6 December 2010
Organizers planning firework and light displays during the coming season are reminded of the legal requirement under the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2007 to coordinate their proposed events with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) in order to prevent potential threats to aircraft operations.
Firework displays can vary from small domestic events to major commercial or ceremonial displays whilst light shows include all outdoor laser and searchlight displays. The associated risk posed by these events is increased when the activities take place in the vicinity of aerodromes, particularly during critical phases of flight including approach, landing and take-off.
The hazard is more likely to be from the unexpected dazzle rather than ocular or physical damage, although the risk of actual injury cannot be ruled out. Coordination with the CCACI is required to mitigate such risks for all firework activity that takes place within 3 nautical miles of an airport or under the approach and departure paths. Firework displays outside this area but where the display height is expected to exceed 200ft above ground level must also be coordinated with the CAACI. Proposed laser and searchlight events within the same areas are similarly subject to coordination with and approval by the CAACI.
Firework, Laser and Light displays which come into this category must be formally approved in advance by the CAACI and will incur the appropriate fee, as per the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order Fees Regulation 2010.
A diagram showing the dimensions of the areas in question is attached for ease of reference and are equally applicable to Owen Roberts International Airport and the airports on the Sister Islands. Organizers planning events in what is considered to be a risk area should discuss their requirements with the CAACI well in advance of the intended date.
All such enquiries should be addressed to:
Director of Air Navigation Services
Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands
Unit 2 Grand harbor
PO Box 10277
Grand Cayman KY1-1003
Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 949-7811
Fax: (345) 949-0761
E-mail: civil.aviation@caacayman.com
