Chopper danger as pilot ‘dazzled’

A RESCUE helicopter pilot was put in danger when he was dazzled by a laser pointer while on final approach to Atherton Hospital.

On Saturday about 8pm the Rescue 510 chopper was landing at the hospital for a patient transfer when refracted light originating from a handheld laser pointer pierced the cockpit’s windscreen.

The pilot was quick to radio an alert to local police who initiated a search based on GPS coordinates supplied by the pilot.

Sergeant Winfried Weiss of Atherton Police was instructed to find the source of the light in the Jack Street area.

“The helicopter was able to pinpoint the light source to several blocks but unfortunately we were delayed to the job and did not catch them,” he said.

Sgt Weiss said, although a $10 laser pointer might be considered a toy, they had the capacity to blind and disorient a pilot, causing a serious risk to aircraft.

“Imagine the consequences if the pilot had lost control,” he said.

In Queensland laser pointers with an output greater than 1mw are a restricted item. There are importing rules too.

It’s an offence to point one at passing aircraft, or other vehicles, Sgt Weiss said.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson told the Cairns Post “dazzling light” from laser pointers could put flight safety at risk.

“There certainly have been cases in Australia and overseas of pilots being affected by laser pointers,” he said.

He said there was a genuine risk and that is why there were laws to control the use of lasers.

“The pilot doing their job flying, which takes a lot of effort and concentration, effectively losing sight obviously creates risks.

“It is a serious issue, that is why there are laws in place.”

Police have urged parents to not allow the use of laser pointers as a toy.

“If you own one, or your kids do, please don’t endanger our community and make sure you know what you can and cannot do with them,” Sgt Weiss said.