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.’
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