TALL CRANES AND LOW FLYING OBJECTS

Any tall object, such as a tall building or a crane can pose a hazard to aviation especially when close to an airport or aerodrome or on a flight path. In order to minimise the risk, regulations require particular hazards to be notified to the authorities, illuminated and suitably marked.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have recently issued new Guidance to crane users on the crane notification process and obstacle lighting and marking. This guidance gives recommendations for lighting and marking depending on the height and location of a crane.

This was due to come into effect from 1st October 2020 however it has since been announced that the CAA will be conducting a trial between 1st October 2020 and 31st May 2021 and that the guidance will not come into force until the trial is complete. The guidance can be downloaded from the CAA’s website at: https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=5705

Regarding this new guidance the Construction Plant Association (CPA) have stated that: “The notification, lighting and marking requirements have all been increased significantly. The CPA are still discussing the details of the guidance with CAA, as there are a number of requirements that we do not think are practical or necessary.”

While these negotiations are ongoing the CPA have prepared a draft Technical Information Note (TIN 039D) to assist crane users, including tower, mobile and crawler to comply with the revised CAA guidance. This can be downloaded from the CPA’s website at: https://www.cpa.uk.net/news-events/new-cap-1096-guidance-for-crane-users/