Rockets pose hazard to flights

In at least one area it has created a “red zone” where pilots are urged to take special care in looking out for the rockets at certain times of the year.
The threat to Thai aviation from Bang Fai skyrockets – traditionally launched skywards by Northeastern people during May-June – had prompted agencies to meet on April 24 to campaign against the rockets and highlight the danger they pose to aircraft, people’s lives and property, and to the country’s image.
Thailand has no regulations or laws directly enforcing control of the Bang Fai so far. It would also be hard for local administration bodies to change people’s attitudes to Bang Fai launches as they involve beliefs and traditions.
Nevertheless, the April 24 meeting agreed to: 1) promote mutual understanding and awareness about the Bang Fai rockets’ danger to aviation among state agencies, local bodies and residents of targeted areas so the public can observe guidelines and safety measures; 2) find preventive measures to reduce the danger posed by Bang Fai to aviation; 3) create a cooperative network among related agencies with participation from communities and residents in targeted areas to ensure Bang Fai launches are done according to set guidelines; 4) ask people not to light Bang Fai rockets in aviation safety zones where planes land and take-off on or around airports; and 5) limit the size and manner of launch of the rockets to eliminate the danger to aviation.
The resolution was drawn up by the Transport Ministry to promote understanding in northeastern provinces that hold Bang Fai fairs, starting with Ubon Ratchathani.
The ministry, in a recent seminar, said Bang Fai launches in the Northeast provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Buri Ram from 2010-2012 had led to a Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) announcement for pilots to be extra cautious during that time. In Ubon Ratchathani, there were 247 NOTAMs issued in 2010, 487 NOTAMs in 2011, and 354 NOTAMs in 2012, the ministry said.
The ministry has asked people not to launch large Bang Fai rockets that can reach beyond 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) above ground.
The skies over Si Sa Ket’s Kanthararom district – an aviation route transit point and an area where planes on flights from many domestic and international destinations (including Hong Kong, South Korea and Vietnam) begin to descend – have been declared a red zone for pilots to beware of Bang Fai rockets during the festival every year.
Commercial flights from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani also pass over Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Yasothon, said Ubon Ratchathani aviation centre director Wijarn Thaksana.
“From Nakhon Ratchasima to Surin, pilots fly at 29,000-31,000 feet, while they lower the flying height to 2,000-2,300 feet in the red zone,” he said.

This story is the first in a two-part series. The second part will be published on May 17.