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Pilots Express Concern Over Increased Laser Crimes
17 - Feb - 2016

Pilots Express Concern over Increased Laser Crimes

A flight was recently turned back to Heathrow after take off when the pilot reported lasers directed at the plane, creating an in flight emergency. This has been and continues to be an ongoing problem and it seems to be on the rise. 

The pilots union Balpa is calling for lasers to be classified as offensive weapons.  With an increased number of attacks and few prosecutions, they are worried this is becoming a more popular crime.

Pilots are concerned as the lasers are becoming increasingly stronger and it will be a matter of time before something happens on one of the flights. The pilots union rep has said the increased amount of attacks put everyone at an unnecessary risk during a critical phase of the flight, i.e., take off and landing. 

The number of complaints about the lasers has increased over the last few years. In the beginning, it could be attributed to maybe a few kids fooling around with lasers to see what they could do. Now, the lasers are much more powerful, and directed, endangering pilots.

If the lasers are classified as offensive weapons it will give the police more power to arrest and confiscate. These laser crimes have the highest incident reports at Heathrow, followed by Birmingham, Leeds-Bradford, and Manchester Airports. If the lasers undergo a classification change, we might see a decrease in these sorts of attacks.

Until then, the hope is that no one will get hurt, but if something isn’t done soon, a horrible accident might be the reason they finally change the rule. Let’s hope that doesn’t end up being the case. 

By Airport Pickups London