Pilots’ association calls for ban on laser pointers

WELLINGTON: The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is calling for a total ban on highpowered laser pointers after recent laser attacks which pilots described as ‘‘the most terrifying thing they’ve ever gone through’’.

The call for prohibition follows two recent reported incidents of flight crew and passenger lives being put in danger through reckless use of the devices.

On April 12 an Air New Zealand plane was hit by a laser strike near Kerikeri Airport at about 6.10am, just after taking off.

Three days later, there was a laser attack on a Mount Cook Airline plane flying over Rolleston.

Association president Tim Robinson said, on average, aircraft approaching and departing New Zealand airports experience laser attacks every month.

‘‘I’ve talked with pilots who have experienced similar laser

strikes when trying to land a plane, often with many passengers and crew on board.

‘‘They describe the confusion, temporary blindness and the resulting headaches as

one of the most terrifying things they’ve ever gone through,’’ he said.

Mr Robinson said laser strikes were an issue other countries had dealt with through complete

prohibition of possession of these devices.

‘‘We continue to press Parliament and regulators for laser attacks to be taken seriously — raising their status as an offence equivalent to such acts as hijacking and bomb threats, collectively known as acts of illegal interference,’’ he said.

‘‘How many times do we have to remind those in power that lasers are not toys and pilots and air traffic controllers have been very concerned that it would only be a matter of time before a serious accident would result from such dangerous and irresponsible use?’’

Mr Robinson said the likelihood the perpetrators would never be found made matters worse.

‘‘This is a constant source of frustration for ourselves and law enforcement agencies.’’

In New Zealand, perpetrators can be prosecuted under the Summary Offences Act (possession of highpower laser pointers), Crimes Act 1961 (endangering transport) and the Civil Aviation Act 1990.

Under the most punitive of the three acts, the Crimes Act, a perpetrator could face up to 14 years in jail. — NZME