Airspace protection and crane operations

Prescribed airspace is the protected airspace around an airport. It is formed by two sets of invisible surfaces above the ground: the Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) and the Terminal Instrument Flight Procedure Protection Surface (TIFPOP), previously known as PANS-OPS.

Formally known as PANS-OPS, the TIFPOP surface is generally above the OLS and is designed to safeguard an aircraft from collision with obstacles when the aircraft’s flight may be guided solely by instruments, in conditions of poor visibility.

Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS)

Procedures for Air Navigational Services—Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) surface

These charts depict airspace declared under the previous Regulations, the declarations of which continue in force following the commencement of the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 2026. These charts continue to depict the prescribed airspace connected with the airport however, some terminology shown on the charts may reflect the former Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996. The change in terminology does not, and should not be taken to mean, that the airspace identified in the charts is no longer prescribed airspace. Any future update to prescribed airspace charts will reflect the modernised terminology within the 2026 Regulations.

A controlled activity is any activity that infringes an airport’s protected airspace and requires approval before it can be carried out. Controlled Activities include the following:

• Permanent structures, such as buildings, intruding into the protected airspace;
• Altering a building, or other structure, that intrudes into the protected airspace
• Temporary structures such as cranes intruding into the protected airspace; and
• any activities causing intrusions into the protected airspace through glare from artificial light or reflected sunlight, air turbulence from stacks or vents, smoke, dust, steam or other gases or particulate matter.

The Regulations differentiate between temporary (less than 3 months) and permanent controlled activities. A long-term controlled activity may be approved by the airport operator, excluding TIFPOP (PANS-OPS) intrusions. A permanent controlled activity requires approval by the Department of Infrastructure. Any permanent intrusions of the PANS-OPS surface are prohibited.

Carrying out a controlled activity without approval is an offence under Section 183 of the Airports Act 1996.

For crane applications and temporary operations, find ‘Crane applications’ below.

For all other developments, the application process for a controlled activity depends on whether the activity is proposed to affect either primary or secondary airspace surfaces, as defined in the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 2026.

As the Airport Operator, Hobart Airport is the first point of contact for a person wishing to apply for approval to conduct a controlled activity.  Potential applicants should request advice from Hobart Airport by email to permits@hobartairport.com.au and include the following details:

• The type of proposed activity and any supporting plans
• The proposed location of the activity
• The proposed duration of the activity
• The purpose of the proposed activity
• The proposed maximum height of the controlled activity

All applications to carry out a controlled activity need to be submitted to Hobart Airport in writing.

The approval process varies depending on the type of controlled activity.

• Temporary controlled activities can be:
  • approved or refused by the Airport after consultation with Local Council authority, CASA and Airservices, or;
  • referred by the airport to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for a decision.
• Permanent controlled activities penetrating the OLS are referred by the airport to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for a decision after consultation with CASA, Airservices and the Local Council authority.

Long-term controlled activities penetrating the TIFPOP surface are not permitted.

For further information about the protection of airspace, please visit the website for Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.