21 November 2008
Cunningly timed to miss Guy Fawkes Night by a couple of weeks, the CAA has issued guidelines to organisers of fireworks displays, laser and light shows and mass helium balloon releases. The document sets out the responsibilities for anybody organising such displays, and what, how and when they may need to advise the CAA.
The document is published as <a href=’http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP736.PDF’ target=’_blank’>CAP 736</a>.
There have been an increasing number of instances of lasers, in particular, affecting flight crews, and “the risk to aviation is increased when such activities take place in the vicinity of aerodromes – particularly during such critical phases of flight as approach and landing – and when pilots are wearing night vision goggles and similar devices which amplify the available light. The risk is more likely to be from the unexpected dazzle rather than actual ocular or physical damage, although the risk of actual injury should not be discounted.”
CAP 736 includes a form to be filled in to notify the CAA of such events.
