Disappointing’ Sentence For Endangering An Aircraft With A Laser Highlights Need For Stronger Laws
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) says the sentencing of the latest offender to be found guilty of
endangering an aircraft is `disappointing’ and that the law needs to be toughened.
NZALPA calls on the Government to make the pointing of lasers at an aircraft a specific offence and for the courts to
make clear this is a very serious and dangerous matter and not a prank
Commenting on the sentencing at Auckland’s District Court of Mr Christian Larsen, who today was sentenced to 100 hours
Community Service and attending an alcohol related rehabilitation course, having pleaded guilty to a charge of
Endangering Transport, for having pointed a laser at a helicopter in Auckland earlier this year, Wayne Renwick,
President of NZALPA says:
`We call on the Government to act before we have a serious incident, and make the pointing of lasers at an aircraft a
specific offence. The lives of pilots, passengers and the general public alike, are being put at risk every week.
Specific legislation is needed and sentences handed down to reflect this.
‘Although pleased by the conviction of Larsen – we are very disappointed indeed at the sentence handed down in this
case. The number of incidents of laser beams being shone into aircraft cockpits and the potential for catastrophe as a
result of the blinding of pilots, has increased dramatically in recent years. Sentences handed down to those found
guilty of related offences should receive the maximum custodial and financial penalties possible under the law, to send
the message that this is a very serious and dangerous offence and not merely a prank.’
The Crown Solicitor suggested a starting point of two years imprisonment to the Judge, but Defence Counsel submissions
were that this was his first offence and that this, combined with his issues with addiction and genuine remorse for his
actions, should be taken into account.
NZALPA provided key information to the police and formed part of the Crown’s case.
Laser beams can reach up to 37,000 feet (11,277 metres) but most are targeted at the cockpits of aircraft taking off or
landing at New Zealand’s airports. Last year there were some 112 reported laser attacks on aircraft and helicopters in
New Zealand – and those are just those that are reported. Foreign registered aircraft report attacks to their own
airworthiness authorities and these may not be included in these figures.
Mr Renwick adds: `Although legislation has recently been passed by Parliament in New Zealand controlling the importation
and sale of high powered lasers, the targeting of aircraft with lasers is not a specific offence, as it is in many
countries, as even small handheld ‘pointers’ can cause a serious distraction for pilots at a safety critical phase of
flight such as take-off and landing.’
ENDS