Chinese lantern fears raised by Manchester Airport
08.11.10
Manchester Airport is warning of the dangers of Chinese lanterns – amid fears they could bring down a plane, MEN reports. Bosses are asking people who live under the flight path not to use them after becoming concerned they could pose a threat to aircraft. They say they have seen a boom in their popularity and are worried they could distract pilots at ‘crucial’ moments on the approach to the runway.
The lanterns – mini hot-air balloons made up of flame and wire – are considered good luck in the Far East and can soar over a mile into the sky. The lanterns, which are used in celebrations, can be bought for just £2. They are visible for up to 20 minutes on a clear night.
As well as fears they could dazzle pilots, lanterns could be sucked into the aircraft engine – with potentially lethal consequences. They are already banned in some European countries, including Germany and Austria, but no restrictions are in force in Britain.
An airport spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Chinese lanterns are becoming more and more popular but they are completely unguided and wind dependent and even the ones made out of bamboo contain metal parts. You don’t need to be an engine specialist to know that a piece of metal getting into an aircraft engine can’t be good news.'
‘Unlike fireworks, nobody actually knows what range and height they can manage and pilots say they can get to several thousand feet. Lanterns can also dazzle a pilot at a critical moment in the flight. We don’t want to be party poopers but we have to protect the safety of passengers, aircraft and our neighbours.'
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