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New Zealand: Pilots want high-powered laser pointers banned
18 Apr 2018 -- Categories: Aviation incidents | Bans & Restrictions | Laws | Ways to reduce incidents | SLA news
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA) is calling for a total ban on high-powered laser pointers after recent laser attacks which pilots described as "the most terrifying thing they've ever gone through".
The April 18 2018 call for prohibition follows two recent reported incidents:
There were approximately 169 laser/aircraft incidents in 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
NZALPA news from the New Zealand Herald, details on Kerikeri incident from Stuff Travel, details on Rolleston incident from The Press. Click the “read more” link for additional details in the NZALPA April 18 2018 press release.
The April 18 2018 call for prohibition follows two recent reported incidents:
- On April 12 an Air New Zealand plane was hit by a laser strike near Kerikeri Airport at about 6:10 am, just after taking off
- On April 15 there was a laser illumination of a Mount Cook Airline plane flying over the Canterbury town of Rolleston
There were approximately 169 laser/aircraft incidents in 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
NZALPA news from the New Zealand Herald, details on Kerikeri incident from Stuff Travel, details on Rolleston incident from The Press. Click the “read more” link for additional details in the NZALPA April 18 2018 press release.
Below is a press release from the New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association.
“WE’VE HAD ENOUGH” NZ PILOTS CALL FOR THE COMPLETE PROHIBITION ON POSSESSION OF LASER DEVICES
18 April 2018
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) today called for the prohibition of high-powered laser pointers following two more reported incidences of flight crew and passenger lives being put in danger through reckless use of the devices.
NZALPA President Tim Robinson said that NZALPA technical specialists estimate aircraft approaching and departing New Zealand airports continue to experience laser attacks, on average, every month, and it’s an issue that other countries have dealt with the threat through complete prohibition on the 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 high jacking and bomb threats, collectively known as ‘Acts of illegal interference’.
“What makes it worse is that it is likely the perpetrators will never be found. This is a constant source of frustration for ourselves and law enforcement agencies
“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 thing they’ve ever gone through,” said Mr Robinson.
In New Zealand perpetrators can be prosecuted under the Summary Offences (possession of high-power laser pointers), Crimes Act 1961 (endangering transport) and the Civil Aviation Act 1990. Under the Summary Offences Act sentences can include up to three months in prison or a fine of up to $2,000.
Under the most punitive of the three acts, the Crimes Act, a perpetrator could face up to 14 years in jail.
“Of course, for this to be possible, the laser pointer and the person who used it needs to be actually found – often hiding under the cover of darkness and having already fled the scene.
“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?” Robinson asked.
Media contact: Lisa-Marie Richan 027 278 0441 or Georgina Thomas 021 329 907
“WE’VE HAD ENOUGH” NZ PILOTS CALL FOR THE COMPLETE PROHIBITION ON POSSESSION OF LASER DEVICES
18 April 2018
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) today called for the prohibition of high-powered laser pointers following two more reported incidences of flight crew and passenger lives being put in danger through reckless use of the devices.
NZALPA President Tim Robinson said that NZALPA technical specialists estimate aircraft approaching and departing New Zealand airports continue to experience laser attacks, on average, every month, and it’s an issue that other countries have dealt with the threat through complete prohibition on the 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 high jacking and bomb threats, collectively known as ‘Acts of illegal interference’.
“What makes it worse is that it is likely the perpetrators will never be found. This is a constant source of frustration for ourselves and law enforcement agencies
“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 thing they’ve ever gone through,” said Mr Robinson.
In New Zealand perpetrators can be prosecuted under the Summary Offences (possession of high-power laser pointers), Crimes Act 1961 (endangering transport) and the Civil Aviation Act 1990. Under the Summary Offences Act sentences can include up to three months in prison or a fine of up to $2,000.
Under the most punitive of the three acts, the Crimes Act, a perpetrator could face up to 14 years in jail.
“Of course, for this to be possible, the laser pointer and the person who used it needs to be actually found – often hiding under the cover of darkness and having already fled the scene.
“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?” Robinson asked.
Media contact: Lisa-Marie Richan 027 278 0441 or Georgina Thomas 021 329 907