Crane permits
You'll need a permit to use a crane within 6km of the airport.
Cranes can cause a serious hazard to flight safety. They can impact Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs), cause a physical obstacle and/or affect navigational aids such as radar.
To reduce flight safety risks, you need to apply for a permit to operate a crane or tall construction equipment within 6km of the airport. The exception to this is if the crane/equipment is under 10m high or is shielded on all sides by trees or structures that are taller.
Read more about the safe use of cranes near an aerodrome:
1. Complete your application on our web-based system Permit to Work (P2W) system. Applications should be requested at least four weeks in advance.
New to Permit to Work? Find out how to register
Already Registered? Login and start your application
2. Our team will do a safety assessment to determine if any restrictions apply. These could be working hours, height limitations, obstacle lighting, etc.
3. Once we can confirm there are no flight safety concerns, we will issue your crane permit. Any restrictions will be stated on the permit.
A copy of your permit must remain with the crane for the duration of the operation. It must be produced if requested by airport staff or the police.
Under the Air Navigation Order, it is an offence to act recklessly or negligently in a manner likely to endanger aircraft. This includes operating a crane or large construction equipment within 6km of an aerodrome without a permit.
For queries about the crane permit process email
To apply for a crane permit under the Permit to Work (P2W) system you will need to supply the following:
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The exact location of the crane/equipment, as an OS Grid reference (to at least 6 figures for each of eastings and northings) and marked on a map preferably also showing the OS Grid.![]()
The maximum operating height of the crane, jib, etc. in metres Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). -
Note: this is the AMSL plus the working height of the crane Above Ground Level (AGL).
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The maximum operating height of the crane, jib, etc. in metres AGL.-
Note: this is the maximum height required for the intended operation. It is NOT the maximum height the crane can operate up to.
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The type of crane/equipment (e.g., Tower Crane, Mobile Crane, etc.)![]()
The radius of the jib/boom etc. of a fixed crane![]()
The area of operation of a mobile crane![]()
The intended dates and times of operation![]()
Name and contact details of the applicant![]()
Method statements, risk assessments and lifting plans, for airport operations
From 1 March 2022, charges apply to all crane permit applications. They are as follows:
Standard crane/ tall equipment without technical assessment
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Level 1 standard permit without technical assessment - £300 + VAT![]()
Extension request - £65![]()
Level 1 permit operating plan without technical assessment - £1000 (valid up to a maximum 12-month period)-
Crane / tall equipment with technical assessment
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Level 2 permit requiring further initial IFP assessment for a basic lifting operation - £1000 + VAT![]()
Level 3 permit requiring further initial IFP assessment for a more complicated lifting operation - £1000 daily rate (approx. two-day assessment)![]()
Level 4 permit requiring further IFP CRM assessment - £3000 = VAT-
For more complex assessments, prices will need to be discussed and agreed upon before work can take place.
Obstacle Limitation Surface, (OLS) Infringement.
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NOTAM required - £750 + VAT
Using a drone within 5km of the airport is restricted. Find out more about applying for a permit to fly in a restricted area.
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