Section 2, Chapter 3 - Light Signals & Pyrotechnics Flashcards
What regulation must lights and pyrotechnic signals used to control aircraft and vehicles at aerodromes comply with?
Lights and pyrotechnic signals used to control aircraft and vehicles at aerodromes must comply with UK Reg (EU) No. 923/2012 SERA.3301.
What are the responsibilities of aerodrome operators regarding signal pistols, pyrotechnics, and bird scaring cartridges?
Aerodrome operators are responsible for producing operating instructions and training and supervising staff to ensure the safe, correct, and effective use of signal pistols, pyrotechnics, and bird scaring cartridges.
Where should appropriate misfire procedures for pyrotechnics be documented?
Appropriate misfire procedures should be contained in either MATS Part 2 or the Aerodrome Manual.
How should signal pistols, pyrotechnics, and bird scaring cartridges be stored?
Signal pistols, pyrotechnics, and bird scaring cartridges should be stored in accordance with current firearms legislation.
What are the guidelines for the operation of lasers, searchlights, and fireworks near aerodromes?
- Guidance for lasers, searchlights, and fireworks is in CAP 736.
- Light displays include outdoor lasers, searchlights, and fireworks.
- Light displays must not be directed at aircraft or aerodromes.
- Lasers and searchlights within 500 meters of extended runway centrelines (within 10 NM) must follow specific guidelines; similar rules apply within 3 NM of an aerodrome reference point, ensuring lights do not stray towards the aerodrome.
- Fireworks displays should not exceed 1500 ft above ground level and should avoid areas within 500 meters of runway centrelines (within 10 NM) or within 3 NM of the aerodrome reference point, unless published guidelines permit.
- CAA Airspace Regulation handles event notification by NOTAM and coordinates with relevant ANSPs.
What are the concerns and procedures related to the malicious use of lasers against aircraft and ATS facilities?
- Threats: Lasers can cause distraction, glare, flash blindness, afterimage, and possibly eye injury to pilots and ATS personnel, especially during critical flight stages.
- Incidents: Most incidents are opportunistic, but coordinated laser attacks are increasing.
- Police Response: UK police take laser attacks seriously and respond promptly.
- ATSU Procedures: ATSUs should establish rapid reporting procedures with local police, detailed in the unit’s MATS Part 2, to aid in the apprehension of perpetrators.
What actions should controllers take when a laser attack on an aircraft is reported?
- Acknowledge the pilot’s report.
- Gather detailed information from the pilot:
1. Time of the attack.
2. Altitude and position during the attack.
3. Description of the laser light (color, continuous or pulsing).
4. Avoiding action taken.
5. Impact on vision/concentration. - Prepare for potential maneuvers/operational techniques by the pilot to minimize impact.
- Dial 999 and report to the local police with all relevant information.
- Warn other pilots in the vicinity about the laser activity (duration of warnings as per MATS Part 2).
- Record details in the ATC watch log and report the occurrence according to Section 6.
What measures should ATSU staff take if subjected to malicious illumination by lasers?
- Look away from the laser beam; do not attempt to find the source.
- Shield eyes; use sun blinds if feasible.
- Inform aircraft under control about the laser illumination.
- Avoid rubbing eyes to prevent corneal abrasion.
- Increase ambient light levels to minimize laser effects if possible.
- Consider handing over control to a colleague not exposed to the laser.
- If no local arrangements exist, inform a Supervisor to:
1. Restrict traffic in/out of the aerodrome,
2. Inform the aerodrome operator,
3. Dial 999 and report to local police. - Record the event in the ATC watch log and report as per Section 6.
- Refer to Appendix I (ALESA) for guidance on seeing an eye specialist after laser exposure.
