An airline pilot caused a stir over north-west England on Monday after using skywriting to spell out the words 'I'm Bored' in the sky, leading to air traffic control disruptions and a formal investigation.
Incident Details
The message, visible for miles around, was written by a pilot flying a small aircraft over Cheshire and Greater Manchester around 3pm. Witnesses reported seeing the words appear in white smoke against the blue sky, with many taking photographs and sharing them on social media.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed it had launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an aircraft that conducted skywriting over north-west England on Monday afternoon. We are investigating the circumstances of this flight.'
Air Traffic Control Impact
The skywriting caused a temporary disruption to air traffic control operations in the region, as controllers had to manage the unusual activity and ensure other aircraft were not affected. No flights were delayed or diverted as a result, but the incident raised questions about the regulation of skywriting and pilot conduct.
The pilot, who has not been named, is believed to be a commercial airline pilot flying a light aircraft in his spare time. The CAA is examining whether the pilot violated any regulations regarding the use of skywriting for non-commercial or frivolous messages.
Public Reaction
The message drew a mix of amusement and criticism from the public. Some found it humorous, while others expressed concern about the potential safety implications. One witness told local media: 'I looked up and saw 'I'm Bored' in the sky. At first I thought it was a joke, but then I realised it was a real plane.'
Skywriting is typically used for advertising or celebratory messages, and the CAA requires pilots to obtain permission for such displays. The CAA added: 'We will take appropriate action if any breaches of regulations are found.'
