Sep 20 2007
AUSTRALIA'S largest airline pilot body has called for a national, unified bid to end the dangerous practice of aiming laser lights at aircraft as the number of reported cases escalates.
More than 170 incidents have been reported since 2006, with 49 cases reported between April and June this year and three cases reported in Canberra. Australian and International Pilots Association general manager Peter Somerville said around-table discussion was urgently needed between key industry groups.
"It is now time, in our view, for a more coordinated approach.
"[We need] to bring together the airline pilots, the airlines, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, air-traffic controllers and local authorities police and others to try and work up a more coordinated plan."
Laser beams can distract or even blind pilots and are particularly dangerous if shone when planes are landing. Laser light attacks have recently been reported near airports in Adelaide, Darwin, Sydney and Melbourne.
Last week, a Qantas jet carrying 111 passengers from Canberra to Brisbane had a laser shone directly at the cockpit as it made a landing approach over Brisbane's inner north.
A spokeswoman for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services Mark Vaile said although the minister had not received a formal proposal, he was open to holding a round-table with interested parties.
She said the Government had introduced "stiff new penalties" under recent amendments to the Civil Aviation Act 1988 of up to two years' jail or a $5500 fine, for those who "irresponsibly direct laser devices at planes".