Proposed Revisions to CAP1096 – Crane and Tall Equipment Safeguarding

Overview

The purpose of the consultation is to gain feedback from industry and the wider public on the proposed amendments to CAP1096, Guidance to Crane and Tall Equipment Users on the Notification Process, Obstacle Lighting and Marking Requirements. The proposed changes seek to introduce a more effective, proportionate and practical framework for safeguarding aerodrome operations and managing obstacle-related risks.

This Consultation relates to:

1. Introduction of Crane and Obstacle Notification Areas (CONAs), including bespoke aerodrome-defined notification areas and a default 6 km notification area where bespoke arrangements are not in place.
2. Clarification and strengthening of notification requirements, including direct notification responsibilities for crane and tall equipment users and enhanced engagement with affected aerodromes.
3. Enhanced use of the Airspace Coordination and Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS) and digital notification processes to improve information sharing, transparency and efficiency.
4. Introduction of explicit Aeronautical Data Quality (ADQ) requirements to improve the accuracy, integrity and management of obstacle-related information.
5. Expansion of the scope of CAP1096 to include tall equipment, in addition to cranes, where such equipment may impact aviation safety and aerodrome safeguarding.
6. Strengthening of aerodrome operator responsibilities and accountability for safeguarding assessments, permissions, publication requirements and obstacle management activities.
7. Improved management of temporary, mobile and short-notice obstacles through enhanced operational controls, emergency arrangements and coordination processes.
8. Revision and alignment of obstacle lighting and marking requirements with current regulatory standards and risk-based safeguarding principles.
9. Clarification of responsibilities for aeronautical information publication, including the use of NOTAM, AIP and ACOMS for obstacle information management.