lasers against pilots?

[mayday1]

has anyone else seen/heard about these reports?

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/09/terrorist.laser.ap/index.html

What has to happen... a laser needs to hit a pilot directly in the eye - from somewhere obviously quite distant? Is there some sophisticated technology here, or is this someone with a high grade laser standing in their backyard aiming it an airliner, hoping to hit the pilots right in the eyes??

 

[350DRIVER]

Watched the segment on CNN earlier in the day and I think the "threat" that has concerned a few (or more) is the possibility of large aircraft being targeted that are on approach into a larger city, down low, and in the vicinity of big buidlings. Far fetched? Some would tend to believe so. A few years back a captain was hit by a laser out in LAS while on approach.

3 5 0

 

[Corona]

has anyone else seen/heard about these reports?

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/09/terrorist.laser.ap/index.html

What has to happen... a laser needs to hit a pilot directly in the eye - from somewhere obviously quite distant? Is there some sophisticated technology here, or is this someone with a high grade laser standing in their backyard aiming it an airliner, hoping to hit the pilots right in the eyes??

These high-power lasers require a license to operate. In addition to what's stated in the article, the laser apparently can cause the eye to unfocus, which does not cause permanent damage. I believe that is what happened in the Vegas incident.

Pilots complained for several years about the dangers, especially in Vegas, and nothing was done until that incident. I would expect that shortly after a large jetliner hits the ground with blinded pilots that you will see some significant regulatory action. Noone has died yet, so it's not on the radar.

I also think the terrorist threat might be pretty slim here, too.

C

 

[cessna_driver2]

Down in Biloxi there was a C130 pilot that was hit w/ lasers from the local casino's. Shortly after that the laser show was shut down.

This was in the late 90's.

 

[rumpletumbler]

Perhaps HS will open up a position flying Lear 23's with a few pods of napalm to patrol around local class B's.. *maniacal laughter ensues*

 

[atrdriver]

Problem is that our eyes are drawn to movement and lights. If there is a laser sweeping back and forth it is a natural tendency to look at it to try to figure out what it is.

 

[mattpilot]

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=44341




Bring out the frikken giant laser!

MUWAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA....................

 

[minitour]

...I also think the terrorist threat might be pretty slim here, too...

C

no don't you get it?!?!

They're using our own sattellites against us!

First, they strategically position themselves over every major capital and city in the world, then...when this message that I found hidden in the sattellites is gone...


..........check mate...


-mini

 

[rumpletumbler]

hahaha....I watched the "Colonel Flag" episode of MASH last night....thats what your post reminded me of.

 

[minitour]

hahaha....I watched the "Colonel Flag" episode of MASH last night....thats what your post reminded me of.

who? me?

 

[mmmdonut]

Why isn't anyone concerned about the EMP guns??????

 

[minitour]

Why isn't anyone concerned about the EMP guns??????

Come on folks...do I have to spell it out for everyone???

EMP guns go with the lazers and the reducing "message" in the sattellite system...our only chance is to get Will Smith to go kick ET's ass a little bit...then we can all go home and eat pudding...

DUH!

-mini

 

[Dash8]

this was done in a john nance book aways back....the laser thing....seems fairly impractical....

 

[JediNein]

These terrorists are too stupid... Lasers? C'mon, don't they know that every self-respecting pilot is wearing the standard issue sunglasses:

http://www.sunglasshut.com/graphics/icons/icon_aviator_s.jpg

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[TangoIndiaMike]

Does anyone remember that story about the USCG helo pilots off the coast of WA? that flew over a Russian trawler, and came back with bleeding retinas? No joke...

Check the bottom of the linked page...

http://www.defensetech.org/archives/001131.html

 

[learflyer]

These terrorists are too stupid... Lasers? C'mon, don't they know that every self-respecting pilot is wearing the standard issue sunglasses:

http://www.sunglasshut.com/graphics/icons/icon_aviator_s.jpg

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

Not to mention some of us have autoland!