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42-452: A flare , also sometimes called a fusée , fusee , or bengala , bengalo in several European countries, is a type of pyrotechnic that produces a bright light or intense heat without an explosion . Flares are used for distress signaling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications. Flares may be ground pyrotechnics, projectile pyrotechnics, or parachute-suspended to provide maximum illumination time over

84-494: A 12-gauge pistol or rifle. Pyrotechnics are dangerous and must be handled and used properly. Recently, several high-profile incidents involving pyrotechnics have re-enforced the need to respect these explosives at all times. Proximate pyrotechnics is an area of expertise that requires additional training beyond that of other professional pyrotechnics areas and the use of devices specifically manufactured for indoor, close proximity use. Despite this, accidents can still happen due to

126-498: A "Universal color language". Red distress rockets and/or flares are now internationally recognized symbols that indicate a ship in distress. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has standards for visual signals, including both handheld and aerial flares. Handheld flares must burn for at least one minute at an average luminosity of 15,000 candelas , while aerial flares must burn for at least 40 seconds with

168-412: A "seelonce mayday" is MAYDAY, All Stations x3 or [Interfering station] x3, this is [controlling station], SEELONCE MAYDAY. "Seelonce feenee" (from French silence fini , 'silence finished') means that the emergency situation has been concluded and the channel may now be used normally. "Distress traffic ended" is the aeronautical equivalent of "seelonce feenee". The format for the "seelonce feenee"

210-457: A 30,000-candela average luminosity. While rockets and flares are still an option for signaling distress, they have since been surpassed by improved technology. Distress signals can now be sent using automated radio signals from a search and rescue transponder . Other internationally recognized methods include the radio message SOS , which was used during the 1912 sinking of the Titanic , and

252-600: A biped or laid flat) to signal traffic hazards or that a road is blocked, often as a more visible replacement for traffic cones. Law enforcement in the United States usually use magnesium -based flares that last from 15–30 minutes. Fusees used for rail are known as railroad flares , they are commonly used to perform hand signals or used as torches in rail transport applications. Railroad flares can burn for at least 10 minutes, are not fastened to train cars, and are handheld by railroad personnel for protection at night. It

294-488: A designed program using electrical wiring and ignition linked to an electronic firing system. The size of these fireworks can range from 50 mm (2") to over 600 mm (24") diameter depending on the type of effect and available distance from the audience. In most jurisdictions, special fireworks training and licensing must be obtained from local authorities to legally prepare and use display pyrotechnics. Consumer pyrotechnics are devices readily available for purchase to

336-538: A detachment of troops far in the distance. Another mention of the signal bomb appears in a text dating from 1293 requesting their collection from those still stored in Zhejiang . A signal gun appears in Korea by 1600. The Wu I Thu Phu Thung Chih or Illustrated Military Encyclopedia , written in 1791, depicts a signal gun in an illustration. In the civilian world, flares are commonly used as signals, and may be ignited on

378-548: A false distress call is a criminal offense in many countries, punishable by a fine, restitution, and possible imprisonment. " Pan-pan " (from the French: panne , 'a breakdown') indicates an urgent situation, such as a mechanical failure or a medical problem, of a lower order than a "grave and imminent threat requiring immediate assistance". The suffix "medico" originally was to be added by vessels in British waters to indicate

420-597: A large area. Projectile pyrotechnics may be dropped from aircraft, fired from rocket or artillery , or deployed by flare guns or handheld percussive tubes. The earliest recorded use of gunpowder for signaling purposes was the 'signal bomb' used by the Chinese Song Dynasty (960–1279) as the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) besieged Yangzhou in 1276. These soft-shelled bombs, timed to explode in midair, were used to send messages to

462-644: A large variety of pyrotechnics into performances, which range from flaming costumes to face-mounted flamethrowers. Nightwish , Lordi , Sabaton and Parkway Drive are also known for their vivid pyrotechnics in concert. Many professional wrestlers have also used pyrotechnics as part of their entrances to the ring. Modern pyrotechnics are, in general, divided into categories based upon the type of effect produced or manufacturing method. The most common categories are: Various ingredients may be added to pyrotechnic devices to provide colour, smoke, noise or sparks. Special additives and construction methods are used to modify

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504-406: A larger size and more vigorous in nature. It will typically take an entire day to set up a professional fireworks display. This work is normally undertaken on temporarily secured locations by specialist companies employing teams of experienced pyrotechnicians. In modern times a familiar feature of larger fireworks displays are aerial shells, which commonly appear as large spherical bursts of stars in

546-548: A medical problem ("pan-pan medico", repeated three times), or by aircraft declaring a non-life-threatening medical emergency of a passenger in flight, or those operating as protected medical transport in accordance with the Geneva Conventions . "Pan-pan medico" is no longer in official use. Sometimes the phrase "declaring emergency" is used in aviation, as an alternative to calling "mayday". For example, in 1998 Swissair Flight 111 radioed "Swissair one-eleven heavy

588-404: A row during the initial emergency declaration ("Mayday mayday mayday"). The "mayday" procedure word was conceived as a distress call in the early 1920s by Frederick Stanley Mockford, officer-in-charge of radio at Croydon Airport , England. He had been asked to think of a word that would indicate distress and would easily be understood by all pilots and ground staff in an emergency. Since much of

630-418: A switch console, or computer controlled according to a pre-programmed sequence and/or a sequence that tracks the live performance via stage cues. Display pyrotechnics, also known as commercial fireworks, are pyrotechnic devices intended for use outdoors, where the audience can be further away, and smoke and fallout is less of a concern. Generally the effects, though often similar to proximate pyrotechnics, are of

672-401: Is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice-procedure radio communications . It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency primarily by aviators and mariners, but in some countries local organizations such as firefighters , police forces, and transportation organizations also use the term. Convention requires the word be repeated three times in

714-545: Is declaring emergency" after their situation had worsened, upgrading from the "pan-pan" which was declared earlier. However, the International Civil Aviation Organization recommends the use of the standard "pan-pan" and "mayday" calls instead of "declaring an emergency". Cases of pilots using phrases other than "pan-pan" and "mayday" have caused confusion and errors in aircraft handling. "Seelonce mayday" (using an approximation of

756-627: Is known to inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland . While there are currently no US federal drinking water standards for perchlorate, some states have established public health goals or action levels, and some are in the process of establishing state maximum contaminant levels. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency has studied the impacts of perchlorate on the environment as well as drinking water. California has also issued guidance regarding perchlorate use. US courts have taken action regarding

798-536: Is used in military aircraft as a defensive countermeasure against heat-seeking missiles. These flares are usually discharged individually or in salvos by the pilot or automatically by tail-warning devices, and are accompanied by vigorous evasive maneuvering. Since they are intended to deceive infrared missiles, these flares burn at temperatures of thousands of degrees, incandescing in the visible spectrum as well. Flares connected to tripwires are used to guard an area against infiltration. The flare begins burning when

840-523: The Royal Navy suggested that rockets for distress should have a distinctive color. The request was made to help ease confusion between ships in distress and rockets used by pilot ships . By 1875, the Board of Trade (UK) had issued regulations for Captains in regards to night signals. Rockets containing at least 16oz of composition were only to be used as a sign for a ship in distress. Passenger ships at

882-452: The combustion of a pyrotechnic composition . The ingredients are varied, but often based on strontium nitrate , potassium nitrate , or potassium perchlorate , mixed with a fuel such as charcoal , sulfur , sawdust , aluminium , magnesium , or a suitable polymeric resin . Flares may be colored by the inclusion of pyrotechnic colorants . Calcium flares are used underwater to illuminate submerged objects. *Note- Fusees manufactured in

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924-750: The general public with little or no special licensing or training. These items are considered relatively low hazard devices but, like all pyrotechnics, can still be hazardous and should be stored, handled and used appropriately. Some of the most common examples of consumer pyrotechnics encountered include recreational fireworks (including whistling and sparking types), model rocket motors , highway and marine distress flares , sparklers and caps for toy guns. Pyrotechnics are also indirectly involved in other consumer products such as powder actuated nail guns , ammunition for firearms , and modern fireplaces . Some types, including bird scarers , shell crackers, whistle crackers and flares, may be designed to be fired from

966-542: The Coston flare based on early work by her deceased husband Benjamin Franklin Coston. In 1922, a "landing flare" was an aerial candle attached to a parachute and used for landing an airplane in the dark. The flare burned for less than four minutes and the candlepower was about 40,000 lumens . During World War II , the U.S. Navy tested underwater flares for use in detecting submarines. A special variety of flares

1008-590: The French pronunciation of silence ) is a demand that the channel only be used by the vessel/s and authorities involved with the distress. The channel may not be used for normal working traffic until "seelonce feenee" is broadcast. "Seelonce mayday" and "seelonce feenee" may only be sent by the controlling station in charge of the distress. The expression "stop transmitting – mayday" is an aeronautical equivalent of "seelonce mayday". "Seelonce distress" and "prudonce" are no longer in use since ITU WRC-07. The format for

1050-561: The SOS radiotelegraph (Morse code) signal. If a mayday call cannot be sent because a radio is not available, a variety of other distress signals and calls for help can be used. Additionally, a mayday call can be sent on behalf of one vessel by another; this is known as a mayday relay. Civilian aircraft making a mayday call in United States airspace are encouraged by the Federal Aviation Administration to use

1092-409: The United States no longer use potassium perchlorate as an oxidizer and do not contain aluminium or magnesium . Many in-service colored signal flares and spectrally balanced decoy flares contain perchlorate oxidizers . Perchlorate, a type of salt in its solid form, dissolves and moves rapidly in groundwater and surface water. Even in low concentrations in drinking water supplies, perchlorate

1134-466: The air traffic at the time was between Croydon and Le Bourget Airport in Paris, he proposed the term "mayday", the phonetic equivalent of the French m'aidez ("help me") or m'aider (a short form of venez m'aider , "come [and] help me"). (M'aidez is non-standard French; the phrase Aidez moi is standard.) The term is unrelated to the holiday May Day . Following tests, the new procedure word

1176-487: The character of the effect produced, either to enhance or subdue the effect; for example, sandwiching layers of pyrotechnic compounds containing potassium perchlorate, sodium salicylate or sodium benzoate with layers that do not creates a fountain of sparks with an undulating whistle. In general, such pyrotechnic devices are initiated by a remotely controlled electrical signal that causes an electric match , or e-match, to produce ignition. The remote control may be manual, via

1218-475: The climax of their song " Careful with That Axe, Eugene ", a blast of smoke was set off at the back of the stage. Bands such as the Who , KISS and Queen soon followed with use of pyrotechnics in their shows. Michael Jackson attempted using pyrotechnics in a 1984 Pepsi advertisement, where a stray spark caused a small fire in his hair. German industrial metal band Rammstein are renowned for their incorporation of

1260-519: The emergency procedure word " Mayday ", which dates to the 1920s. Another type of flare is the fusee , which burns with a bright red light. These come in two main types which are used for roadways and rail transportation . The first type are fusees used for roadways which are known as highway flares or road flares . These are commonly used to indicate obstacles or advise caution on roadways at night and are found in roadside emergency kits. Law enforcement also may use these flares (either propped on

1302-540: The following format, omitting any portions as necessary for expediency or where they are irrelevant (capitalization as in the original source): Mayday, Mayday, Mayday; (Name of station addressed); Aircraft call sign and type; Nature of emergency; Weather; Pilot's intentions and/or requests; Present position and heading, or if lost then last known position and heading and time when aircraft was at that position; Altitude or Flight level ; Fuel remaining in minutes; Number of people on board; Any other useful information. Making

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1344-508: The ground, fired as an aerial signal from a pistol -like flare gun , or launched from a self-contained tube. Flares are commonly found in marine survival kits . Distress rockets (aka "rocket-propelled parachute flares") have been mentioned in the modern era for civilian maritime emergencies since at least 1856. The U.S. Nautical Magazine of that year mentions the use of "rocket stations" for ship related emergencies. White rockets were solely used until 1873, when commander John Yorke of

1386-557: The ignition of controlled burns . They ignite at 191 °C (376 °F) and burn as hot as 1,600 °C (2,910 °F). Flares are used by law enforcement agencies such as the United States National Guard , and police as a form of riot control . This practice dates back to at least the 1940s where they are mentioned as being "useful in night operations". Handheld flares are also counter used by protestors at demonstrations. In 1859, Martha Coston patented

1428-642: The safe storage, handling, and functioning of pyrotechnic devices are known as pyrotechnicians . Explosions, flashes, smoke, flames, fireworks and other pyrotechnic-driven effects used in the entertainment industry are referred to as proximate pyrotechnics. Proximate refers to the pyrotechnic device's location relative to an audience. In the majority of jurisdictions, special training and licensing must be obtained from local authorities to legally prepare and use proximate pyrotechnics. Many musical groups use pyrotechnics to enhance their live shows. Pink Floyd were innovators of pyrotechnic use in concerts. For instance, at

1470-541: The sky. The exterior of these shells are commonly made of a hard paper-adhesive layered composite which holds the interior stars arranged around a burst charge, or other pyrotechnic effects. Aerial shells are fired out of mortars from the ground and have internal timing fuses that accurately and reliably position their bursts. A continuous sequence of shells are launched, often with effects artistically choreographed to music and themes, accompanied by various types of ground effects. Modern fireworks displays are commonly executed to

1512-414: The time were required to carry 12 of these rockets. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1894 further stated that these rockets were to be fired one at a time in short intervals of approximately one minute apart. Distress rockets continued to be used in different colors, as was the case with RMS Titanic . At the time shipping companies had "a particular kind of distress rocket (that differed by color)". Each ship

1554-611: The tripwire is triggered, providing both alarm and illumination. Under the UN hazard number system , pyrotechnic flares are designated class 1.4 explosives. Several U.S. states, including California and Massachusetts, have begun regulating levels of potassium perchlorate, which can be unsafe at certain levels in drinking water. Contaminated drinking water can lead to such symptoms as gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, fever, skin rashes, and even fatal aplastic anemia (a reduction in all types of blood cells). Flares produce their light through

1596-690: The use of low-quality product, or due to an unexpected event, or even due to an error on the part of the operator. A common low-budget pyrotechnic flash pot is built using modified screw-in electric fuses in a common light fixture. The fuses are intentionally blown, acting as ignitors for a pyrotechnic material. Homemade devices may fail to include safety features and can provide numerous hazards, including: Commercial flash pots include safety features such as warning pilot lamps, preignition grounding, and safing circuits. They also use isolated and low-voltage power sources, and have keyed power connections to help prevent accidental ignition. Mayday Mayday

1638-589: The use of perchlorate in manufacturing pyrotechnic devices such as flares. For example, in 2003, a federal district court in California found that the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) applied because perchlorate is ignitable and therefore a "characteristic" hazardous waste . Pyrotechnic Improper use of pyrotechnics could lead to pyrotechnic accidents . People responsible for

1680-476: Was also given a guide of colors to use depending on what signal was to be sent. Modern red distress signals are mentioned by the United States Bureau of Mines as early as 1959, where they state "12 handheld rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signals" are to be used by ocean going ships. The color red was eventually incorporated for use in the United States on 17 December 1979 as part of

1722-458: Was argued during an Appeals case that railroad flares are much more visible than lanterns . In general: trains that encounter a lit railroad flare are required to stop until it burns out. Fusees made specifically for railroad use can be distinguished from highway fusees by a sharp steel spike at one end, used to embed the fusee upright in a wooden railroad tie . In forestry and firefighting, fusees are sometimes used in wildfire suppression and in

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1764-623: Was introduced for cross-Channel flights in February 1923. The previous distress call had been the Morse code signal SOS , but this was not considered suitable for voice communication, "[o]wing to the difficulty of distinguishing the letter 'S' by telephone". In 1927, the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Washington adopted the voice call "mayday" as the radiotelephone distress call in addition to

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