Aerodrome Safeguarding

Operation of Cranes, Drones, Directed Light, Fireworks, Toy Balloons, and Sky Lanterns within UK Airspace.

The term aerodrome safeguarding is the term used to ensure that any development on the airfield, close to, or within Solent Airport Daedalus airspace does not impact on the operational safety of, or inhibit the airports capability to accept air traffic safely. It is the responsibility of local councils to consult with the airport regarding any planning applications in the area

Working, building and events in the vicinity of an airport can present significant risks if not managed responsibly by developers. This can include events using fireworks / lighting / sky lanterns, construction sites and drone flying.

As a result, we always encourage you to communicate with the airport, should the activity fall within at least 6km of the airport.

Airport Occurrence Reporting

For reporting of airside hazards which pose a risk to flight safety (i.e.- FOD, runway surface damage, bird hazard), it is important to remember that the Air Traffic Services is the first point of contact. This allows for any necessary immediate actions to be taken.

All other Accidents, Incidents or Near Misses should be reported immediately or as soon as is reasonably practical after the event by way of the Airport Occurrence Report (AOR) Form which is available on request from the Airport Operations team [email protected].

Cranes

If the activity or development requires the use of lifting equipment, mobile or tower cranes, they should be operated in accordance with British Standard 7121 and CAA Publication CAP 1096. The airport should also be notified of plans to erect these cranes at least 21 days in advance. The notification to the airport should include the following information to allow us to perform our airport safeguarding checks:

  • OSGB grid coordinates of the crane’s proposed position to six figures each of eastings and northings
  • The proposed height of the crane Above Ordnance Datum (AOD)
  • The anticipated duration of the cranes existence (including proposed dates)
  • Contact telephone numbers of the crane operator and the site owner for use in an emergency

On this or any other airport safeguarding issue such as operation of a crane or tall construction equipment within 6km of the aerodrome;

DO NOT proceed until permission has been granted by Email.

We do not operate a telephone number for safeguarding applications. Please address postal applications to ‘Airport Safeguarding – Solent Airport Daedalus’ or email directly to [email protected]

Drones

Each airport in the UK is protected by a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ).This consists of the existing Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ), which has a radius of two and a half nautical miles, and a Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) which extends 500 metres either side of the runway and for five kilometres from the point known as the ‘threshold’ at the end of each of the airfield’s runways. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield.

For more information visit the CAA Drone page.

It is illegal to fly any drone at any time within these restricted zones unless you have permission from air traffic control at the airport.

If you intend to operate a drone in the vicinity of Solent Airport Daedalus, please use DroneSafetyMap to determine whether the location of your intended operation falls within our FRZ, highlighted in blue. Using the search function to look up your location, it will appear as a red pin on the map.  If this red pin is inside the FRZ, please contact us for permission to carry out your flight.

In order to obtain permission, please complete this Drone Operator Application Form, preferably electronically using Adobe Reader’s Fill & Sign function, with the details of your intended flight and email to air traffic services at [email protected] – expect a response within 24 hours.

The standard administrative charge for the issuing of a Drone Permit is £30, as published in our Fees and Charges, while the charge for operations occuring within 48 hours of the receipt of a request is £50. Please note that this is not a charge for the use of airspace within the Solent Airport FRZ.

Do not operate in the FRZ until you have received permission from the Airport Authority.

Aircraft Annoyance or Unusual Activity Feedback

If you have any feedback or questions regarding the activities at Solent Airport Daedalus please complete the Aircraft Annoyance or Unusual Activity Feedback form .

We strive to respond in good time but please be mindful that we only have a small operations team that deals with these as well as day to day airport operations.