Laser crime still growing says aviation regulator
1-Mar-2011 The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of laser crime against aircraft amongst law enforcement bodies, with briefing packs being made available to all serving police officers. The incidence of laser devices being shone at aircraft in flight has grown exponentially for the last three years, the CAA explained. In 2010 there were over 1,400 recorded laser attacks on aircraft, a 100 per cent increase on the previous year.
Most of the attacks happened near large regional airports, as airliners on final approach were targeted from nearby streets and open spaces. Police air support units and helicopter emergency medical services are also frequently attacked.
The CAA said the dramatic increase in incidents (in 2007 there were only 29 attacks) was probably down to the increasing affordability and availability of laser devices on the Internet. It is believed that other parts of the UK's transport infrastructure on the ground are also frequently targeted.
Bob Jones, Head of Flight Operations at the CAA said: "Aircraft are particularly vulnerable during crucial phases of flight such as take-off and landing. Distracting the pilots with high intensity light during these phases endangers the lives of hundreds of people onboard the aircraft and on the ground. Helicopters are also frequently targeted and are highly vulnerable. There was a marked increase in the number of attacks on police and emergency helicopters in 2010."
Last year saw a new law come into force making the shining of a light or laser at an aircraft so as to dazzle or distract the pilot a specific criminal offence. Offenders can still also be charged under the more general offence of recklessly endangering an aircraft.
The Association of Chief Police Officers lead for air operations, Chief Constable Alex Marshall, said:
"Directing laser devices towards aircraft in flight to dazzle or distract the pilot is a criminal offence as it represents a considerable threat to the lives of the people on board and on the ground. The police service has brought a number of successful prosecutions to court which have resulted in significant sanctions for the offender, including jail terms."
The worst affected airports in 2010 were Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Heathrow and Leeds Bradford. The CAA urges members of the public who witness lasers being shone near airports to contact the police immediately.