sections for this wonderful event, and we hope to meet again at future events.