Laser beams, lights threat to aircraft and passengers

THE Civil Aviation Authority is calling on people not to shine laser beams, flashing lights and releasing balloons that can interfere with low flying aircraft.
Authority chief executive officer Wilson Sagati said those activities could create a potentially hazardous situation and was a serious threat to aircraft and passenger safety.
“Laser beams and lights can either affect or damage the pilot’s eyesight, potentially compromising the safety of the crew and passengers,” he said.
“Such incidents have the potential to compromise aviation safety and as such are prohibited under civil aviation rules. These activities are being closely monitored by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) PNG and the police.”
The authority has reported several incidents of such activities at Jackson Airport in Port Moresby and Nadzab Airport in Lae.
“These incidents are of grave concern to the CASA and nation’s aviation operators and companies,” Sagati said.
He is calling on people to refrain from such activities and is asking for anyone with any information on anyone carrying out such activities to notify the police, airport authorities and the Civil Aviation Authority.
“Such activities are illegal under aviation laws, rules and regulation. Offenders will be prosecuted,” he said.