Friday, November 04, 2011

Pranksters launch fireworks from 19 Wing runway - Canadian Forces Base Comox

Fireworks exploded into the air above CFB Comox around midnight on Wednesday, while 19 Wing pilots were in the local airspace.

"The air traffic control tower here at 19 Wing noticed some bright flashes near the approach to one of the runways near the Knight Road, Point Holmes area. They then noticed what looked like a flare launched into the approach of the runway," says Lieutenant Trevor Reid at 19 Wing Comox.

The air traffic controllers called the RCMP, but when they arrived at the end of the runway the group of people gathered there spotted the police officers and fled.

"Of course this raises a potentially serious flight safety issue becase we don't want the pilots to be distracted by bright flashes and we certainly don't want a firework launched into the path of an aircraft," said Reid, "With the explosive nature of fireworks there's always the potential for debris to interfere with an aircraft and of course, bright flashes can often distract a pilot as that pilot needs his or her concentration and night vision to make the approach safely."

The culprits have not been identified or located. Anyone with information should contact Comox Valley RCMP at (250) 338-1321 or Crime Stoppers.

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