Civil Aviation Authority to investigate relegation wind-up stunt

by Michael Penkman. Published Wed 11 May 2011 08:27

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating an incident which occurred during Preston North End’s last game of the season against Watford.

Two planes, which dragged banners mocking the team’s relegation to League One, circled the Deepdale ground on Saturday afternoon.

One banner read “Poor little Preston enjoy Lge One”, while the other read “We are superior Love Blackpool FC”.

It prompted an angry response from manager Phil Brown, who said he wanted to shoot it down.

Blackpool Supporters Association chairman Glenn Bowley responded: “I think it’s just banter, it’s part of the friendly rivalry between the two teams.

“They put banners on the M55 when we went to Wembley last year. I don’t know who came up with it but I think Phil Brown needs to get a sense of humour.”

But the CAA is now looking at the images to verify whether or not the pilot broke air safety rules.

A spokesman said: "The key rule is that aircraft cannot fly below 1,000 ft over a built-up area. So if we find out that has happened we can take legal action.

"Any breach of navigation orders we take very seriously and will take legal action.

"We need to protect people on the ground and other airspace users."