If you’ve ever flown into Manila on a plane and landed at runway 06 (coming in from the Cavite area), you might have noticed that while seated on the right side of the plane during the final approach, it appears as if someone on the ground is shining a laser at your aircraft. I personally experienced this on a flight from Cebu to Manila some time ago when our plane was subjected to a “laser strike” as we approached the NAIA runway.
In recent years, incidents of individuals pointing lasers at aircraft have been on the rise, posing a significant risk to aviation safety. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding this dangerous behavior and the potential consequences it can lead to.
Laser Strikes: A Serious Safety Hazard
Laser strikes on aircraft are a serious safety hazard and can have devastating consequences. Especially at critical stages of the flights during take-off and landing, lasers pointed at aircraft flying at low-altitude may blind or disorient pilots. This can lead to loss of control of the aircraft and endanger passengers.
The CAAP’s advisory was issued after a recent incident that was recorded by a passenger aboard an arriving flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The event underscored the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations.
Regulations and Penalties
“According to the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) Part 8.5.1.29: ‘No person shall intentionally project a laser beam or direct by a high-intensity light at an aircraft which can result in distraction, disruption, disorientation and, in extreme cases, incapacitation, adversely affect the ability of the flight crew to carry out their responsibilities, especially during take-off and landing,'” the civil aviation agency said.
Under the provisions of Section 81 (b) (6) of RA 9497 (The Civil Aviation Act of 2008), anyone caught doing so could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for not more than three (3) years or a fine not less than Php 50,000.00 but not exceeding Php 500,000.00 or both as determined by the court.
CAAP’s Call for Cooperation
The CAAP said that it is “considering the critical threats to aviation safety” and is therefore directing the public to refrain from pointing any laser/beam light on aircraft, areas proximate to airports, and flight paths to avoid any untoward incident, leading to hazardous situations thereby endangering lives of people.
“Let us all work together to ensure the safety of our skies and the passengers and crew on board every flight,” the CAAP said.
The dangers of pointing lasers at aircraft cannot be overstated. It is crucial for the public to understand the risks involved and cooperate with the aviation authorities to maintain the safety and security of our skies. We can all play a part in preventing catastrophic accidents and ensuring that every flight is a safe journey.
Source: Aviation Updates Philippines
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
