Says Its Own Regulations Go Beyond Those Of The CAA

Organizers of the Farnborough Air Show have posted a statement on their website to answer questions about safety concerns related to the annual air show, planned this year for July 16-17.

"Safety governs every aspect of the Farnborough International Airshow and we are always fully compliant with the CAA regulations. Indeed, Farnborough has its own set of regulations, which go above and beyond those of the CAA," the statement reads. "These include mandatory validation for all the participating pilots and aircraft before they can display to the public and the ‘Farnborough Bowl' rule, which requires that pilots are only permitted to fly to their minimum display heights while within the airfield boundary which restricts aircraft maneuvers. On top of this, all flights are also monitored by an electro-optical tracking system; a unique safety procedure that flags if any pilot’s display deviates from that approved in validation.

"Although we are confident our current safety regulations are best in class, we welcome any changes to regulations from the CAA that continue to reduce risk and ensure Farnborough remains a best practice organisation.  Our application and risk assessment, compliant with the latest version of the CAP 403 regulatory document for Airshows, includes some significant changes in the air display areas, air display content and operational management of people on the ground.

"Some of these changes include:

• A restricted aerobatic display area away from built up areas
• Additional scrutiny of aerobatic maneuvers and aircraft
• Road closures to the west of the airfield during flying periods
• Increased crowd separation lines within the airshow

"We are also working with our numerous stakeholders and local agencies to ensure that those outside the show are as safe as those inside.

"We know that people of Farnborough are very proud of their Airshow and its history, yet we also know that road closures and diversions can be an inconvenience. We will give detailed updates of traffic restrictions closer to the Show so that local residents have time to plan their journeys accordingly.

"We are extremely confident that we will deliver a fantastic airshow while further eliminating risk to visitors and the community.  Farnborough will continue to be the showcase for the international aviation industry and a celebration of the pioneers of flight."

(Source: Farnborough Air Show web site)

FMI: www.farnborough.com/