3-7-6

Precision Obstacle Free Zone (POFZ) and Final Approach Obstacle Clearance Surfaces (OCS)

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Ensure the POFZ is clear of traffic (aircraft or vehicles) when an aircraft on a vertically-guided final approach is within 2 miles of the runway threshold and the official weather observation indicates the ceiling is below 300 feet or visibility is less than 3/4 SM to protect aircraft executing a missed approach.
Note

Only horizontal surfaces (e.g., the wings) can penetrate the POFZ, but not the vertical surfaces (e.g., fuselage or tail). Three hundred feet (300) is used because ATC does not measure ceilings in fifty (50) foot increments.
Ensure the final approach OCS (e.g., ILS /LPV W, X, and Y surfaces) are clear of aircraft/vehicles when an aircraft on the vertically-guided approach is within 2 miles of the runway threshold and the official weather observation indicates the ceiling is below 800 feet or visibility is less than 2 SM to protect aircraft executing a missed approach.
Note
1. The POFZ and the close-in portion of the final approach obstacle clearance surfaces protect aircraft executing a missed approach.
2. Vehicles that are less than 10 feet in height, necessary for the maintenance of the airport and/or navigation facilities operating outside the movement area, are exempt.
If it is not possible to clear the POFZ or OCS prior to an aircraft reaching a point 2 miles from the runway threshold and the weather is less than described in subparagraph a or b above, issue traffic to the landing aircraft.
Note

The POFZ and/or OCS must be cleared as soon as practical.

Phraseology

(ACID), IN THE EVENT OF MISSED APPROACH (issue traffic).
TAXIING AIRCRAFT/VEHICLE LEFT/RIGHT OF RUNWAY.

Example

“United 623, in the event of missed approach, taxiing aircraft right of runway.”
“Delta 1058, in the event of missed approach, vehicle left of runway.”

Reference

FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-1-6, Traffic Information.
AC 150/5300-13, Airport Design.

FIG 3-7-1 Precision Obstacle Free Zone (POFZ)