Virac Airport, no-fly zone for drones, hot air balloons, kites

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- After a Cebu Pacific flight was delayed due to flying kites, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) here reminded the public not to fly kites, drones and hot air balloons around the Virac Airport.

According to CAAP Manager Froilan Deliso, Virac has an ordinance that prohibits the flying of kites, releasing of hot air balloons, and any flying objects operated and not operated by remote control devices that could obstruct aircraft operations within the Virac Airport.

Municipal Ordinance 2000-014 covers 26 barangays within a distance of five thousand meters or 5-km radius of the runway of Virac Airport because flying of those objects may endanger aircrafts operating in the airport.

The 26 identified barangays are: Sto. Domingo, Calatagan, Cavinitan, Bigaa, Valencia, Gogon Sirangan, Gogon Centro, Sogod Tibgao, Sto. Nino, San Juan, Concepcion, San Pablo, Capilihan, Francia, Rawis, San Jose, Sta. Cruz, San Roque, Salvacion, Danicop, Calatagan Tibang, San Isidro Village, Marcelo Alberto, Lanao, Constantino, and Sta. Elena.

Deliso said that kite-flying within the airplaine routes is dangerous as it may entangle with the plane, hampering the landing and take-off and causing accidents detrimental to passengers.

In this connection, CAAP has tapped the support of media in the province particularly in Virac for intensive information dissemination in the areas covered by the ordinance.

Any person found violating the ordinance shall be meted a fine of P2,500. (PIA5/Catanduanes)