Reports have been coming in thick and fast about incidents of laser beams distorting pilots’ vision and endangering aircraft and passengers.

The situation is such that US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta has announced measures designed to alert and better prepare pilots to handle incidents of lasers being shone at their aircraft, and to hasten notification about such crimes to law enforcement investigators.

Although the problem does not appear to have reached our side of the Atlantic, fears are mounting that pranksters may shine the lasers at aircraft, without realising how dangerous the beams can be.

Understandably, the US is taking a hard line with individuals who endanger aircraft in this way. Mineta says: “Shining these lasers at an aircraft is not a harmless prank. It is stupid and dangerous. You are putting other people at risk, and law enforcement authorities are going to seek you out, and if they

catch you, they are going to prosecute you.

“We are treating lasers in the cockpit as a serious aviation safety matter,” he added. “We must act now before someone’s reckless actions lead to a terrible and tragic incident.”

The measures, which are outlined in an advisory circular from the FAA, recommend that pilots immediately report any unauthorised laser events to air traffic controllers. As soon as FAA personnel receive these reports, they will notify appropriate law enforcement and security agencies through the Domestic Events Network. The changes are aimed to provide police with more timely and detailed information to help them identify and prosecute those who are shining lasers at aircraft.

The measures also include requirements that air traffic controllers immediately notify pilots about the laser events. If pilots have a laser pointed at them, the circular strongly advises pilots and air crew to avoid direct eye contact given the health and safety risks posed by some types of lasers.

Various US departments are working together to educate the public about the dangers of the laser beams, though it appears that little has been done to ensure that European operators are made aware of the threat.

Since December 23, there have been 31 reported lasers incidents involving aircraft. Since 1990 there have been over 400 similar incidents. With so many incidents, it seems high time that Europe follows the lead of the US.

Mineta noted that there are no indications that the people shining lasers at ‘planes are anything other than careless individuals who are using commercially available lasers in a manner that is reckless

and illegal.

Although it appears that these are not acts of terrorism, the danger posed to crews and passengers is no less deadly.

FAA research has shown that laser illuminations can temporarily disorient or disable a pilot during critical stages of flight, such as landing or takeoff, and in some cases, may cause permanent damage. However, as it deems the number of incidents as ‘relatively low’, it has been deemed that there is no need to require new equipment for aircraft and aircrew at this time.

Martin Moore, Senior Reporter, EBAN