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Pilots concern over laser beams

Pilots concern over laser beams Airline pilots have issued a warning regarding the risk of serious accidents being caused by laser pointers shining into cockpits.

Problems stem from members of the public shining laser pointers at the plane’s cockpit as the pilot prepares to land at the airport.

The British Air Line Pilots Association (BALPA) has warned that this could lead to a serious accident if not properly addressed by authorities.

Laser pointers are widely available on the internet, including class 3B models which the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated should be banned due to their excessive power being able to cause damage to eyes.

Dave Reynolds, BALPA flight safety officer, told the Press Association that pilots only know if they are targeted when a dot appears on the flight deck.

"It is a serious distraction at a critical phase of the flight and it is something the authorities need to take very seriously indeed."

"These incidents are an increasing nuisance,” explained Mr Reynolds. “Luckily nothing has gone wrong to date but it's only a matter of time before an accident occurs.”

"The pilot's ability to see can be impaired by flash blindness and we suggest they go to hospital for a check-up to make sure they have suffered no lasting eye damage," he added.

During August, a Boeing 737-300 pilot reported being dazzled by a green laser pointer while coming into land at Cardiff Airport.

According to BALPA, there have also been similar incidents at Exeter, Newcastle, Heathrow and Norwich airports.


Travel Industry News posted on 30 September 2008

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