Paragliders released to appear in court later

THE TWO British permanent residents who were arrested on Thursday afternoon for flying their motorised paraglider in the area of Larnaca airport were released yesterday.
Larnaca CID’s request for a remand was refused by the Larnaca District Court. The pair were released and will appear in court on a later date on charges of unauthorised and dangerous flight.
Under the law, any motor-powered vehicle that can float in the air by flying or gliding is considered an aircraft and needs a licence, as does theoretically any object that can fly or glide over 30 metres high. People often also need to be qualified to fly, depending on the type of aircraft, the law says.
Civil aviation has been attempting to set up discussions with amateurs to talk about proposed changes in regulations to close any loopholes in the law.
According to police the 30-year-old and 24-year-old British paragliders drove to Oroklini village in their pick-up truck and it was there, that they began their journey towards Larnaca airport and their unauthorised flying session. After heading back to Oroklini when they realised the police were on tot them, it was not long before they were arrested.
Police said fortunately there were no flights scheduled at Larnaca Airport when the two made their unauthorised flight and no-one was put in immediate danger. Their equipment was seized by police as they continue their investigations into the case.
In October last year, a 32-year-old fell on top of electricity power lines in the Larnaca district when his paraglider’s motor lost power forcing him to attempt an emergency landing. He was found hanging one metre off the ground still in his harness.

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