Feb 21, 2022 – Çağla KALKAN
Obstacle Management is being renewed after 50 years in the aviation industry. The first step towards this was supported with the ICAO/ACI OLS Symposium. As Haritaevi, we sponsored this symposium. We hope that such steps in the sector will continue without slowing down. We would like sharing our notes and observations from the symposium with you. Further, we will evaluate the symposium in general and then look at the details.
Foremost, it was remarkably successful as an online symposium, but it was impossible not to recognize the limits of technology. Voice coordination sometimes hinders understanding. The monotone presentations of some presenters made it difficult for the participants to focus. It was paid for $250. Regrettably, this is not reasonable for everyone. Currently, in many countries, the fee corresponds to more than average monthly earnings. More favorable pricing can create fairer participation. Discounted participation conditions could additionally be offered for students. Another sad point was being unable to see any women at the stage. We hope a more sensitive atmosphere will be evoked for the next time.
Let’s take a look at the contents. The dates set for the transition to the new OLS concept in the first place do seem unfeasible. I don’t think it can be applicable in such a short time. This topic was asked frequently in the Q & A section. It seems that the limited budgets of the authorities were not considered when setting this date.
Another issue is that research and development has been done in developed countries. Of course, it’s good to benefit from developed countries as there is better data, but taking into account the underdeveloped countries helps us to establish the operations more effectively. There should be some consideration for underdeveloped countries.
Another crucial point is that the changes made to the new Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) create more surfaces and the names of the surfaces are confusing. In most cases, people always expect fewer surfaces because, as the number of surfaces increases, operations become more complex. Also, using different terms than those used in other operations avoids confusion.
Finally, let’s consider the Q & A part. This part is purely for professional questions. And unfortunately, the frequently asked questions here showed that people have problems with very fundamental issues. Although the presenters say that less aeronautical study will be needed each time, the most frequently asked question is who will perform the aeronautical study. This question has been asked many times and answered many times. And the answer was “any stakeholder.” ICAO leaves this area entirely to national governments, and this is a not yet settled issue in most countries. The fact that people do not yet have clear ideas, even on very basic issues, is worth-pondering.
To sum up, we are very happy to enjoy such a symposium. A completely fundamental issue in terms of Aviation Safety had to be brought to the agenda. Opportunities in which aviation professionals can interact with each other more are beneficial for everyone. I hope to be at better symposiums.