Cranes operating in the vicinity of an airport or Defence Aviation Area (DAA) have the potential to create air safety hazards, and to seriously limit the scope of aviation operations into and out of an airport or DAA.
While the critical areas of concern are the immediate approach and take-off areas, it is equally important to note that cranes up to, and beyond 15 kilometres from an airport or DAA can cause problems for pilots approaching or departing an airport or DAA.
Maintaining a safe work environment near an airport or DAA is essential in ensuring long term (longer than 3 months) and short term (less than 3 months) crane operations are managed. The protection of the immediate airspace around airports and Defence Aviation Areas is essential and duty holders must identify the hazards and manage the risks in accordance with the Work health and Safety Act 2012 (SA).
As a duty holder, Commonwealth Legislation requires crane operators to seek approval to operate a crane in proximity to the Adelaide Airport, Parafield Airport and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh.
Commonwealth Legislation
The airspace around Adelaide Airport and Parafield Airport is protected under the Commonwealth Airports Act 1996 and the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996.
The defence aviation area around RAAF Base Edinburgh is protected under the Defence Act 1903 and Part 11A of the Defence Regulation 2016 and provides a legal framework for controlling activities which may be dangerous to aviation around thirteen declared defence aviation areas.
Approval Process
Unapproved short term crane use around airports and defence aviation areas creates significant risk to aviation. SafeWork SA will enforce compliance if the hazards associated with crane operations are not being managed, such as approval from the airport operator or defence aviation area operator.
Adelaide Airport
Adelaide Airport has a 15km radius of protected airspace around the Adelaide Airport. This area includes the Adelaide central business district.
If you plan to operate a crane that will intrude into the protected airspace, you must complete a crane assessment form at least a week prior to the proposed crane activity.
For further information please contact the Airside Operations Manager on 08 8308 9245 or email airportreferrals@aal.com.au.
Parafield Airport
Parafield Airport has a 5km radius of protected airspace around the Parafield Airport.
If you plan to operate a crane that will intrude into the protected airspace, you must complete a crane assessment form and allow a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for processing.
To apply for an elevated works permit, please complete the Airspace Assessment Checklist and email the form to parafieldcranes@aal.com.au.
RAAF Base Edinburgh
RAAF Base Edinburgh has a 15km radius of protected airspace around the RAAF Base.
If you plan to operate a crane that will intrude into the protected airspace, you must complete a crane operation notification form at least 10 business days prior to the proposed crane activity.
The Air Base Command Post can be contacted on 08 7383 2888.
The Base Aviation Safety Officer can be contacted on 08 7374 4768.
Applications should be emailed to edn.abcp@defence.gov.au.