Number of planes targeted by lasers rises

www.caa.co.uk

A campaign has been launched against “laser louts” by aviation officials in Scotland, after the number of pilots targeted by the high-frequency beams has risen sharply.

Sold as toys, the lasers can disrupt pilots at critical times during a flight and also cause damage to their eyes, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Edinburgh Airport was reported as being a particular problem spot, with seven planes targeted by lasers last year. During the previous year, there were no incidents reported.

All of the aircraft that were involved were targeted by lasers on the ground, and when the planes were flying at altitudes between 1,600 and 3,000 feet – during the critical landing or take-off periods. Police were notified of each incident.

The number of occurrences also increased at Glasgow Airport, where five planes were hit by lasers last year. At Wick airport, a helicopter was also targeted.

Aberdeen Airport saw a reduction in the number of incidents, from 11 down to two, after police targeted laser pen use throughout the city. Motorists were being hit by lasers as well, and in the most recent incident, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with reckless conduct when he aimed a laser pen at the driver of a car.

www.caa.co.uk