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cnn – pointing lasers at planes

The UK Pilots Union (BALPA) has issued a warning that it is only a matter of time before an aircraft crash is caused by people using laser pointers to dazzle airline pilots as they come in to land.

There has been a worrying trend in the UK of an increase in the number of laser dazzling incidents forcing co-pilots to take the aircraft controls. In recent weeks there have been some potentially fatal incidents reported at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gatwick and Durham.

Often, because of the height of the aircraft, it is difficult to pinpoint the source of the laser beam. In one recent incident at Durham Tees airport the police were able to locate and capture the man responsible.

These imported laser pointer devices, primarily used for Astronomy, can produce an intense beam that will reach as far as 37,000 feet. Pilots and co-pilots have reported that when they see an unusual light when coming in to land they can be forced to take evasive action. They’ve warned that sooner or later a serious incident will occur in which lives are lost.

Over the past five years, in the United States, there have been over 1000 reported incidents involving laser pointers. Those convicted can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine for as much as $25,000. In America they are considering treating those convicted of this crime as domestic terrorists.

Once recent conviction for this offence in the United Kingdom resulted in a 25 year old Hampshire man receiving a suspended prison sentence and in another a 19 year old man received a 4 month prison sentence. Air safety campaigners in the U.K. have said that these sentences are nowhere near harsh enougn.

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