The incidences of laser pointers being used to “dazzle pilots and controllers” is soaring, according to Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation.
Eurocontrol reports that the UK had 30 instances of the malicious use of laser pointers in 2007, with this figure rising to 1,600 in the first nine months of 2011.
The organisation also says that a safety report shows that in 2009 there were 1,048 reported incidents in ECAC states*, compared to 4,266 in 2010.
Eurocontrol warns that “Laser interference is growing and presents a global safety and security threat”, and adds that “Doing nothing is not an option”.
Participants at a recent seminar hosted by Eurocontrol called for “effective in-flight and postflight procedures for dealing with interference – as well as training in these procedures for both pilots and air traffic controllers”, along side awareness campaigns and the definition of alerting processes to the authorities, and the advancement of nanotechnology filters to combat the issue.
Eurocontrol says that at present only a handful of European states have regulations on laser interference, and the seminar concluded by calling on the European Union to develop “stringent regulation on the production, distribution, purchase, carriage and use of lasers”.
Earlier this year the BBC reported on the high-tech police helicopters being deployed to combat the use of laser pointers to interfere with aircraft. To view this video and take part in the debate surrounding the issue, visit our forum.
For more information visit eurocontrol.int.
Report by Mark Caswell
* The European Civil Aviation Conference - an intergovernmental organization established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Council of Europe, and comprising 44 members
