Lasers should be classed as offensive weapons - pilots' union

[Omaha Steve]

Source: BBC

The call comes after a New York-bound plane was forced to turn back to London Heathrow Airport after a laser beam hit the cockpit after take off, causing a "medical issue" for one of the pilots.

It is illegal to shine a light at a plane "so as to dazzle the pilot", but not an offence to own or carry a laser.

The union says they are "incredibly dangerous", and could blind pilots.

Virgin Atlantic flight VS025 turned back after it was struck by the laser on Sunday evening, about six or seven miles west of Heathrow.

FULL story,related stories, and video at link.

How dangerous are lasers to planes?

'It's only a matter of time until someone dies'



Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35580261

[fbc]

1. But if they are classified as offensive weapons, won't the NRA get involved?

I'm pretty sure their position will be that everyone has the constitutional right to open carry lasers that can cut through metal.

[NutmegYankee]

3. This story is in the UK.

The NRA concerns itself with US issues, but would likely not get involved as lasers are not firearms. Astronomers, surveyors, and cat owners on the other hand...

[onehandle]

4. If there was even a chance that laser sites would be banned...

...the flaccid troops of the NRA would throw pilots and passengers under the bus like they were first-graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

[Cassiopeia]

2. Cats everywhere revolt.

Cats today demand that we not impinge on their right to chase the red dot. In a show of protest they have decided to spread their scat next to the litter box instead of within it as is custom.

Tensions remain high as this issue is debated.

[Vincardog]

5. I want to know how anybody on the ground could get a laser to shine into a cockpit.

[bluevoter4life]

6. The industrial lasers are quite powerful

And can easily fit in your shirt pocket. Doesn't take much to shine it into the cockpit. Your aim doesn't even need to be that good. Once you hit the cockpit, the light then scatters throughout creating a very dangerous situation.

[ThreeWayFanny]

9. It doesn't have to be held steady...

...you can wave it around in the general direction snd have a good chance for one or more hits.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

7. Maybe time to get rid of windows.

HD LED monitors and HD cameras are here. Black out the cockpit while in the air and have windows on land.

[24601]

8. Wouldn't the more important distinction be whether it's a weapon. After that, offensive or

defensive depends on how it's used.

[happyslug]

11. "Offensive weapon" is a term of art within the law

Last edited Tue Feb 16, 2016, 12:40 PM - Edit history (2)

It is a British term, we in the States tend to avoid the term, but it means anything that can be used to attack someone else, i,e Rifle, shotgun, Pistol, knife or even a billy club (can be sewing needles in the right circumstances).

Under British law an "Offensive Weapon" is defined as follows

The term 'offensive weapon' is defined as: "any article made or adapted for use to causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use".

http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/l_to_o/offensive_weapons_knives_bladed_and_pointed_articles/

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/186911/Knives_and_offensive_weapons_information_GDS_FAQ.pdf

[Adrahil]

10. Just limit the power output.

Right now, it's pretty easy to get a powerful laser in the U.S., since regulation of lasers only applies to finish products, not components.