Wed, May 23, 2007
$12 Item Can Impair Pilot Vision
It doesn't matter if you are a terrorist or a prankster -- if
you shine laser pointers at airplanes, you could now face up to
five years in prison.
Under legislation approved Tuesday by the House of
Representatives, the use of cheap, handheld laser pens "presents an
imminent threat to aviation security and passenger safety," said
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) before the
voice vote to approve the measure, according to the Associated
Press.
Since 1990 the Federal Aviation Administration has reported more
than 500 incidents of pilots being blinded or disoriented by laser
beams according to Florida congressman Ric Keller, sponsor of the
legislation.
Keller showed a laser pointer to House members and said what
could be purchased for $12 at any office supply store, had the
power to cause vision disturbances for pilots from two miles
away.
The National Transportation Safety Board has documented two
cases where pilots sustained actual injury to their eyes and were
incapacitated during critical phases of a flight.
As ANN reported, last year
New Jersey resident David Banach was sentenced under a provision of
the USA Patriot Act to two years of probation for shining a laser
pointer at an aircraft on final approach to Teterboro.
The plane, carrying six passengers, was at 3,000 feet when the
beam hit the cockpit window -- causing both pilots to briefly lose
night vision. They managed to land safely.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]