KARACHI, Oct 19: The Civil Aviation Authority has given permission to the Plant Protection Department to carry out aerial spray to eliminate mosquitoes with its aircraft. The PPD had been directed by the city government to conduct the spray.

A CAA spokesman maintained that the PPD had been given the permission for hygienic spray in Karachi as far back as in May 2006. However, he added, the designated chief pilot would have to adhere to the following rules:

i)All operations are to be undertaken as per CAA regulations.

ii) Proper briefings to pilot regarding security environment/area familiarisation and associated hazards must be given.

iii) Obstacles in the area must be taken into account before launching the operation.

iv) Beware of bird hazards at low level.

v) Proper coordination will be done with respective SATCOs for traffic avoidance.

vi) All aircraft emergencies and its remedial measures will be discussed.

vii) Necessary recovery procedures may be chalked out.

viii) Before launching the operation, a thorough Met forecast will be obtained.

ix) At the end of a day’s operations, debriefing will be arranged to sort out shortcomings and problems faced during the flights.

x) Prior to launching the first operation, necessary briefings must be conducted covering abnormal situations, as well as Met and ATC procedures.

xi) All safety measures must be taken into consideration.—APP