Big rise in laser incidents at Bristol Airport
20.09.10
Police are cracking down on an increasingly number of laser incidents on aircraft landing and taking off at Bristol Airport. They are planning to step up their campaign against offenders, who are contravening the Air Navigation Order 2009, which carries a maximum fine of £2500 or a five-year jail sentence.
Since January 1 there have been 37 incidents reported by pilots flying in to or taking off from Bristol Airport, where the tell-tale pencil-thin green laser beams of light have been directed at aircraft. However, 23 of these incidents have been recorded since August 1. Pilots have reported being targeted on final landing approaches from the west (Weston-super-Mare and Congresbury) and the east (Bath, Chew Magna and South Bristol).
PC Adrian Chilcott of the airport police unit said: ‘Aircraft approaching Bristol Airport have experienced an increase in the number of incident involving lasers dazzling pilots. This is particularly dangerous as at night flight crew work within a cockpit with low-level lighting, so the pilots’ eyes are accustomed to the dark. A sudden and intense green light directed at the aircraft causes the pilot a problem, which could lead to a serious incident.’
Police at Bristol Airport are urging members of the public to be vigilant and report offenders. Anyone with information is asked to contact the airport police team on 0845 4567000.
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