A method for validating an operational flight path of an aircraft has been developed. First, a flight path for the aircraft is created using navigation, terrain and obstacle data retrieved from off-line databases. Next, real-time terrain and obstacle update information is captured from flight data sensors on board the aircraft while in flight. Also, light direction and range (LIDAR) data from LIDAR sensors on board the aircraft is collected. A boundary profile is calculated for the flight path based upon the real-time terrain and obstacle update information in combination with the LIDAR data. The flight path is validated using the boundary profile. The results of the validation of the flight path is generated as a report for the aircraft crew.