Safeguarding · Cranes and tall equipment
Cranes and tall equipment.
Cranes can affect aircraft operations well beyond the airfield boundary. Contact the airport with your proposal early, notify the CAA where required and apply through Air Portal before the lifting programme is finalised.
Coordinate the works early
Airport assessment is separate from CAA notification and other project approvals.
Step one
Put the right information in front of the airport early.
Contact Rochester Airport with your proposal before finalising the lifting programme. An early conversation confirms whether an application is needed, what the assessment will look at and how long to allow.
Applies to cranes, lifting activities and temporary obstacles such as piling rigs, scaffolding and mobile elevated work platforms near the airfield.
CAA crane notification
When the CAA needs to know.
The CAA uses ACOMS for crane notifications. Its guidance identifies the cranes that must be notified and the notice to allow.
Within 6 km of an airfield
10 m
Cranes exceeding 10 m above ground, or above surrounding structures or trees if higher
Anywhere
100 m
Cranes at or above 100 m above ground, regardless of location
Planned long-term projects
8 weeks
CAA recommended notice
Ad-hoc projects
5 working days
Minimum notice. Urgent projects have additional arrangements
Rochester’s own assessment time is separate from the CAA’s notice periods. Full guidance: CAA crane notification and the CAA portal (ACOMS).
How it works
Locate. Measure. Apply. Confirm.
Accurate heights and locations up front avoid delay.
01 · Locate
Define the work site
Provide the site address, precise crane coordinates and a site plan that identifies the operating area.
02 · Measure
Confirm maximum height
State ground elevation above mean sea level, maximum tip height above ground and the overall top elevation.
03 · Apply
Submit through Air Portal
Upload the dates, equipment details, contacts and supporting material required for assessment.
04 · Confirm
Receive the decision
Do not begin the operation unless the required approval has been issued and all stated conditions are met.
What to prepare
Accurate information avoids delay.
Site and contacts
Project, crane operator and on-site emergency contact details. Site address, precise crane coordinates and a site plan.
Equipment and height
Crane model, jib length, working radius and any relocation or out-of-service configuration. Ground elevation, maximum tip height above ground and overall top elevation.
Programme and lighting
Erection, operation and dismantling dates with daily time windows. Proposed lighting, lifting arrangements and the CAA / ACOMS reference where available.
After you apply
Permission must be confirmed.
Do not begin the proposed activity until the required permissions are in place and any conditions are understood. The equipment must not operate until the assessment is complete and all conditions have been accepted.
Tell the airport about changes to the location, height, dates or operating method.
Questions before you apply?
If you are unsure whether the work needs airport assessment, call 01634 869969 and the team will confirm the route and what to send.