Airport issues fireworks warning
Manchester Airport has issued new guidelines on the use of fireworks close to the airport and its flight paths and reminded people about the dangers of unauthorised fireworks to aircraft.
The airport has issued detailed guidance on what type of fireworks can be let off where, and what permission is required to help protect pilots from the dazzle of unexpected displays. The new rules come as the wedding season and the associated firework displays get into full swing and bonfire party organisers start to think about their November 5th events.
Under the new guidelines only small fireworks up to a category 2 (see definition below) and no rockets can be let off up to 1.1 miles to either side of Manchester Airport or its flight paths. Between 3 and 5 miles from the airport and under the flight path categories 1,2 and 3 fireworks may be discharged but no rockets. Between 5 and 10 miles all category 1,2 and 3 fireworks are permitted.
There are also height restrictions on fireworks in each of the distance bands.
The airport has also announced plans to suspend operations on Saturday 1st November 2008 and Saturday 7th November 2009 between 20.15pm and 20.30pm to allow airport neighbours to hold fireworks displays. There will be no other suspensions.
Manchester Airport’s Community Relations Manager Wendy Sinfield said: “We’re not trying to spoil anyone’s fun and we know that fireworks and displays are increasingly popular but they can be dangerous to planes. Pilots can be dazzled by unexpected displays and we want to make sure that our aircraft are safe.
“These new rule offer very clear guidance on what people can do and we’re also suspending operations for 15 minutes on the two Saturday nights around November 5th to allow people to stage their displays.”
Published on: 29/07/2008 14:42:29
