Laser lights — like those cheap novelty toys that one can buy for a dollar in Gachapon machines — have the perilous ability to temporarily blind pilots in their cockpits, jeopardising the takeoff/landing process of any aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) stated that a total of 53 cases of laser lights flashed at planes were reported between January to November last year, almost 50 percent higher than the reported 28 cases in 2015.
“A laser light shone into an aircraft cockpit can confuse, distract or cause discomfort to the pilots,” stated Mr Loo Chee Beng, CAAS’ director of air navigation services policy and planning.
Severe cases may result in the pilot experiencing temporary flash blindness or even suffering eye injuries that can potentially incapacitate the aircraft.
According to The Straits Times, Nicholas Ionides, spokesman for Singapore Airlines, stated that their pilots have been trained to respond to such situations by following procedures such as “looking away from the source and shielding their eyes, alerting other crew members and handing over control of the aircraft to somebody else.”
There’ve been multiple incidents overseas that clearly showcase what pilots see when a lone laser is directed into the cockpit.
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