CASA Media Release - 11 June 1999
Fireworks and flying don't mix
ACT residents and visitors are being warned not to mix Queen's Birthday weekend fireworks with flying.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says taking fireworks on board an aircraft could be fatal.
CASA's Assistant Director Aviation Safety Promotion, Mike Smith, says all passengers are banned from carrying fireworks while travelling in aircraft.
Mr Smith says the penalties for breaking this important aviation safety regulation are severe.
"It's just plain stupid to take explosives on an aircraft - and fireworks are simply explosives," Mr Smith says.
"During a flight fireworks could ignite or explode as a result of turbulence or an increase in heat.
"In an emergency hidden fireworks are a literal timebomb waiting to go off.
"A controllable fire or other emergency could turn into a disaster as fireworks explode inside an aircraft cabin.
"Canberrans and visitors to the national capital must never try to take fireworks on board an aircraft because it risks their own lives and the lives of fellow passengers and crew.
"Apart from the risk to life and property there are very severe penalties for flying with fireworks, which include jail terms."
The penalties are:
- For passengers found guilty of knowingly and recklessly carrying fireworks, a fine of up to $42,000 or jail for up to seven years
- For passengers unwittingly or inadvertently carrying fireworks, a fine of up to $12,000 or up to two years jail.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9923PR