Pilots concerned about potential for crashes and loss of life after more than 1,200 laser attacks at UK airports last yearSales of laser pointers could be licensed in an attempt to protect pilots and train drivers from attacks that could cause fatal crashes. However, airline pilots are increasingly concerned that pointing laser pointers at planes could cause aircraft to crash. There were 1,258 laser attacks on planes landing or taking off from UK airports last year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. Pilots' union calls for laser pointers to be classed as offensive weapons Read more“Whilst we know most users don’t intend any harm, many are not aware of the safety risks and serious health implications of shining laser pointers directly into people’s eyes,” she said. Ophthalmologists in the UK have reported more than 150 cases of laser pointer-related eye injuries since 2013, most of them involving children.

Source: The Guardian August 12, 2017 10:41 UTC