Seasonal threats to aviation increase

(CNS): The concerns for aviation authorities that were once confined to fireworks at this time of year have morphed into a catalogue of dangers for planes, officials have implied. In a press release about the threats aircraft now face, the Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Authority has warned that drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as kites, sky lanterns and firework displays all present dangers to the aviation industry. They are asking people to obey the law and consider the perils posed during the holidays.

The significant increase in drones around congested areas of West Bay, Seven Mile Beach and George Town poses a high risk to conventional aircraft. As well as the regular flights in and out of the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA), there are also frequent flights involving the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) spray plane and the RCIPS helicopter and the private company, Cayman Islands Helicopters, all of which operate at lower levels, making them more vulnerable.

Protective measures were taken in February 2015 by introducing “no-fly” zone, making it illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within three nautical miles of all Cayman’s airports without specific written permission by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands. There is also a security “no fly” buffer around Northward prison that maks it illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within one nautical mile of the jail’s perimeter without permission from the prison director.

Flying kites near airports is also potentially dangerous. Not only is there a risk that the body of the kite could damage the aircraft or be ingested by a jet engine with possibly catastrophic results, but the control lines, sometimes made of high tensile steel wire on performance aerobatic models, can pose a significant hazard to propeller driven aircraft.

The law limits the height at which a kite can be flown to 100ft above ground within a three nautical mile radius of an airport. Beyond that the maximum height is 200ft.

The risks associated with firework displays increase when activities take place in the vicinity of airports during the critical phases of flight, including approach, landing and take-off. Organisers planning firework and light displays during the festive season are reminded of the legal requirement under Article 165 of the The Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013 to coordinate their proposed events with the Civil Aviation Authority.

Coordination with the CAACI is required for all firework activity that takes place within three nautical miles of an airport or under the approach and departure paths. Firework displays outside this area where the display height is expected to exceed 200ft above ground level must also be coordinated with the CAACI

Firework, laser and light displays, which come into this category, must be formally approved in advance by the CAACI and will incur the appropriate fee, as per the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order Fees Regulation 2010.

Meanwhile, sky lanterns have increased in number and size to the extent that they too can now pose a hazard to aircraft, authorities said. Unlike other forms of recreational and celebratory activities, including small unmanned aircraft (SUA) and kite flying, firework displays and laser light shows, all of which can be controlled from the ground, sky lanterns cannot be controlled once released. With some larger lanterns exceeding 4ft in height and diameter, they can climb in the prevailing wind to a height of several thousands feet.

“Many such products are described by the manufacturers or the retailers as being “bio degradable”, inferring that they burn themselves out and leave no trace behind them,” officials said. “Whilst this may be true of successful launches over the sea, it is not necessarily the case of sky lanterns which are blown back over the land. There are documented incidents in which fires have been started, property destroyed or damaged by the smouldering remains and of livestock injured from digesting bamboo or wire debris.”

The risk to aviation is obvious and although there is currently no legislation in place to regulate the release of sky lanterns, the need for caution and careful planning before a launch will be equally obvious. Any individual or organisation planning to release sky lanterns should consider their personal liability in the event that damage to property or injury to humans or animals is caused either by the release of a sky lantern or the debris generated by them, the authorities added.

For more information call 949-7811 Ext 242 or e-mail: alastair.robertson@caacayman.com

See the relevant legislation here