Airspace change process

Download:

Follow the instructions in the form to complete it.

Include supporting documents listed on the form. This must include a safety case or risk assessment that suits the size and complexity of what you plan to do.

It must also include evidence of stakeholder consultation and your contact details.

You can use form 1589 as a template:

Form 1589 Airspace Risk Assessment

Contact us to request the template in a Microsoft Excel document format.

Email the completed form and supporting documents to us using the email address on the form.

You can contact us for help when your completing the form.

We check that your ACP has enough information and supporting analysis for us to assess it. We look at:

• safety
• efficiency
• equitable airspace
• costs
• national security
• if the change is realistic and achievable.

We will also check if the proposed start date allows enough time for:

• processing
• analysis
• further stakeholder consultation.

We will tell you if the ACP has enough information or if we need more.

We check if your ACP includes the required safety documents. At a minimum, this must include a risk assessment.

For larger or more complex proposals, we ensure the risk assessment suits the size and complexity of the activity. We consider:

• airspace users
• traffic levels
• weather
• terrain
• other relevant factors.

We also check:

• the current operating environment
• key safety issues
• the potential impact of the proposed change.

We then review your safety case to determine whether any remaining safety risk exists for airspace users.

We review evidence that you have consulted stakeholders. If needed, we may carry out further consultation or ask you to do more.

We also check for any impacts under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, we will always priortise aviation safety.

For major changes, we include a Regulatory Impact Statement. This shows the cost impacts for all airspace users.

We check the ACP against current legislation, policy and procedures. If we approve the ACP, we prepare the legal and aeronautical documents needed to bring it into effect.

We will notify you if we approve your ACP or not.