Forest Fires and Lasers

Question 1

As soon as a forest fire begins, it becomes restricted airspace. What are the dimensions of that airspace?

Answer 1

No person shall operate an aircraft over a forest fire within 5NM and at an altitude of less than 3000AGL near that fire

Question 2

Who and what is the Fire Control Authority?

Answer 2

The people responsible for fighting the fire. Within that restricted airspace, they are ATC.

Question 3

As the fire grows, how is the restrited airspace dimensions communicated to other pilots?

Answer 3

Via NOTAM

Question 4

If you see a fire for which there was no published NOTAM, what are you to assume?

Answer 4

That the airspace 5NM and 3000AGL around the fire is restricted airspace

Question 5

Aircraft involved with the forest fire fighting operations are not prohibited from entering the airspace, but what do they need before they do?

Answer 5

Permission from the fire control authority

Question 6

No person shall project a directed bright light not only directly at an aircraft but also…

Answer 6

into navigable airspace.

Question 7

If there is a need to shine lasers into the sky, what does someone need to do to get authorization?

Answer 7

• Submit a written request to the Minister for an authorization to project the directed bright light source into airspace
• Obtain written authorization from the Minister