LTNman
21st Oct 2004, 19:54
FIREWORK display organisers face fines and possible prison sentences for failing to notify air safety regulators of their events.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has imposed tough new controls before Bonfire Night after a spate of incidents in which airliners have been struck by fireworks.
On November 1 last year, an Airbus A321 was hit by a firework as it passed at 560ft over Hounslow in West London on final approach to Heathrow.
The crew heard a thud and saw a flash against the right-hand side of the aircraft.
On November 5, an Airbus A320 approaching Manchester was struck at 250ft. The pilots reported seeing several fireworks burst around the aircraft.
The CAA is concerned that the growth in sales of powerful rockets could cause an aircraft to crash, either because a firework struck an engine or because a pilot became distracted as he prepared to land.
Under the restrictions, anyone igniting rockets designed to rise above 250ft, or organising a display lasting more than 30 minutes, must contact the CAA in advance and give details of the event, including the precise location, duration and types of fireworks to be used.
The punishment for failing to observe the restrictions is up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. However, a spokesman for the CAA said that a prosecution was likely only when a pilot reported a strike or a near-miss.
There have been 34 such reports since 1983, including four in the past four years in which an aircraft was struck by a firework. The CAA has already received 800 applications for events next month and has notified airlines of 194 displays that could potentially cause problems for low-flying aircraft. The spokesman said that the CAA was unlikely to ban an event, but could ask for the times to be shifted or less powerful fireworks to be used.
“The primary concern is with events near airports, but the safety rules apply to major displays anywhere in the country,” he said. An upper limit of 1,500 metres applies to all firework displays. The restrictions also apply to laser and light shows because of the danger of pilots beig dazzled.
In 1995, an airline pilot in the United States was temporarily blinded shortly after take-off by a laser display. He was unable to see for 30 seconds and for another two minutes was unable to read any of his flight instruments.
The incident is quoted in the CAA’s guidance to display organisers: “Such an event has obvious safety implications in imperilling the lives of aircrew, passengers and those living in the vicinity of aerodromes.”
The CAA is also concerned that pilots could be confused by light displays when they are looking for an airport’s runway lights. David Learmount, safety editor of Flight International magazine, said: “The worry is mainly about the distraction and shock of fireworks exploding near an aircraft. But a firework could also cause damage if it exploded in an engine or beside hinges on controls.”
Under the Fireworks Act 2003, fireworks cannot be let off between 11pm and 7am.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1320308,00.html
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has imposed tough new controls before Bonfire Night after a spate of incidents in which airliners have been struck by fireworks.
On November 1 last year, an Airbus A321 was hit by a firework as it passed at 560ft over Hounslow in West London on final approach to Heathrow.
The crew heard a thud and saw a flash against the right-hand side of the aircraft.
On November 5, an Airbus A320 approaching Manchester was struck at 250ft. The pilots reported seeing several fireworks burst around the aircraft.
The CAA is concerned that the growth in sales of powerful rockets could cause an aircraft to crash, either because a firework struck an engine or because a pilot became distracted as he prepared to land.
Under the restrictions, anyone igniting rockets designed to rise above 250ft, or organising a display lasting more than 30 minutes, must contact the CAA in advance and give details of the event, including the precise location, duration and types of fireworks to be used.
The punishment for failing to observe the restrictions is up to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine. However, a spokesman for the CAA said that a prosecution was likely only when a pilot reported a strike or a near-miss.
There have been 34 such reports since 1983, including four in the past four years in which an aircraft was struck by a firework. The CAA has already received 800 applications for events next month and has notified airlines of 194 displays that could potentially cause problems for low-flying aircraft. The spokesman said that the CAA was unlikely to ban an event, but could ask for the times to be shifted or less powerful fireworks to be used.
“The primary concern is with events near airports, but the safety rules apply to major displays anywhere in the country,” he said. An upper limit of 1,500 metres applies to all firework displays. The restrictions also apply to laser and light shows because of the danger of pilots beig dazzled.
In 1995, an airline pilot in the United States was temporarily blinded shortly after take-off by a laser display. He was unable to see for 30 seconds and for another two minutes was unable to read any of his flight instruments.
The incident is quoted in the CAA’s guidance to display organisers: “Such an event has obvious safety implications in imperilling the lives of aircrew, passengers and those living in the vicinity of aerodromes.”
The CAA is also concerned that pilots could be confused by light displays when they are looking for an airport’s runway lights. David Learmount, safety editor of Flight International magazine, said: “The worry is mainly about the distraction and shock of fireworks exploding near an aircraft. But a firework could also cause damage if it exploded in an engine or beside hinges on controls.”
Under the Fireworks Act 2003, fireworks cannot be let off between 11pm and 7am.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1320308,00.html