The British Pilots Union (BALPA) have warned that it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs and lives are lost.
There has been a worrying trend in the UK of an increase in the number of laser dazzling incidents forcing co-pilots to take the aircraft controls. Only recently there have been a number of what could have become fatal incidents at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Durham and Gatwick airports.
Often, because of the height of the aircraft, it is difficult to pinpoint the source of the laser beam. However, in once incident at Durham Tees airport the police helicopter was scrambled and, although targeted by the laser wielding idiot, it was able to pinpoint his location and a man was arrested.
These laser devices can produce an intense beam of light that will reach 37,000 feet. Pilots and co-pilots have reported that when they see an unusual light when coming in to land they can be forced to take evasive action. They’ve issued a stark warning that it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs.
Over the past five years, in the United States, there have been over 1000 reported incidents involving laser pointers. Anyone caught can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of ,000. In America they are considering treating those convicted of this crime as domestic terrorists.
In a couple of recent court cases in the UK one man from Hampshire was given a suspended sentence and in another a 19 year old man was awarded a 4 month prison sentence. Air safety campaigners have said that these sentences are not tough enough and they are calling for far harsher sentences and fines to be handed down.
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