AVIATION SAFETY DURING THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON HAZARDS TO AVIATION

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) would like to remind the public of the risks to aviation and public safety in general which come from the flying of small unmanned aircraft (also known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles) kites, sky lanterns and firework displays which are received as presents or used as a part of the holiday festivities.

For a brief summary, please watch our Hazards to Aviation video: https://youtu.be/J0bh4EBXKpQ  

Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA)

Each operator is legally responsible for the safe conduct of each flight. Prior to each flight be sure that your drone is undamaged and all components are working. Drones must be kept within your direct sight at all times and it is your responsibility for avoiding collisions with other people or objects. In addition, drones must not be flown more than 400 ft above ground level (AGL). Do not fly your unmanned aircraft in any way that could endanger people or property.

As a protective measure, “no-fly” zones, were introduced in February 2015 and it is illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within 3 nautical miles of Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman), Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac) and Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman) without a specific written permission issued by the CAACI. In addition, a “no fly” zone has also been established around HM Prison Northward and it is illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within 1 nautical mile of the Prison perimeter without the specific written permission of the Director of Prisons.

To operate your drone/SUA for commercial purposes, the operator must be in possession of a current permission issued by the CAACI. Permission will ensure the competence of the operator to provide a safe service and will require him/her to be medically fit and hold “adequate third-party liability insurance”.  Any organisation or individual undertaking commercial aerial work without such permission may be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,400. The application for a Permission to undertake aerial work should be made on the application form which can be found at the following link: 

https://www.caacayman.com/wp-content/uploads/LIST%20OF%20REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20CAACI%20SUADRONE%20PERMISSION.pdf

Any company requesting the use of a drone/SUA for aerial footage for commercial purposes should ensure that the operator is approved by the CAACI. A full list of all approved drone operators can be found here: https://www.caacayman.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/SUA-Operators.pdf

The CAACI is responsible to the Governor, for the oversight of the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA)/drones in the Cayman Islands as identified in the legislation of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013, Article 73.  The above national regulations have been developed for the use of SUA/drones, in keeping with the legislation, and identify the requirements applicable to the operation of these aircraft in the Cayman Islands.

Please see our ‘Safety Drone Video’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR8JIDwb_38

Kites

The flying of kites in the vicinity of airports is potentially dangerous to aircraft particularly during the taking-off and landing phases. Not only is there a risk that the body of the kite could damage the aircraft or be ingested by a jet engine with possibly catastrophic results, but the control lines, sometimes made of high tensile steel wire on performance aerobatic models, can pose a significant hazard to propeller driven aircraft.

Article 71 of the (AN[OT}O 2013) effectively limits the height at which a kite can be flown to a maximum of 100ft above ground level within a 3 nautical mile radius of an airport and no kites should be flown at any height in the vicinity of the arrival or departure paths of any Runway. Beyond this distance, a kite cannot be flown above 200ft AGL within the Cayman Islands.

The rules regulating kite flying may not be generally known and the purpose of this advisory is to provide the necessary information to allow the public to understand the potential hazards to aviation and to enjoy this recreational activity within the limits established by law.

In order to protect the safety of aircraft, the operators of kites being flown above the heights specified are liable to be prosecuted and may have their equipment confiscated.

Fireworks and Light Displays

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. Organizers planning firework and light displays during the coming season are reminded of the legal requirement under Article 165 of the (AN[OT}O 2013) to coordinate their proposed events with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) in order to prevent potential threats to aircraft operations.

Coordination with the CAACI is required 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 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.

Sky Lanterns

Sky Lanterns are forming an increasingly significant part of community and individual celebrations in the Cayman Islands and the number and size of lanterns being released is increasing to a point where they can pose a hazard to aircraft.

Unlike other forms of recreational and celebratory activities including SUA and kite flying, firework displays and laser light shows, all of which can be controlled from the ground, sky lanterns cannot be controlled once released and the larger lanterns, some of which exceed 4ft in height and diameter, are able to climb in the prevailing wind to a height of several thousands of feet.

Many such products are described by the manufacturers or the retailers as being “bio degradable” inferring that they burn themselves out and leave no trace behind them. Whilst this may be true of successful launches over the sea, it is not necessarily the case of Sky lanterns which are blown back over the land. There are documented incidents in which fires have been started, property destroyed or damaged by the smoldering remains and of livestock injured form digesting bamboo or wire debris.

In addition, the risk to aviation is obvious and although there is currently no legislation in place to regulate the release of sky lanterns the need for caution and careful planning before a launch will be equally obvious.

Any individual or organization planning to release sky lanterns should consider their personal liability in the event that damage to property or injury to humans or animals is caused either by the release of a sky lantern or the debris generated by them.

All enquiries regarding this press release should be addressed to:

Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands

Tel: (345) 949-7811

For SUA queries:

Email: caston.powery@caacayman.com

Phone: 949-7811 Ext 8223

For all other queries:

E-mail: craig.smith@caacayman.com

Phone: 949-7811 Ext 8239

The CAACI would like to wish the public a safe and wonderful Holiday Season. For any additional information, please email civil.aviation@caacayman  or call 949.7811.