House passes stiff penalties for pointing lasers at aircraft

Over the years, reports from pilots about lasers being pointed in their direction has been a general nusuience. The House and the FAA have passed a bill inducing a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment for commiting such an act. Since 1990, lasers have been a problem to General Aviation and Commercial aircraft flying over current United States Territory.

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I think that passing this law is a great idea. I can also see where this could be a problem. Say someone is in distress for any given specific reason, (e.g. stranded, abandoned, etc.). After 400 reports, one would think that this is enough. I give props to the FAA and House for passing this law. Although it should also be taken into consideration for rescue operations.

[edit on 12/14/0505 by brodband]

[edit on 17-12-2005 by asala]

If you're ever standerd on an island, remember to bring a laser.

Being a professional theatrical lighting engineer, I fully understand the dangers of lasers, and can also understand the nuiscance they can pose to aircraft (especially some military aircraft that use laser guidance systems).

One question I have about this legislation, though (and don't get me wrong, I fully support it), is what about outdoor concerts/theatre events that make use of lasers. Often lasers used in events of this type are far more powerful than the average laser pointer (laser pointers are 4.9mW lasers, whereas the average professional grade laser light is between 10-20mW- roughly 2-4 times as intense a beam). Many times, these lasers are completely automated by the lighting board (following the predetermined program set forth by whoever programmed that board), and many times, these lasers are used in conjunction with fog effects, and will project into the sky as part of the light show. While no malicious intent is meant, could one of these lasers hitting an aircraft be cause to fine/arrest the lighting programmer, or would, instead, regulations be made to notify the local air traffic control in the event of an outdoor event that uses lasers, so that exceptions or re-routing of air traffic can be made?

Any time I've ever programmed a laser to shoot into the sky, the last thing I'd think of is interference with aircraft - it's all about creating the asthetically pleasing lightshow. At the same time, the last thing I'd ever want to do with a laser, even accidentally, is cause an accident with an aircraft. I'm not out to harm anyone... I'm out to entertain. There's hundreds (and probably thousands) of people like working in the entertainment industry in the US alone, and probably tens of thousands worldwide.

[edit on 14-12-2005 by obsidian468]