Introduction to New Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS)
This course provides a concise technical overview of the New OLS concept, the ADG and the OFS/OES forming the basis for modern aerodrome safeguarding.
The ICAO Annex 14 Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) have their origins in the 1950s and were established to ensure the safety of aeroplane operations. History shows that the OLS are frequently penetrated by new obstacles world-wide, and it has become more difficult to protect the surfaces against new obstructions. The reasons are numerous and include unclear objectives of the OLS, inconsistencies between ICAO Annex 14, Annex 6, and PANS OPS requirements as well as a mismatch between the obstacle requirements of the surfaces and the complex impact of obstacles on the operations.
To address the deficiencies of the current OLS, a revised OLS has been adopted by ICAO in 2025. A new twofold concept, which has been developed by the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Task Force (OLSTF), now comprises of the obstacle free surfaces (OFS) and obstacle evaluation surfaces (OES). Furthermore, a new code system, the aeroplane design groups (ADG), for the design of the OFS and OES was introduced.
The objective of this training course is to provide an introduction of the new concept and new surfaces. The new ADG as well as the OFS and OES are presented. The surface dimensions as well as obstacle limitation requirements are discussed.
The course is designed for all people involved in this complex subject, including aerodrome, Civil Aviation Authority personnel, or project developers.
Training 5 or more people? Ask for an In-house course at your premises or online!
Course Details
Location:VirtualLanguage:English
Date:14.10. - 15.10.2026
Duration:2 days
Provider:airsight GmbH
Course Fee
For virtual training courses:
19% VAT will be charged for German customers, private customers and EU customers without valid EU VAT identification number. Eligible customers may be charged 0% VAT. For further information please visit: About Taxes.
The final price will be shown on your invoice.
Please note: If you want to register several particpants from your company but need a single invoice for each, please register each of them seperately.
Course Content
Background
- ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Task Force (OLSTF)
- The new concept
- New aeroplane design groups (ADG)
Obstacle free surfaces (OFS)
- Approach surface
- Transitional surface
- Inner approach, inner transitional and balked landing surfaces
- Take-off climb surface
Obstacle evaluation surfaces (OES)
- Horizontal surface
- Surface for straight-in instrument approaches
- Surface for precision approaches
- Instrument departure surface
- Specific obstacle evaluation surfaces
Trainer
Dipl.-Ing. Malte Karger
Malte is responsible for flight procedure design and obstacle assessments of airsight’s consulting division. He is also a renowned and appreciated trainer, sharing his knowledge and practical experience with other industry experts in airsight’s scheduled as well as customised in-house training courses in countries such as Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Turkey.
As an advisor of ICAO’s Instrument Flight Procedure Panel (IFPP) in the capacity of a field expert, Malte participates in the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Task Force (OLSTF).
Malte acquired extensive experience on international projects dealing with obstacle assessments and aeronautical studies for clients such as Berlin, Dubai, Hamburg, Luxembourg, Malta, Nuremburg, Stuttgart and Warsaw Airports as well as for several smaller airfields. Furthermore, he conducted numerous flight procedure design projects (conventional and RNAV/PBN) for Airports, for Airlines (e.g. Air Austral, Air Transat) as well as for Air Navigation Service Providers such as MATS (Malta Air Traffic Services) and Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA).
Target Group
- Aerodrome safety experts
- Aerodrome operations managers
- Aerodrome engineers and planners
- Air traffic control staff
- Aviation safety experts
- Architects and civil engineers
- Civil Aviation Authorities staff
Course Location
Technical Requirements
To access our live training course you will simply need:
- a computer (PC or Mac), tablet (iPad or Android) or a similar device with a webcam and microphone
- Internet connection.
Detailed instructions (incl. link for the virtual classroom audience) together with digital training materials will be sent to attendees before commencement of the course (in general one week before course start)!
The airsight team is at your disposal to facilitate your personal virtual classroom experience and support you with setting up and testing your system.
Organisational Details
The course hours are scheduled as follows:
09:00 am - 2:00 pm (CET)
At the end of the course, all participants will receive an airsight certificate based on EASA training regulations, which is highly recognised throughout the aviation industry.
About airsight Training
airsight Training course quality
airsight operates an ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System and pursues the objective to provide high quality services that fully meet the clients’ needs.
Course Details
Location:In-houseLanguage:German / English
Duration:2 days
Provider:airsight GmbH
Course Content
Background
- ICAO Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Task Force (OLSTF)
- The new concept
- New aeroplane design groups (ADG)
Obstacle free surfaces (OFS)
- Approach surface
- Transitional surface
- Inner approach, inner transitional and balked landing surfaces
- Take-off climb surface
Obstacle evaluation surfaces (OES)
- Horizontal surface
- Surface for straight-in instrument approaches
- Surface for precision approaches
- Instrument departure surface
- Specific obstacle evaluation surfaces
Trainer
Dipl.-Ing. Malte Karger
Malte is responsible for flight procedure design and obstacle assessments of airsight’s consulting division. He is also a renowned and appreciated trainer, sharing his knowledge and practical experience with other industry experts in airsight’s scheduled as well as customised in-house training courses in countries such as Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Turkey.
As an advisor of ICAO’s Instrument Flight Procedure Panel (IFPP) in the capacity of a field expert, Malte participates in the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Task Force (OLSTF).
Malte acquired extensive experience on international projects dealing with obstacle assessments and aeronautical studies for clients such as Berlin, Dubai, Hamburg, Luxembourg, Malta, Nuremburg, Stuttgart and Warsaw Airports as well as for several smaller airfields. Furthermore, he conducted numerous flight procedure design projects (conventional and RNAV/PBN) for Airports, for Airlines (e.g. Air Austral, Air Transat) as well as for Air Navigation Service Providers such as MATS (Malta Air Traffic Services) and Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA).
Target Group
- Aerodrome safety experts
- Aerodrome operations managers
- Aerodrome engineers and planners
- Air traffic control staff
- Aviation safety experts
- Architects and civil engineers
- Civil Aviation Authorities staff
Organisational Details
airsight offers this training course on request, worldwide. At the end of the course, all participants will receive an airsight certificate based on EASA training regulations, which is highly recognised throughout the aviation industry.
About airsight Training
airsight Training course quality
airsight operates an ISO 9001 certified Quality Management System and pursues the objective to provide high quality services that fully meet the clients’ needs.
