The protection of airspace is essential in order to provide a safe, predictable environment for the arrival, departure and operation of aircraft using Archerfield Airport.  National and international standards have been adopted which define two sets of invisible surfaces above the ground. The surfaces are the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) and the Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPs).  The Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996 protects airspace in the vicinity of Archerfield Airport from any activity that infringes surfaces defining this airspace.

Crane operations in the vicinity of an airport have the potential to create air safety hazards and to seriously limit the airport’s operations.  For this reason they are required by law to be assessed and approved under the Commonwealth’s Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations.

It is an offence under Section 183 of the Airports Act 1996 to carryout, without approval, crane operations which intrude into an airport’s protected airspace.  This offence is punishable by a fine of up to 250 penalty units (currently $27,500).  It is an offence under Section 185 of the Act to contravene any conditions imposed on an approval.  It is also an offence under Section 186 of the Act not to give information to the airport operator that is relevant to a proposed controlled activity.

When considering crane operations, on or in the vicinity of the airport within a 15 kilometres radius, Archerfield Airport Corporation (AAC), as the airport operator, requires you to determine whether your proposal or activity is likely to have an adverse impact on airport operations and future airport development.  In particular, the operation of cranes or the construction of temporary or permanent tall buildings, structures or other things require specific consideration as to their effect on airspace and aircraft operations.

• If you require a height assessment for crane operation or the construction of a tall structure, you must submit an Temporary Obstacle Height Assessment form.
• The form must be forwarded to AAC at least three (3) business days prior to the commencement of your development or activity to allow proper assessment of the activity and its impact on airport operations and, if necessary, issue of a Notice to Airman (NOTAM).
• Urgent applications may be submitted with less than one (1) business days’ notice – however you must also telephone AAC advising of the urgent requirement along with submitting an application form.  Due to the nature of the assessment required, AAC cannot provide assurances that short notice applications / notifications will receive AAC endorsement of approval.
• On completion of the height assessment, AAC will return your application with our approval and any conditions for your operations.  The completed form must be retained and serves as a permit for the crane operation during the times specified.

The AAC Temporary Obstacle Height Assessment Application form can be found here. The Temporary Obstacle Height Assessment Policy can be found here. The form should be faxed to AAC on (07) 3275 8001 or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

More information on Protection of Airspace around airports related to crane operation can be found at the Department of Infrastructure Website. http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/airport/planning/InformationForCraneOperators.aspx