PennDOT’s Bureau of Aviation has developed a new tool for pilots that have low altitude flying requirements — a web-based, interactive map depicting Meteorological Towers (MET) and other tall structures in Pennsylvania.
The map of METs, which can be found at the bureau’s webpage, provides pilots with useful flight information and adds an additional layer of protection in instances where environmental conditions may hamper visibility, such as at night or in poor weather, state aviation officials said.
MET towers can be erected quickly and, depending upon their location, without notice to the local aviation community. Because their height is typically within 200-feet above ground level, developers are not always required to notify the FAA or the state of their presence, nor adhere to the marking and lighting standards required for higher structures. Pilots are often unaware of these hazards and may have difficulty seeing METs from the air, state aviation officials said.
You need to visit http://www.hemsa021.com, the ONLY web site providing DAILY OBSTACLE POSTINGS from the FAA. The USA map shows new/modified/deleted obstacles for YESTERDAY, the PRIOR 7 DAYS, the PRIOR 30 DAYS, and ALL. There are also features (pending) which enable you to enter your location and a flight service area radius. Then you can get an obstacles report for Yesterday, 7 day, 30, day and all. Also on the front page of the site, if you scroll down, you can click a link to the STATES LIST. On THAT page, find your state, click it, and you will get a list of new or modified obstacles as of yesterday. This servicei is provided for HEMS, police, pipeline surveillance, news reporters, etc.