Background:

Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77 requires that proposals to construct anything which may obstruct the use of airspace by aircraft requires notice to the FAA. Generally, construction proposals in the vicinity of airports and other tall structures (greater than 200') may obstruct airspace. Notice is required for anything which may affect landing areas, either existing or planned, which are open to the public, or are operated by one of the armed forces.

Michigan's Tall Structure Act requires such proposals to also obtain a Tall Structure Permit from MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services. The criteria for requiring a Tall Structure Permit is virtually identical to the FAR Part 77 criteria for notice to the FAA.
Most applications for a Tall Structure Permit are copies of the FAA Form 7460-1 "Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration" that are forwarded to MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services by FAA. However, we request each proponent submit a separate copy to MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services when submitting to FAA.
This is a guide for preparation of FAA's Form 7460-1 and its use as an application for a Tall Structure Permit.

Who should submit an FAA Form 7460-1:

If the proposed construction or alteration meets the following criteria, FAA Form 7460-1 should be submitted: Anything over 200' AGL (above the ground at its site). Proposals in the vicinity of an airport, if the proposal would be higher than a slope from the nearest point on a runway and increasing its elevation at a ratio of:

• Structures greater than 1000 ft. high (500 feet in a VFR flyway or in the vicinity of a natural landmark).
• Structures which would increase the Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) for an instrument approach procedure.
• Structures which obstruct imaginary surfaces (as defined in the Tall Structure Act).
• Structures which violate a local airport zoning ordinance.

Blank FAA Form 7460-1:

Blank forms can be obtained from the FAA or from MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services by contacting one of the following locations:

FAA-AGL
Air Traffic Division
2300 East Devon Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 294-7566


MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services
Airports Division
2700 E. Airport Service Dr
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 335-9949
e-Mail: SMITHLinn@michigan.gov


FAA Airports District Office
11677 Wayne Road
Suite 107
Romulus, MI 48174
Phone: (734) 229-2900


Form 7460-1 may also be obtained electronically from the FAA Forms Website.

Information required on Form 7460-1:
Nature of Proposal
Type: New Construction or Alteration (Provide previous FAA study number, if an alteration).
Duration: Permanent or Temporary (if temporary, duration in months and days).
Construction Schedule dates: Beginning and End.
Complete Description of Structure
Transmitting antennas require frequencies and max. ERP.
Transmission lines require locations of supporting structure and configuration of wires.
Buildings need site orientation, dimensions, and construction materials.
Optionally describe proposed marking and lighting systems.
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of:

• The proponent.
• The representative of the proponent if different.

• Coordinates - Geodetic latitude and longitude to a hundredth of a second. A hundredth of a second of latitude is approximately one foot (1.01 ft./0.3087 m.). Objects that are close to airport runways often require this accuracy or better to assure that they are not obstructions.
• The nearest city or town and the distance and direction from the structure.
• The nearest landing facility and the distance and direction from the structure.
• FAA adopted the 1983 North American Datum (NAD83), but used NAD27 previously. Many USGS charts are still using NAD27. One of the most accurate ways to determine the coordinates (within about 0.5 second) is by interpolation from an USGS Topographic Map, or software developed from this map.
• If available, attach a copy of a surveyor's certified site survey.

1. Elevation of ground above mean sea level at the proposed location.
2. Height of the structure above the ground or water.
3. Total height of structure above mean sea level (5A + 5B).

Sketches:

A map and/or sketch of the proposed location will help the reviewer to provide a prompt, efficient review of your proposal, and may save several phone calls or letters. Get a copy of the USGS topographical map for your area from the Michigan DEQ (former DNR) or a recognized software manufacturer. If your proposal is on, or immediately adjacent to, the airport, use the airport's Airport Layout Plan instead to depict the location.

Where to mail the completed notice of construction:

Because Michigan is a Block Grant State, MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services has been delegated responsibility ordinarily done by FAA, but only for activities on most of the obligated airports*. Any notices for construction on the "Block Grant Airports" should be sent to MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services. If they are sent to the FAA instead, they will be forwarded to us, and coordination of the airspace review process will be delayed. Conversely, all other Notices of Construction should be sent to the FAA.