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Crane Authorisations Forms (CAF)
The permitted height of any tall operational equipment with in the vicinity of Doncaster Airport is governed by a series of horizontal and
inclined planes that are known as the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces as shown in the picture below.
Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) represent the lower limits of the blocks of protected airspace around an aerodrome. They are a
complex set of 3-Dimensional surfaces, which extend upwards and outwards from the runway. The OLS completely surrounds the
aerodrome, with certain elements of the OLS aligned with the runway used to protect arriving or departing. These are more restrictive
than those surrounding the rest of the aerodrome.
Individuals or companies who wish to operate cranes or other tall equipment within 6 kilometres of the Aerodrome boundary and at
heights of more than 10m Above Ground Level (AGL) or that of surrounding trees or structures must receive prior permission and a
Crane Authorisation Permit from Doncaster Airport, Airport Duty Manager.
Operators of exceptionally tall equipment (greater than 50m AGL) are advised to consult Doncaster Airport if operating within 15km of
the Aerodrome Boundary
Consultation with Doncaster Airport
The developer or equipment operator should approach the airport at least 10 days in advance of planned start date so that the
proposed operation can be assessed for any impact on Obstacle Limitation Surfaces.
The applicant will be required to provide the following details to enable an assessment to be made;
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Precise location of the equipment – Provide either six figure, National Grid Easting’s / Northings or Latitude / Longitude along
with postal address.
Required maximum operating height in metres above ground level (AGL).
Intended dates and times of operation.
Applicant's name and contact details.
Type of equipment to be used – eg: Mobile crane, piling rig.
Purpose of operation.
Approval Process
Upon receipt of the above information, Doncaster Airport will carry out an obstacle assessment to assess the impact on Obstacle
Limitation Surfaces and / or navigational aids.
Provided that the operational impact is acceptable, a completed Crane Authorisation Form (CAF) will be issued to the applicant.
Approval may be granted subject to operational conditions such as, mandatory use of a red obstacle light, operations restricted to a
certain height or operations dependant on the runway in use. In certain circumstances, where the operation of tall equipment would
penetrate one or more Obstacle Limitation Surfaces, Doncaster Airport may be required to seek further approvals from the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA) before authorising the operation, as there may be implications for Instrument Flight Procedures which flight
crews must be made aware of.
If CAA approval is required, Doncaster Airport will make the applicant aware of this, and it should be noted that the CAA levy a
consultation fee of £400 which will be payable by the applicant
It should be noted that if it necessary to involve the CAA, from the time of contact it can take up to 21 days to gain operating approval
Failure to notify Doncaster Airport at least 10 days in advance of planned start of operations may result in delayed issue of a CAF.
Code of Practice
The attention of a crane or other tall equipment operator should be brought to the British Standard Institute Code of Practice for the
safe use of crane, BS 7121-1:2006: paragraph 12.3.3 which states;
“If a crane is to be used within 6 km of an aerodrome/airfield and its height exceeds 10m or that of surrounding structures or trees, if
higher, the appointed person should consult the aerodrome/airfield manager for prior permission to work. Restrictions could be placed
on the overall height of the crane and there could be a requirement to fit a warning (obstacle) lights to the top of the crane."
NOTE: The Air Navigation Order [17] makes it an offence to act recklessly or negligently in a manner likely to endanger aircraft.
Endangering the Safety of an Aircraft
The use of a crane in a Safeguarded zone, where its operation infringes an Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) is a serious offence.
Such a breach of statutory duty even without incident is an offence and legal action may be taken under the Air Navigation Order 2000,
Article 63, which states 'A person shall not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person
therein' (ANO, 2000).
Obstacle Lighting
If the use of an obstacle light is listed as an operating condition on a Tall Equipment Permit, it is mandatory that the light must have the
following characteristics;
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STEADY red light
200 or 2000 candela
Omni-directional.
Displayed at the crane’s highest point.
Amendments to previously issued Permits
If during the course of an operation, any of the details recorded on the Tall Equipment Permit change, the developer or equipment
operator must inform Doncaster Airport at the earliest opportunity. It may be necessary to amend the permit or issue a new one.
Advice
Better safe than sorry! Always consult Doncaster Airport if you are going to be operating tall equipment in the vicinity of the aerodrome.
We are happy to assist and cooperate with equipment operators to ensure work can go ahead without presenting a hazard to aircraft
Consultations and Applications
All consultation and applications should be directed to the Airport Duty Manger on 01302-625010 or via email at [email protected]
CRANE AUTHORISATION FORM
(AND OTHER HIGH REACH MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT)
SECTION 1 TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT ALL FIELDS MUST BE COMPLETED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Crane Vehicle Reg Number / Hire company
Type of crane, mobile , fixed, tower
Maximum operational WORKING HEIGHT of jib for
this application above ground level (AGL)
LOCATION: (e.g. Roadname, Building, Stand number)
Date/s & duration for use of crane from start to
finish
Exact Ordinance Survey Grid Reference location
(Easting’s & Northings)
E:
N:
7.
Name of sponsoring company
8.
Name of originator and signature
Print:
9.
10.
Contact Phone No.
Contact name and phone number on SITE
9a. Contact fax number
11.
Date of application
SECTION 2
TO BE COMPLETED BY AIRPORT DUTY MANAGER
12. Operational Requirements specified to the sponsor / operator :
Sign.
Y
N
200 candela steady red light to be attached to top of jib
Airfield Operations to be notified at start & finish of operation
Operation subject to runway _________ being in use
13.
NOTAM action required by ATC
14.
Ground Area Elevation in M / FT (AGL)
15.
Total Height of Obstacle in M / FT (AMSL)
15.
Obstacle location in WGS84 DD/MM/SS.
16.
Operational Restrictions :
Authorised by (name) :
Sign:
Lat:
Long:
Date:
Any questions regarding the operation of cranes at Robin Hood Airport and the completion of this form should be addressed to
the Airport Duty Manager 01302 625010 (Fax 01302 625054). Email [email protected]
No cranes will be permitted to operate without prior approval from the Airport Duty Manager, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport
All forms must be sent to the airport duty manager a minimum of 10 days in advance of works commencing.
Incomplete forms will be returned to sender, and will remain unauthorised pending provision of all data required in Section 1