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Source: ONE News -
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Pilots are calling on the Government to regulate ownership of lasers following a series of strikes on aircraft.
Two men appeared in court yesterday, after allegedly shining a laser at a police helicopter last year.
Michael Josh O'Hare-Knight, 20, and James John Spiers, 18, are charged with dangerous activity involving aircraft under the Civil Aviation Act.
The charges relate to an incident in May last year, when police say the two men pointed a laser at the police Eagle helicopter from Asquith Avenue, Mt Albert, in Auckland.
TV ONE's Breakfast was told today that incidents of lasers being directed at aircraft are becoming more common.
New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association technical director Stu Julian said if they continued they could cause a crash.
Julian said when a laser strikes a plane, it can create a glare which distracts the pilot from flying.
"Clearly a laser strike is dangerous, it creates a distraction and it's time that the lasers are regulated," he said.
Planes are usually close to ground when struck by a laser and the pilot has minimal reaction time if blinded.
Julian said pilots want Class 3, high-powered lasers, regulated and restricted on import as has been done in other countries.
In Australia, a high-powered laser is seen as a weapon which should not be used against aircraft.
Julian believes there is nothing preventing the Government from passing the necessary legislation.
"Because it affects aviation safety and the travelling public, I think it should have cross-house support for legislation to go through."
O'Hare-Knight and Spiers entered not guilty pleas in the Auckland District Court yesterday.
The matter was set down for a callover next month where the details of a trial would be set down.
Distracting a pilot can be punished by 14 years in prison.
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