Airspace and safeguarding
Drone and crane permissions.
Rochester Airport is a working airfield. If you plan to fly a drone nearby, or to operate a crane or other tall equipment, check the guidance for your route and apply before the activity begins.
Flying in as a pilot?
Prior permission for aircraft is requested online and confirmed by the tower.
Choose your route
What do you need
permission for?
Each route explains what to prepare before you apply. Submitting a request is not permission.
Request PPR →
Prior permission for aircraft arriving at Rochester. Request online; the tower confirms.
Flying a drone near the airport →
The airport sits inside a Flight Restriction Zone. Check the airspace, prepare your operation details and apply through Air Portal before you fly.
Cranes and tall equipment →
Cranes can affect aircraft beyond the airfield boundary. Coordinate early, notify the CAA where required and apply through Air Portal before the lift.
How applications work
Drone and crane applications go through Air Portal.
When you continue from either guidance page you will leave the Rochester Airport website. Air Portal handles your application and your data, and the airport assesses each request through it.
Submitting a request is not permission. Do not begin the proposed activity until the required permissions are in place and any conditions are understood.
Other airspace and obstacle questions
Not sure which route applies?
For any other airspace, obstacle or safeguarding question, contact the airport before finalising your plans. The team can confirm whether an application is needed and what to send.
Planning information
Guidance on these pages supports your planning. It does not replace current CAA requirements, the AIP or the conditions issued with any permission.