New Zealand airline pilots are calling for a ban on the posssesion of high-powered laser pointers following two more reported instances of flight crew and passenger lives being put in danger through "reckless" use of the devices.
A Mt Cook Airline ATR72 was flying over the Canterbury town Rolleston last Sunday night when it was struck by a red light shone from the ground.
The incident came after crew reported a laser strike on an Air New Zealand flight soon after take-off from Kerikeri in Northland on Thursday morning last week.
New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association President Tim Robinson says the association's technical specialists estimate aircraft approaching and departing New Zealand airports experience laser attacks, on average, every month.
Other countries have dealt with the threat posed by laser strikes through complete prohibition on the possession of the devices, Mr Robinson said.
"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'," he said.
“They describe the confusion, temporary blindness and the resulting headaches as one of the most terrifying thing they’ve ever gone through
"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."
Mr Robinson says he has talked with pilots who have experienced 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."
In New Zealand perpetrators prosecuted for possession of high-power laser pointers can receive up to three months in prison or a fine of up to $2,000.
If prosecuted for endangering transport 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," Mr Robinson said.
"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?" he asked.
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