21 October 2013
The UK CAA has announced details of a new streamlined procedure for informing pilots of large firework displays which may affect their flight.
A dedicated webpage will now list all displays taking place outside of Controlled Airspace that are expected to reach heights of between 300ft-500ft, during the peak display period in early November. Displays happening inside Controlled Airspace will still be subject to the normal NOTAM process.
The new web-based notification system is intended to reduce the plethora of firework-related NOTAMs facing pilots in late October/early November. With the Hindu festival of Diwali (3 November) coinciding with Guy Fawkes Day (5 November), a large number of firework displays are anticipated in a short period of time. Pilots operating in Class G airspace over this period are advised to check the firework display log as part of their pre-flight routine. The site will be updated daily.
Displays taking place in the vicinity of an airport, even if it is outside of Controlled Airspace, will also be the subject of a NOTAM, as will displays reaching heights of 500ft and above, regardless of location.
<a href=’http://www.caa.co.uk’ target=’_blank’>www.caa.co.uk</a>
