1. The rapid rise in the use of lasers, searchlights and certain types of rocket firework, at outdoor entertainment events is such that activities in the vicinity of aerodromes could present a hazard to aviation. The scale of the problem is small but co-ordination and notification between event organisers and the aviation industry will prevent it growing, Currently, not all organisers of outdoor laser, fireworks and searchlight events notify their activities to the aviation industry. Thus, to increase awareness and to minimise the hazard, the following guidelines are laid down for the benefit of aerodrome managers, air traffic control, members of the entertainment industry and the Airspace Utilisation Section (AUS).

EXPLANATION OF TERMS

2. Lasers used for entertainment purposes are either very low powered lasers which are not dangerous to third parties, or narrow beam searchlights that are incorrectly termed as lasers. For the purposes of these guidelines, lasers and searchlights are grouped together under the generic term 'Light Displays'. Although fireworks present less of a problem, the effect and hazard is such that they are included in the term 'Light Displays'

3. The use of industrial lasers is extremely limited within the UK. These require special legislation and are consequently outside the scope of these guidelines.

NOTIFICATION OF LIGHT DISPLAYS USING LASERS OR SEARCHLIGHTS

4, Light displays arc never to be directed at or towards aircraft or aerodromes.

5. On Extended Runway Centreline Within 10 Miles of Aerodrome. For events which take place on the extended runway centreline within 10 miles of an aerodrome, the following guidelines apply:

a. Beams should be below the horizontal or a physical barrier should be in place to prevent light escaping along the centreline. If this is impractical, the event organisers should arrange a telephone or radio contact through which the lights can be extinguished immediately on request from an aircraft or the affected aerodrome If this is not possible, advise against the event taking place.

b. The event organisers should notify AUS and affected aerodromes, giving the time duration and intensity of the Light Display. To ensure maximum publicity, particularly to aircraft operators, organisers should aim to provide AUS with at least 28 days notice of the event.

AUS will promulgate the event by NOTAM. and will co-ordinate with the relevant airspace authority as required.

If the event organisers decline to accept professional advice to cancel the event, they should be advised that action could be taken against them under Article 99 of the Air Navigation (No2) Order 1995 which concerns the use of Dangerous Lights (see below).

6. Within, 3 Miles of Aerodrome For events which take place within 3 miles of an aerodrome but not on the extended runway centreline, the above guidelines apply but with the addition that any light should not stray towards the aerodrome or the extended runway centreline.

7, Elsewhere. If a light display is particularly powerful or takes place under a known airway or air traffic route, the organisers should notify AUS, at least 28 days in advance, who will promulgate the event by NOTAM if appropriate.

NOTIFICATION OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

8. Aerial fireworks should be limited to a height of 1500 feet above ground level.

9 If the fireworks display is planned to take place near the coast, the organisers should pass all relevant details to HM Coastguard

10. It is inadvisable to plan a fireworks display on the runway extended centreline within 5 miles of an aerodrome, or within 2 miles radius of an aerodrome. However, if a fireworks display is to take place within these parameters, the following guidelines apply;

a. The event organisers should notify AUS and affected aerodromes giving the time, duration and height of the display. To ensure maximum publicity, particularly to aircraft operators, organisers should aim to provide AUS with at least 28 days notice of the event.

b. AUS will promulgate the event by NOTAM, and will co-ordinate with the relevant airspace authority as required.

c. If the event organisers decline to accept professional advice, they should be advised that action could be taken against them under Article 55 of the Air Navigation (No 2) Order 1995 which refers to endangering the safety of an aircraft or Article 99 of the same Act which refers to dangerous lights (see below).

AIRSPACE UTILISATION SECTION

11. The Airspace Utilisation Section (AUS) is located at RAF Uxbridge and can be contacted as follows:

By post:
Airspace Utilisation Section
Hillingdon House
Uxbridge
Middlesex UB 10 ORZ

By telephone:
01895 276108

ARTICLE 55 OF THE AIR NAVIGATION (No2) ORDER 1995

Endangering safety of an aircraft

A person shall flat recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person within.

ARTICLE 99 OF THE AIR NAVIGATION (No2) ORDER 1995

Dangerous lights

(1) A person shall not exhibit in the United Kingdom any light which:

(a) by reason of its glare is liable to endanger aircraft taking off from or landing at an aerodrome: or

(b) by reason of its liability to be mistaken for an aeronautical ground light is liable to endanger aircraft.

Directorate of Airspace Policy
CAA House
45-59 Kingsway
London WC2B 6TE

28 February 1997