Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence.
But, according to police in Kelowna, B.C., potential jail time or a massive fine isn’t deterring someone in the area from doing exactly that.
“Recently, airlines flying in and out of YLW in Kelowna have reported someone pointing a laser at the aircraft causing unnecessary delays or issues for pilots, crews and passengers,” Kelowna RCMP said on Friday afternoon.
“As a matter of fact, last week a flight had to be cancelled after the pilot was unable to continue flying due to the effects of a laser strike.”
RCMP say there were 1,965 laser attacks reported to Transport Canada and published in the Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Reporting System between 2015 and 2019.
“These are disturbing statistics and it means the safety of pilots, crew and passengers have been put at risk during each laser attack,” said the RCMP.
According to RCMP one incident involved a drone that was flown in the vicinity of an aircraft.
“Drones are also another concern, so drones are not supposed to be within five kilometres of an airport, it’s a criminal code offence,” said Cst. Mike Della-Paolera. “We’ve had one drone and two laser incidents in the last two weeks.”
Transport Canada says someone convicted of shining a bright light, including lasers, at an aircraft could face a fine of up to $100,000, and a prison sentence of up to five years.
“Intentionally interfering with the performance of flight crew to perform their duties is also a criminal offence,” reads part of Transport Canada’s webpage on the issue.
“An example of such an offence would be intentionally shining a laser at an aircraft, which distracts a pilot and interferes with his or her ability to safely land the aircraft. Offenders will be charged under the Aeronautics Act.”
Police say the dangers of pointing a laser at a plane include distracting the pilot, creating glare that affects the pilot’s vision, and possibly temporarily blinding the pilot.
“Actions like this could possibly cause a catastrophic event or unnecessary harm to someone,” said RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera.
Airport Director, Sam Samaddar said pointing a laser at the plane can affect both the passengers and the pilots.
“It can result in temporarily blinding the pilot and if you think about the criticalness of the phase of the flight which is the approach to the airport, temporary blindness then risks not only the pilots, the crews but also the passengers that are on board that airplane,” said Samaddar.
If you have any information about someone pointing a laser at a plane, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.