Anti-laser campaign launched
10.04.09
A campaign has been launched to crack down on the escalating problem of lasers being maliciously directed at planes and helicopters at Leeds Bradford Airport. The move follows a dramatic increase in the number of incidents of pilots being distracted by lasers during critical phases of flight over the last year. During 2008, there were 5 reported cases of people shining hand-held lasers at aircraft, mostly involved jets landing at the airport. There were no incidents in 2007.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), West Yorkshire Police and a number of Government departments have joined forces to track down and prosecute those responsible for these acts. The campaign will use a new device being provided to police forces around the country that can pinpoint the exact location of where a laser beam originates.
Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the CAA, said: ‘To those individuals targeting aircraft with lasers, the message is clear – don’t. You will be caught, you will be prosecuted and you could spend up to 5 years in prison. We strongly urge anyone who sees a laser being used against an aircraft to contact the police immediately. These things are not toys, they pose a serious risk to flight safety.’
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book hotel leeds bradford airport or park leeds bradford airport at the lowest price, click on these links to two great leeds bradford airport parking and leeds bradford airport hotels price comparison pages.
