Definition
A defined volume of airspace surrounding a runway and its approach and departure paths within which obstacles must be identified, surveyed, and evaluated to determine whether they affect the safe operation of aircraft using that runway. The dimensions of the area are established by FAA criteria and are used in the design of instrument approach and departure procedures.
Plain English
A specific zone of air and ground around a runway where every tall object — buildings, trees, towers, terrain — has to be checked to make sure aircraft can safely take off, land, and fly the published procedures without hitting anything.
Context Anchor
Seen in airport planning, instrument procedure design, and obstacle studies for takeoff, departure, approach, or landing paths.
Derivation
Obstacle comes from Latin words meaning “to stand in the way.” Evaluation means a careful judgment. Area means a defined space. Together, the phrase means a defined space where anything that could stand in the way of safe flight is checked.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether a new building or tower requires changes to flight procedures or minimum safe altitudes, directly impacting operational safety and efficiency.
Grounding Statement
Picture the protected space around a runway path where every hill, antenna, crane, or building is checked before pilots are expected to fly that path safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just “an area with obstacles.” It means a specific area used to evaluate whether obstacles matter for aircraft clearance or procedure design.
Example Sentence 1
A new cell tower proposed near the airport had to be reviewed because it fell inside the obstacle evaluation area for Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
The airport authority conducted an Obstacle Evaluation Area study before approving construction of a new control tower.