Lasers and airplanes

[msethhunter]

Don't. Just don't. Getting vectored tonight onto the downwind in the Northeast, some jerkwad decided it'd be a good idea to shine a green laser at us. It's mildly embarrassing to have the cops at the airplane while everyone is getting off, but I'll take it on the off chance that they catch the guy.

Don't. Just don't. It's nearly blinding when we have all the lights turned way down, and the cockpit lights up bright green. It destroys our night vision, and usually takes at least 15-20 minutes for it to recover and we're usually a few minutes from landing. It's also not a local deal, it's a federal one. We (pilots) and they (police) take it pretty serious. I am going to report you, take note of where we are, and can send them almost right to you.

https://www.laserpointersafety.com/sentences/sentences.html

 

[KWeezyXB12]

ive had someone shine one at me in my truck from 200 yards away, still think my left eye got some damage from it they got me pretty good from blackbird park on williams and san tomas. i was pissed.

 

[aminalmutha]

People who do that should be beaten until their brains leak out their ears.

 

[Mike95060]

Ok, Super dumb question but, would mirror tint on the cock pit windows help at all?

 

[mean dad]

Love the way you separated the cock from the pit.

 

[Climber]

Stupid people do stupid things.

Hope they catch the asshole (extremely unlikely that it's a women, they have more common sense then boys/men in these kinds of things).

 

[tuxumino]

Is this something that the pilots have to report or is there some form of auto detection?

 

[Kestrel]

High power sources should be unavailable to the general public. Lasers are what I do (Optics PhD), and it's a bit nuts what you can buy off the internet.

 

[Mike95060]

High power sources should be unavailable to the general public. Lasers are what I do (Optics PhD), and it's a bit nuts what you can buy off the internet.

Have we talked about the NIF?

 

[lefty]

Love the way you separated the cock from the pit.

BARF delivers!!! (again) :thumbup

I'm an LSO. I agree, that sh&* is dangerous.

 

[Blankpage]

There are lasers in the devices I use for outdoor work. They must be low powered though cause there's almost no impact from one catching your eye while walking in its path.

 

[Eldritch]

High power sources should be unavailable to the general public. Lasers are what I do (Optics PhD), and it's a bit nuts what you can buy off the internet.

Are the exploding car tires real?

 

[dravnx]

Was on final to 1R as a pax in an A320. I always get a window seat. Saw a green laser flash. No LEO at the gate so I assumed the guys up front never saw it.

 

[Blankpage]

Could it be the goal of someone shining a laser at a plane to cause a crash?
Its bizarre behaviour when everyone knows its a bad idea.

 

[DReg350]

So disappointing. We use, I use green lasers to teach astronomy. Green lasers are incredibly useful tools. We're stern about safety... when and where to point, look in all directions, stay WAY clear of aircraft, and buy the lowest wattage necessary. Doesn't matter. We'll be included in the ban. It's coming.

 

[doc4216]

Could it be the goal of someone shining a laser at a plane to cause a crash?
Its bizarre behaviour when everyone knows its a bad idea.

Yes, that's the intention. My office has had at least three of these cases in the past year, targeting USCG helicopters departing or returning from search and rescue missions.

 

[msethhunter]

Could it be the goal of someone shining a laser at a plane to cause a crash?
Its bizarre behaviour when everyone knows its a bad idea.

*shrugs* Dunno. I doubt it malicious, just people being stupid. That doesn't excuse the behavior though.

 

[msethhunter]

Ok, Super dumb question but, would mirror tint on the cock pit windows help at all?

Not dumb at all, and I have no idea.

 

[Blankpage]

Might not be necessary to tint the entire window. If you had a sort of transparent sun visor of sorts but for night use and for blocking something like a laser.
A small rectangular piece that you could move into position to block the beam without obstructing everything else you need to see.
I assume these things are coming from the side and not on the flight path.
Else mount a 30mm Gatlin gun on each wing to eliminate the nuisance.

 

[msethhunter]

Might not be necessary to tint the entire window. If you had a sort of transparent sun visor of sorts but for night use and for blocking something like a laser.
A small rectangular piece that you could move into position to block the beam without obstructing everything else you need to see.
I assume these things are coming from the side and not on the flight path.
Else mount a 30mm Gatlin gun on each wing to eliminate the nuisance.

That wouldn't work. People holding lasers can't hold their hands very steady. The variance of the light at the distances they're shining them on an airplane on approach make it almost like a strobe. By the time you get hit with one, it's already to late.



youtu.be/-C_jgjOuNrg