Pilot fined after flying into controlled airspace - without a radio or any maps

A pilot who caused ‘significant delays’ at Manchester Airport after blundering into controlled airspace – without a radio or any maps – has been fined.

Air Traffic Control spotted an unknown aircraft entering the Manchester Control Zone on Friday, January 20.

The zone is a class D controlled airspace, which means it is illegal to enter it without clearance.

The Quik GT450 microlight – a small, lightweight plane – was being piloted by Robert Bawn, who remained inside the controlled airspace for 25 minutes.

Attempts to contact him via radio were unsuccessful, and it was later revealed that his aircraft didn't have a functioning radio.

Mr Bawn reportedly failed to take on board any paper charts or electronic navigation aids.

As a result of his actions, arrival flights into Manchester Airport were suspended, delaying 15 passenger planes for a total of 166 minutes.

Mr Bawn, 64, of Kilmorey Park Avenue, Hoole in Chester, came forward after an appeal for information by Air Traffic Control, and was prosecuted by the Civil Aviation Authority.

He appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to flying within a class D controlled airspace without air traffic control clearance, in contravention of the Air Navigation order 2016.

He was fined £1,675 and ordered to pay costs of £750.

A spokesman for Manchester Airport added: “We take any incursion into our airspace incredibly seriously and welcome the outcome.”