Anti-laser campaign at Leeds Bradford Airport
10.04.09
A campaign has started to crack down on the escalating problem of lasers maliciously directed at planes and helicopters using Leeds Bradford Airport. The move follows a dramatic increase in the number of incidents of pilots being distracted by lasers during critical phases of flight.
During 2008, there were five reported cases of people shining hand-held lasers at aircraft. Most involved jets landing at the airport. There were no incidents in 2007. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), West Yorkshire Police and Government departments have joined force to track down and prosecute those responsible. The campaign will use a new device being rolled out to police forces around the country that can pinpoint the exact location of where a laser beam originates.
Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the CAA, said: ‘To those individuals targeting aircraft with laser devices, the message is clear – don’t. You will be caught and you will be prosecuted and you could spend up to five years in prison. We strongly urge anyone in the local area who sees a laser being used against aircraft to contact the police immediately. These things are not toys, they pose a serious risk to flight safety.’
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