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New system introduced to simplify airspace notifications for cranes

  • Published on:
  • Category: Airspace

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  • Aviation regulator introduces new system to help construction industry in notifying airspace users of cranes. 

  • The new Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS) portal will help those planning flights and drone activity to assess any risks and plan appropriately. 

  • The ACOMS portal is available to the construction industry now, with developments being made to roll out its use to additional airspace users. 

Image of fleet of cranes on a UK construction site with blue skies.
Fleet of cranes on a UK construction site

A new system has been introduced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to simplify the process of creating airspace notifications for construction activities. 

As with any tall structure, the presence of a single crane or number of cranes has the potential to affect aviation activities.  

The new Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS) portal helps users notify the regulator of cranes and obstacles, so that they can be reviewed and made available through aeronautical information for people planning flights, drone activity, and other aerial movements. 

Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Aerodromes and Air Traffic Management at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: 

“We are confident that our new portal will make it quicker and easier for construction companies to notify us of high cranes and obstacles.  

“Doing so helps improve safety for everybody and helps airspace users quickly identify and assess any potential risks.” 

Crane operators must notify the UK Civil Aviation Authority when erecting a crane over 10m tall within 6km of an aerodrome, unless it is surrounded by taller structures or trees.  

They must also make the regulator aware if the crane or obstacle is 100m above ground level or higher, if it is over 6km away from an aerodrome. 

ACOMS is available to the construction industry now  and further developments to the portal are being made to roll out its use to additional airspace users, which will follow later this year. 

Note to editors: 

  • More information on crane notifications can be found on our website. 

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