Changes to Aerodrome Infrastructure

This page explains the process for notifying changes to an aerodromes infrastructure.

Aerodrome Licence Condition

An aerodrome licence condition requires that changes in the physical characteristics of the aerodrome, including the erection of new buildings and alterations to existing buildings or visual aids, shall not be made without prior approval of the CAA. The purpose of this is to ensure that the CAA is satisfied that such changes meet licensing criteria and do not present a safety hazard. Failure to notify the CAA of changes may leave the aerodrome vulnerable to costly remedial action or operational restrictions.

Projects that involve changes to the aerodrome fall into three categories:

Development:

Where new or upgraded infrastructure is to be provided. Examples include new buildings or extensions to buildings, aerodrome infrastructure (such as taxiways and aprons), visual aids and navigation aids. Developments are classified as major or minor.

Changes:

Where existing aerodrome infrastructure or physical characteristics are being changed; for example reconfiguration of stands, changes to the runway or declared distances.

Maintenance:

Where existing infrastructure is being repaired, refurbished or replaced to ensure continuance but without changing the characteristics of the piece of infrastructure.

Submission Process:

For development projects and changes the CAA has developed a three-part process to assist aerodromes and ensure that aerodrome licence holders meet their obligations under the licensing process. This process must be used for development projects and changes, but may also be used for significant maintenance projects should the aerodrome licence holder or the CAA deem it necessary. Additionally, the process and/or elements of it can be used whatever the project type or size as determined within the aerodrome SMS. The documentation submitted may be proportionate to the size of the project. For smaller projects it is acceptable to submit Parts 1 and 2 together.

Part 1:

Each development proposal should be accompanied by documentation that provides clear evidence that the proposal conforms to licensing requirements detailed in CAP 168 Licensing of Aerodromes and other applicable Civil Aviation Publications. It will enable the CAA to assess the proposal.

Part 2:

The aerodrome licence holder must demonstrate to the CAA that the project will be managed safely. Accordingly, the CAA will expect the aerodrome to develop safety assurance documentation that describes how they will manage the construction works and operating procedures, to ensure that aerodrome operations can continue safely during the project.

Part
3:

On completion of the development, but prior to operational use, the aerodrome licence holder should confirm to the CAA Aerodrome Development Team (ADT) that the project meets the agreed design criteria and is fit for purpose.

Form SRG 2006 Notification of Changes to the Physical Characteristics of an Aerodrome is available to download onlineat www.caa.co.uk/srgform2006.

Full details are available in CAP 791 Procedures for Changes to Aerodrome Infrastructure.

The CAA may levy charges for projects that qualify as major developments – for further details please refer to CAP 791 Changes to Aerodrome Infrastructure, and the CAA Scheme of Charges for Aerodrome Licensing and Aerodrome Air Traffic Services Regulation, available at www.caa.co.uk/ors5.

The CAA's Aerodrome Development Team processes aerodrome changes, ensuring that all CAA Departments/Divisions have an opportunity to comment on safety issues prior to approval being provided.

Notification of aerodrome changes should be sent to the following address:

Aerodrome Development Team
Aerodrome and Air Traffic Standards Division
Civil Aviation Authority
Safety Regulation Group
Aviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR

Alternatively you may send your notification electronically to the following email address: developments@caa.co.uk.