Fun flying can soar with no threat to flight paths

Govt to designate areas for recreational aviation 

Ballon rides, para gliding only allowed in these areas

By Kelum Bandara

In the wake of demand for investment in recreational aviation activities such as baloon rides and para gliding, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA )is planning for designation of areas  so that fun flying does not pose obstruction to international and domestic air traffic in whatsoever manner , an official said yesterday.

New regulations will be implemented as part of the government’s plan to ease off restrictions for the development of the domestic aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority Act of Sri Lanka will be amended to facilitate the process .

A committee is now  working in this regard . CAA Director General Sagara Kotakadeniya told Daily Mirror that the government had focused on the development of the domestic airline industry and the Act would be amended to lay the legal infrastructure for it. In doing so, he said safety and security standards stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) wouldn’t be compromised at any cost.

“We have asked for the domestic aviation industry stakeholders to submit proposals, “ he said. Commenting on recreational aviation , he said there is growing demand for investment in the sector along with the improvement of tourism .

“We will designate areas where such activities like baloon rides, para gliding and  para jumping can take place. These will be areas where tourism is thriving.  We have identified multiple areas like  the Southern Province,  Sigiriya and the Eastern Province,” he said.

In issuing fresh guidelines or implementation standards,  he said such activities should not obstruct flight paths.