Lasers pointed at aircraft
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Lasers pointed at aircraft
I've posted a thread in the Rumours & Threads forum; anyone (especially police air support) experienced laser pointers being directed at them? I am researching this for a serious purpose. Please PM me if you prefer.
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Mainly high powered torches, but the occasional laser.
Nothing that a knock on the door doesn't usually sort out
However, I believe some scrote 'oop north has just received 100hrs community service from the magistrate for shining a laser at a helicopter. (Endangering an aircraft).
Nothing that a knock on the door doesn't usually sort out
However, I believe some scrote 'oop north has just received 100hrs community service from the magistrate for shining a laser at a helicopter. (Endangering an aircraft).
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Gotta watch out when you use a big round term like "laser". There are lasers and there are lasers.
IMHO the idea that a small laser pointer aimed from the ground can harm an aircraft in flight is silly, even the fool who clustered several and was arrested for same.
I do know that some guy was arrested for using powerful industrial lasers to shine on aircraft - a whole 'nother problem.
IMHO the idea that a small laser pointer aimed from the ground can harm an aircraft in flight is silly, even the fool who clustered several and was arrested for same.
I do know that some guy was arrested for using powerful industrial lasers to shine on aircraft - a whole 'nother problem.
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I belive Wiltshire ASU had an incident a couple of years ago. But if I remember correctly it was a high powered torch not a laser. Unit landed and arested the purp. Good on em!
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Nice one Wilts
From what I can tell, there are fairly powerful green pointers available on the internet, effective (whatever that means) up to 1500m (or a mile as we oldies still say).
From what I can tell, there are fairly powerful green pointers available on the internet, effective (whatever that means) up to 1500m (or a mile as we oldies still say).
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the poor lad, probably came from a broken home, and, thought, if they can shine a light at me, whilst running from he's lastest burglary, then why can't he shine one back !
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The little red things are a minor irritant - I got one of those nice high powered green ones in the eye a few years ago an it was a tad uncomfortable for a few hours afterwards 
http://www.laserglow.com/Portable.html
The banner across the top of the page showing the laser is spot on - I remember seeing that green finger of light and thinking "wtf is that?"
http://www.laserglow.com/Portable.html
The banner across the top of the page showing the laser is spot on - I remember seeing that green finger of light and thinking "wtf is that?"
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Here in Perth, West Oz, we seem to have a particularly bored bunch of a**holes with lasers. We in the Air Wing get lased regularly, ranging form the weak red ones (hand held pointers) to the very bright Class 3B green lasers (illegal but readily available on the internet from the US - god bless'um). These Class 3B are the size of a pen and we have on (confiscated) that goes for miles. One more than one occasion we, have vectored ground troops in to arrest and currently have 3 awaiting trial. Unfortunately, the Australian Civil Aviation Act (and the new anti terrorist bit of it) does not cover this so we have trouble trying to make it stick under common assault to the crew. Heavies flying into Perth International also get hit on a regular basis so its a happening thing down here.
Two times after being hit by a green laser, the crews have been U/S for the night due to headaches after 5 minutes (and that was just a flash straight in the eyes). CASA and the ATSB know all about these incidents but as yet, nothing has been done to enforce anything. We keep a laser log to keep a record of these incidents.
Have tried to get Gallet to make a visor covering the 350-352um band (the bad green ones) but cost prohibitive for such a small number.
I'm trying to talk the bosses into fitting a 2.75" rocket launcher so I can put one back down the bearing, but I haven't had much luck yet.
Till then, we just fly around with one eye closed.
Two times after being hit by a green laser, the crews have been U/S for the night due to headaches after 5 minutes (and that was just a flash straight in the eyes). CASA and the ATSB know all about these incidents but as yet, nothing has been done to enforce anything. We keep a laser log to keep a record of these incidents.
Have tried to get Gallet to make a visor covering the 350-352um band (the bad green ones) but cost prohibitive for such a small number.
I'm trying to talk the bosses into fitting a 2.75" rocket launcher so I can put one back down the bearing, but I haven't had much luck yet.
Till then, we just fly around with one eye closed.
This is getting more wide spread out here have known of EMS machines getting hit with red and green lasers in ACT,NSW, QLD and WA the high idiot time seems to be school holiday time and around public holidays (New Year, Australia day etc), submitted mod to head office to fit .50 cal sniper rifle but was not approved!!
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I was green lasered a while back but luckily saw it coming my way and managed to look away in time. The ned was in the middle of a crowd and was not found unfortunatley. These things are a real risk.
Rick
Rick
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The Fleet Air Arm at RNAS Yeovilton have information on their website regarding numerous high powered torches being pointed at the Lynx and Seakings using Merryfield. And to call them or the police if someone sees them doing it.
"Snip":-
DANGER TO AIRCRAFT. : There have been a number of instances of helicopters (especially close to Merryfield) being illuminated at night with powerful torches. It must be stressed that this is extremely dangerous, especially to aircrews using Night vision Equipment and has serious flight safety implications. It is also a civil offence, and the police are always informed of incidents. "Unsnip"
"Snip":-
DANGER TO AIRCRAFT. : There have been a number of instances of helicopters (especially close to Merryfield) being illuminated at night with powerful torches. It must be stressed that this is extremely dangerous, especially to aircrews using Night vision Equipment and has serious flight safety implications. It is also a civil offence, and the police are always informed of incidents. "Unsnip"
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I've had a copy of LASORS thrown at me but that's not what you mean is it?
Cheers
Whirls
Cheers
Whirls
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Whirls,
I think the book is more dangerous. The mythology of laser pointers (red or green) blinding folks is so ingrained into the public knowledge that it will be hard to let reason into the discussion, but perhaps one could read the below:
http://www.equipped.com/lasers_airliners.htm
"All these consumer grade inexpensive laser pointers are Class IIIa laser devices with a maximum output power of less than 5mW (milliwatts). These devices are stringently regulated by the FDA and at this power level they are eye safe even at very close range. That means you can shine them at your eye momentarily at close range without any danger of permanent damage. The Feds have set the limit low enough that you would have to work at hurting yourself or others with these consumer grade lasers from any distance beyond very close in and at the distances from which an airline cockpit could be illuminated on approach, they are harmless."
And here:http://www.laserist.org/Laserist/Safety_aircraft.html
"A New Jersey man was recently arrested by the FBI for allegedly illuminating the cockpit of an aircraft with a laser pointer. The aircraft was traveling at a speed of 250 knots at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The man was using a commonly available, over-the-counter laser rated at 5.0 milliwatts of power. It would require the combined output of several thousand of these lasers, all focused in a single beam, to cause eye damage to a pilot flying at the distance involved.
The common 5.0 milliwatt laser pointer cannot cause eye damage beyond fifty feet, and at a distance of 3,000 feet it is classified as a distraction. Laser pointers, even at distances of a 300 feet, constitute a hazard (under the worst of circumstances) similar to the glare from an oncoming car's headlights or the flash from a point-and-shoot camera. While this can impair the vision of some people, the effect is temporary and does not cause permanent damage."
I think the book is more dangerous. The mythology of laser pointers (red or green) blinding folks is so ingrained into the public knowledge that it will be hard to let reason into the discussion, but perhaps one could read the below:
http://www.equipped.com/lasers_airliners.htm
"All these consumer grade inexpensive laser pointers are Class IIIa laser devices with a maximum output power of less than 5mW (milliwatts). These devices are stringently regulated by the FDA and at this power level they are eye safe even at very close range. That means you can shine them at your eye momentarily at close range without any danger of permanent damage. The Feds have set the limit low enough that you would have to work at hurting yourself or others with these consumer grade lasers from any distance beyond very close in and at the distances from which an airline cockpit could be illuminated on approach, they are harmless."
And here:http://www.laserist.org/Laserist/Safety_aircraft.html
"A New Jersey man was recently arrested by the FBI for allegedly illuminating the cockpit of an aircraft with a laser pointer. The aircraft was traveling at a speed of 250 knots at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The man was using a commonly available, over-the-counter laser rated at 5.0 milliwatts of power. It would require the combined output of several thousand of these lasers, all focused in a single beam, to cause eye damage to a pilot flying at the distance involved.
The common 5.0 milliwatt laser pointer cannot cause eye damage beyond fifty feet, and at a distance of 3,000 feet it is classified as a distraction. Laser pointers, even at distances of a 300 feet, constitute a hazard (under the worst of circumstances) similar to the glare from an oncoming car's headlights or the flash from a point-and-shoot camera. While this can impair the vision of some people, the effect is temporary and does not cause permanent damage."
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"While this can impair the vision of some people, the effect is temporary and does not cause permanent damage."
Temporary unless it causes a flying accident, when the damage may be more permanent.
Temporary unless it causes a flying accident, when the damage may be more permanent.
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Originally Posted by Nick
I think the book is more dangerous.
Cheers
Whirls
Not often I'd disagree with Nick but there are plenty of powerful ones around, eg...http://www.laserglow.com/Portable.html
We have a serial offender with a high powered green laser who is proving hard to catch [got me once from about 10nm away] and is believed to be responsible for targetting aircraft inbound to Manchester at 5-6000ft...whatever he's using is definitely not a toy.
We have a serial offender with a high powered green laser who is proving hard to catch [got me once from about 10nm away] and is believed to be responsible for targetting aircraft inbound to Manchester at 5-6000ft...whatever he's using is definitely not a toy.
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Here's how un-safe the lasers are:
Lasers warn pilots of restricted airspace
From Kathleen Koch
CNN
Friday, February 11, 2005 Posted: 2148 GMT (0548 HKT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military is planning a final demonstration Friday night of a ground-based laser system designed to warn pilots who have flown into restricted airspace over the nation's capital.
During the demonstration of the Visual Warning System, a test aircraft will be illuminated with alternating red and green laser lights, said Michael Kucharek, spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
"It's an attention-getter, but it's not blinding," Kucharek said. "It's not a distraction. So pilots can still focus on flying the aircraft without endangering anyone or themselves."
NORAD is looking for a cheaper, safer way to let pilots know they've strayed into restricted airspace over Washington.
Currently, fighter jets are scrambled and either intercept unauthorized planes or alert them by dropping flares.
"That's a very costly kind of operation," Kucharek said. "With the Visual Warning System, we wouldn't necessarily have to go to those extremes to get their attention."
A NORAD press release says the lasers are "eye-safe and non-hazardous at all ranges" and are distinct from other light signals used by air traffic control of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Kucharek said the laser would not be visible to other aircraft in the test area or to residents on the ground.
The concept was developed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities office, whose mission is to get new technology to aid in the war on terror into the field as quickly as possible.
Kucharek said the system will give NORAD "another tool in its toolbox to protect the airspace over the national capital region."
Technical testing of the laser system was completed January 12, and the hardware, software, beam and tracking mechanisms were working properly, he said.
Operational testing could begin this spring.
Before the system is implemented, Kucharek said, it will need further FAA approval. Intense briefings of pilots in the region will also be held so that all understand how the system works and how to respond.
For now, the system will be used only over the District of Columbia, he said.
Lasers warn pilots of restricted airspace
From Kathleen Koch
CNN
Friday, February 11, 2005 Posted: 2148 GMT (0548 HKT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military is planning a final demonstration Friday night of a ground-based laser system designed to warn pilots who have flown into restricted airspace over the nation's capital.
During the demonstration of the Visual Warning System, a test aircraft will be illuminated with alternating red and green laser lights, said Michael Kucharek, spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
"It's an attention-getter, but it's not blinding," Kucharek said. "It's not a distraction. So pilots can still focus on flying the aircraft without endangering anyone or themselves."
NORAD is looking for a cheaper, safer way to let pilots know they've strayed into restricted airspace over Washington.
Currently, fighter jets are scrambled and either intercept unauthorized planes or alert them by dropping flares.
"That's a very costly kind of operation," Kucharek said. "With the Visual Warning System, we wouldn't necessarily have to go to those extremes to get their attention."
A NORAD press release says the lasers are "eye-safe and non-hazardous at all ranges" and are distinct from other light signals used by air traffic control of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Kucharek said the laser would not be visible to other aircraft in the test area or to residents on the ground.
The concept was developed by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities office, whose mission is to get new technology to aid in the war on terror into the field as quickly as possible.
Kucharek said the system will give NORAD "another tool in its toolbox to protect the airspace over the national capital region."
Technical testing of the laser system was completed January 12, and the hardware, software, beam and tracking mechanisms were working properly, he said.
Operational testing could begin this spring.
Before the system is implemented, Kucharek said, it will need further FAA approval. Intense briefings of pilots in the region will also be held so that all understand how the system works and how to respond.
For now, the system will be used only over the District of Columbia, he said.