Cranes Operating on Aerodrome
Work is continuing on our Phase 1 Hangars. Some of the steel is already onsite, and the erection of the steel structure will start from Tuesday 23rd June and last for approximately 12 weeks.
The construction will involve the use of two cranes, with a maximum jib height of 27m (88ft), although the height will often be lower than this. Both cranes will be based on the old Taxiway E alignment, and slightly south of it.
Crane Lifting Plan
IMPACT ON AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS
Both of these cranes will penetrate the transitional surface for RWY25/07. This is required to protect aircraft on a precision approach (which we don’t have) or during baulked landings. There should therefore be no impact on aircraft operations, but we would like to remind pilots of the following:
Go Arounds
As normal, go arounds should move to the north of the runway, remaining at 400ft until clear of the end of the runway, and then climbing back to circuit height. Please remember to elect to go-around in good time.
Early Turns
Do not turn early when departing 25, make sure you are clear of the end of the runway before commencing a crosswind turn.
Rotary Approaches
Helicopters should approach to Runway 07 and then hover taxi to HTA1 once past the construction area.
On Runway 25, helicopters can continue to approach HTA1 directly, but will be required to depart from the runway.
This is no change from the current practice during the Taxiway E realignment works.
Vehicles on Taxiway F & H
We will be receiving steel deliveries on articulated lorries which will use Taxiway F and H under escort by the Fire Crew. We expect only 1-2 deliveries per day, and not on all days. Be aware, this could be happening at any time. FISOs will control movements on the ground to ensure no conflict between aircraft and vehicles.
Low Visibility Procedures
Both cranes are fitted with red flashing beacons on their jibs. Whilst unlikely given the time of year, if we experience Low Visibility conditions, we will need to either cease lifting activities or cease aircraft operations. We will make this decision based on the number of aircraft movements planned in.
Schedule
The lifting activity will take place on Mon-Fri, from 07:30-15:00 local time. This will commence on Tuesday 23rd June and should be complete by Friday 11th September.
NOTAMs
Two NOTAMs have been issued today, reflecting crane positions which cover the area of the construction. Cranes will primarily be working towards the A30, and their jibs should not swing outside of a 180º radius to the south of them, except when unloading steel lorries.
Development Update
As with all building projects, the timelines have shifted back! We expect the first hangar bay to be ready in late October, with other bays becoming ready through to December. Work will likely continue onsite through to January for landscaping and snagging.
New Taxiway E Alignment
We’ve delayed opening the new Taxiway E alignment because of the works ongoing adjacent to E1 to facilitate drainage and taxiway edge light ducting. This work will be continuing, and once complete we’ll be able to resurface the final section from the edge of the runway round to the new Taxiway E section. As soon as we have a confirmed schedule for it, we’ll let you know.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation whilst these works are ongoing. We are continuing to work with our contractors to minimise disruption to airport users. Please also exercise caution when taxiing, as some users still may not be as familiar with the new layout.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
