What is the primary goal of maintaining an Object Free Area?

The primary goal of maintaining an Object Free Area (OFA) is to ensure safety during aircraft movements and prevent incursions. The OFA is a designated area surrounding the runway and taxiway that is kept free of obstacles, which aids in minimizing the risk of collisions or accidents involving aircraft and other objects. This area serves as a buffer zone, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to operate with a greater level of safety and confidence.

By keeping this space clear, the likelihood of ground incidents is reduced, thereby enhancing the overall safety of airport operations. The presence of obstructions within the OFA could lead to dangerous situations, such as an aircraft colliding with an object during takeoff, landing, or taxiing, which is why its maintenance is critical to airport safety protocols.

While ensuring adequate space for maintenance vehicles, protecting the general public, and allowing space for luggage handling are important considerations at an airport, they do not share the primary purpose of the Object Free Area, which is focused specifically on preventing incursions and ensuring safe aircraft movement.