Pilots blinded by laser pointer

[Dave Homewood]

Pilots blinded by laser pointer
SOPHIE SPEER Last updated 12:17 23/04/2013

Two pilots were struck temporarily blind by green lasers shone into the cockpit at Wellington Airport last night.

Acting senior sergeant Andrzej Kowalczyk said a Jetstar flight was preparing to take off at about 8.40pm when a green laser was shone at the pilot from the Lyall Bay area.

About 20 minutes later an Air New Zealand plane coming into land also reported a laser strike.

Both aircraft could have been carrying more than 100 people, he said.

Kowalczyk said the offender or offenders were putting the lives of the pilots, flight crew and passengers at risk.

‘‘When is it funny for these people? Is it when the plane crashes or when the people are burning?

"When [the laser] hits at an angle on glass, it completely blinds you. You can't see anything."

A Jetstar spokesman said the Jetstar flight from Wellington to Auckland took off and completed its journey safely.

"Anything that compromises aircraft safety is of serious concern and we'll assist police as required in any investigation,'' he said.

The incidents have been handed over to airport police, who will interview the pilots.

Police would like to hear from anyone with information about the laser strikes.

Fairfax News

[Bruce]

I'm sure that they are busy soaking the bus ticket to slap them over the hand with now....
Until there are some real visible consequences, we'll still see muppets playing with Lasers.

[ngatimozart]

They can't use the wet bus ticket anymore Bruce - it might hurt their feelings. Mongrels need to be slapped with the rattan about a dozen times. That is something that Lee Kuan Yew most definitely got right.

[woody99]

We were fired at from Clendon a few weeks ago while landing at Auckland. The Police Helicopter was in the area but could not make it fast enough. It was bright enough that it lit the entire passenger cabin green and concerned a number of pax. Agree - a harsh penalty is needed.

[alexjc]

While on nightshift, watched a group of - and I'm gonna say this - middle eastern type males firing a couple of those lasers out of a car at people a couple of weeks ago in Hamilton. Got the number plate and called the police, but I dunno what happened after that. Have noticed a large group of these males going around at night, wouldn't be surprised if they're the the morons who have been firing lasers at CTC trainers over the city reciently. At least the GCSB now can legally spy on them.

[Damon]

Some people could do with some arse kickin!

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Judges are getting tough on laser larrikinism in Los Angeles these days....

• North Hollywood teen who aimed laser at aircraft gets prison term

(Los Angeles Times — March 25, 2013)

[flyinkiwi]

What will it take for proper controls on laser technology in NZ to be implemented? It's a disturbing thought that any eventual law will be written in innocent blood after a plane is brought down.

[raymond]

mmm they may need to require at least one pilot of commercial aircraft to be wearing "laser" goggles on landing....

[lumpy]

Apr 24, 2013 8:42:00 GMT 12 flyinkiwi said:

What will it take for proper controls on laser technology in NZ to be implemented? It's a disturbing thought that any eventual law will be written in innocent blood after a plane is brought down.

Somebody needs to go to prison for it ( as in KTJ's link ) . If people ( police ) treat this for what it actually is - an attempt to cause an passenger aircraft to crash - then perhaps any punishments might actually be what they should be - a deterrant !

[701driver]

Anyone take a bet they wont get fined anywhere near what jason Manderson got fined for "hovering" over Mt Cook.

[Dave Homewood]

Christchurch man admits shining laser pointer at two aircraft
DAVID CLARKSON
Last updated 14:08, August 8 2016


Christchurch builder Tane Hemopo, 38, left, has admitted two charges under the Civil Aviation Act after shining a laser at two aircraft.

A Christchurch man has admitted causing unnecessary danger by shining a laser light at two aircraft.

Tane Hemopo, 39, pleaded guilty to the two charges at the Christchurch District Court on Monday after the Crown dropped Crimes Act charges he has faced since his arrest in April.

Hemopo was instead charged under the Civil Aviation Act, which carries lower maximum penalties of a fine of up to $10,000 and a year's imprisonment.

The Crimes Act charge of shining a laser pointer with reckless disregard for the safety of others would have carried a 14-year maximum.

Judge Tom Gilbert remanded Hemopo on bail for sentencing on September 28.

The judge was told that Hemopo had written a letter of apology to the control tower at Christchurch Airport.

Crown prosecutor Deidre Orchard said Hemopo had a long history of offending, but nothing like this.

She said: "There is obviously a lot of anti-social behaviour in his history. It is extraordinary for a man of his age to be engaged in such foolish and dangerous behaviour. You might expect it from a younger person."

Hemopo pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary danger to the people aboard a Virgin Airlines passenger plane and a New Zealand Post Metroliner on April 5.

The incident happened about 12.30am, when Hemopo was at the Sign of the Kiwi on Summit Rd, on the Port Hills above Christchurch. He had a high-powered laser pointer.

He pointed it at the tail of the Metroliner as it was coming in to land, and then at the Christchurch Airport control tower.

A few minutes later, he steadily pointed his laser at an inbound Virgin Airlines flight. The light struck the cockpit, dazzling the flight crew, although it had little effect on them, police said.

Hemopo then pointed it at the aircraft three times, for between 3 seconds and 15 seconds, as it was on its final landing approach. The light entered the cockpit and police said it put the flights at unnecessary risk.

Hemopo admitted pointing the laser, but said he did not know it was dangerous. He denied aiming at the cockpit.

Earlier court documents said there were 121 people aboard the Virgin flight.

- Stuff

[slackie]

Let's dampen Bruce's bus ticket again... must be getting past its best use by date by now!!