US pilots hit by “laser attacks”
US authorities are reportedly concerned about a spate of incidents in which pilots have had laser beams shone into their eyes as they prepared to take off.
The BBC reports that there have been 31 such incidents in the last two weeks – relatively speaking, a massive increase on the 400 times it has been recorded over the last 10 years.
The US Transport Secretary Norman Mineta is quoted as saying that while there is “no apparent link” to terrorism, those using the pen-type “laser pointers” are putting live in danger.
He reportedly said: “Shining these lasers at an airplane is not a harmless prank. It is stupid and dangerous. You are putting other people at risk and law enforcement authorities are going to seek you out and, if they catch you, they are going to prosecute you.”
According to the BBC, new guidelines issued to pilots state that all such incidents must be reported to air traffic controllers. If this happens, a warning will be broadcast to air traffic across the US and planes will be diverted away from where the incident is reported.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent