Colombo, October 15 (Daily Mirror) - Flying kites, operating drones, releasing sky lanterns and setting off aerial fireworks could pose a serious threat to aircraft and passenger safety, Senior Manager for Air Traffic Control (ATC) Jude Peiris warned.
He said kites had recently been flown at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet, while large kites fitted with LED lights had also been mistaken for drones by pilots flying at night.
“Flying kites, operating drones, releasing balloons and sky lanterns, using laser beams and setting off sky-bound fireworks pose a serious risk to aircraft operations,” Peiris said, urging the public to refrain from such activities.
He said air traffic controllers were responsible for ensuring the safe movement of aircraft from take-off to landing, but activities that placed objects in the flight path created additional challenges for aviation authorities.
Recalling a recent incident, Peiris said a pilot had reported spotting what appeared to be a drone. However, an investigation had revealed that it was a large kite fitted with LED lights and flown at night.
“This is extremely dangerous, and we kindly urge the public to refrain from such activities,” he said.
He also warned that sky lanterns containing burning wicks could endanger aircraft if they came into contact with them. Laser beams directed towards aircraft were another serious concern, particularly when used at night.
Peiris said some farmers used laser-equipped flashlights to deter wild animals, but warned that directing such beams towards aircraft, intentionally or otherwise, could pose a significant danger.
He said aerial fireworks and sky lanterns were also a concern in the Katunayake area, where the fireworks industry had existed for centuries.
When such incidents were reported by pilots or members of the public, authorities had to deploy police, security forces and airport security personnel to locate and remove hazardous objects, he said.
“These operations consume significant manpower, funds and time. We are also sometimes required to conduct formal investigations into sightings reported by pilots and communicate the findings to the relevant airlines,” Peiris said.
He added that legal action could be taken against those responsible, depending on the findings of investigations.
According to Peiris, launching such objects within a five-kilometre radius of an airport's perimeter is prohibited. Outside this area, kites and balloons may be flown up to a height of 300 feet, subject to applicable regulations and permission requirements.
He urged the public to obtain the necessary permission before engaging in activities involving objects launched into the sky.
Peiris also appealed to religious leaders and school principals in areas surrounding airports across the country to educate children and the public about the dangers of such activities.
“Even if the passengers aboard these domestic and international flights are not your own parents, children, siblings or relatives, they are the loved ones of someone else,” he said.
He urged the public to act responsibly and support efforts to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.