The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reportedly imposed tough restrictions on Bonfire Night parties this year after several incidents in which aircraft were hit by fireworks.
According to a report in The Times, the restrictions state that the CAA must be informed in advance by anyone planning to use rockets that fly higher than 250 feet, or for anyone whose display will last for more than 30 minutes.
Last year, the newspaper reports, two aircraft were hit by fireworks.
On November 1, an Airbus A321 was hit at 560 feet as it approached Heathrow over Hounslow, and on November 5 an A320 was hit at 250 feet as it came in to land at Manchester.
The Times states that anyone not observing the rules could face a heavy fine or prison – though prosecutions are only likely if a plane is hit or nearly hit.
A spokesman is quoted as saying: “The primary concern is with events near airports, but the safety rules apply to major displays anywhere in the country.”
He added that an upper limit of 1,500 feet applies to all firework displays.
David Learmount, of Flight International magazine, is quoted as saying: “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.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
