1. Uploading a clear and concise Statement of Work (SOW) into the AGIS for FAA approval is key. All future submissions are strictly evaluated based on the SOW, which sets the tone for the entire course of the project. Deliverables will be rejected if not adhering exactly to the SOW. Not getting it right the first time will result in frustrating and costly delays in FAA approval.
2. A detailed understanding of the AC requirements is also critical. All mapping deliverables are run through the automated AGIS quality control program. Any variation at all in data attribute detail, CADD layering standards, etc. will result in a rejected deliverable. A properly integrated survey, mapping, and GIS solution that meet all AC requirements are necessary.
3. Many “old ways” of performing airport surveys are not acceptable under the new ACs, which have completely replaced FAA No. 405, “Standards for Aeronautical Surveys.” For example, the multitudes of Airport Airspace Analysis (AAA) surfaces have been replaced by a choice of only two surfaces. Rather than one surface for the many guidance systems, obstructions are evaluated based on whether or not the runways are Vertically Guided (VG) or Non-Vertically Guided (NVG).

The standards are published in three new FAA advisory circulators (ACs):

• AC 150/5300-16
“General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Surveys: Establishment of Geodetic Control and Submission to the National Geodetic Survey (NGS).”  
• AC 150/2300-17
“General Guidance and Specifications for Aeronautical Survey Airport Imagery Acquisition and Submission to the NGS.”
• AC 150/5300-18
“General Guidance and Specifications for Submission of Aeronautical Survey to the NGS: Field Data Collection and Geographic Information System (GIS) Standards.”