By ASHTOSH SINGH
The Fiji Police Force has raised concerns over the number of reports received whereby laser pointers are being directed towards aircraft’s in the Eastern Division.
A number of cases have been brought to our attention and there has been a worrying increase in the deliberate and illegitimate use of laser pointers in the vicinity of Airports being directed towards aircraft on critical phases of flight such as take-off, approach and landing.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji had brought this issue to our attention and the public is forewarned that pointing laser lights towards aircraft on approach to land or departing from an Airport could blind pilots and endanger the aircraft and passengers on board.
This is a serious breach of Fiji’s Air Navigation Regulations and is also a criminal offence. Any person who is caught pointing laser light to any aircraft could be charged under the Criminal Law and liable for prosecution.
Meanwhile, the public is requested that in the interest of public safety, to:-
1. Refrain from pointing laser lights towards aircraft
2. Report any sightings of any laser lights being directed at aircraft on approach to land or during its take off phase, to the nearest Police Station.
‘THE JET’