A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

Solomon Islands: Increasing numbers of laser incidents

The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands is concerned about increased reports of green laser illuminations of pilots taking off or landing at Honiara International Airport on Guadalcanal Island. In a November 5 2018 statement, CAASI said there have been "a number of laser strikes," with the most recent on October 28 2018.

The aviation authority did not give any absolute numbers of laser incidents, though the statement implied there were multiple illuminations on October 28.

Persons caught aiming lasers at aircraft can be prosecuted under the Solomon Island Civil Aviation Act 2008, section 213. They can be imprisoned for up to 14 years and fined up to SI$300,000 (about USD $37,000).

News of the CAASI warning comes almost exactly one year after an almost identical announcement from CAASI.

From SIBConline.com

Solomon Islands: After laser strikes on aircraft, warning to offenders

The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands has issued a strong warning to any offender convicted of committing the use of high powered laser pointers against any operating aircraft in the country.

In a statement the Acting Director of Civil Aviation Brian Halisanau said according to the Solomon Islands Civil Aviation Act 2008 Section 213, offender convicted of committing the use of high powered laser pointers against any operating aircraft would be liable to pay a penalty of SI$300,000 (about USD $37,000) or serve a 14-year term imprisonment.

Halisanau said the warning came as pilots recently reported cases of high powered laser green strike incidents on aircraft arriving and departing Honiara International Airport at night.

He said some of these incidents took place immediately after take-off, and probably before the pilots had fully transitioned onto instrument flight or when the aircraft was established on approach to the runway.

Halisanau added that this was dangerous, as direct eye exposure to one of these laser beams could result in momentary “flash blindness'” for the pilots at a critical stage of the aircraft approach or departure.

From SIBC