[chbot] Pilots Assn. wants 1mw+ lasers banned

[Paul Davey]

On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 3:58 PM, Mark Beckett <m.beckett at amuri.net> wrote:
> The problems are related to bright lights in and around the landing phase,
> where the pilots are required to identify the runway visually, and then line
> themselves up using the lighting systems associated with the runways.
> Some of these devices at that distance are no longer a dot, but a bright
> wide beam, that is much brighter than the surrounding.
> Given the window may also be non clear, or its at an angle, then the light
> can become a nuisance.
>
> I think the problem has appearred due to the availability and cheapness of
> the lasers, rather than anything else.
>
> I agree that most of these clowns that decide to point it up in the sky
> wouldn't have a clue about pulling something apart to source the components.
> Take the case of the clowns that aimed at the police helicopter that was
> looking for them.....duuh.
>
> Also correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought most of the lasers inside
> Writers etc were non visible type.??
>
> Mark

Actually DVDs uses a visible red laser and Blu-Ray a visible violet
coloured laser. This is because of the need to focus the beam on a
very small area. Only CD-roms use an infrared laser which is not
visible but infact more dangerous as it does not trigger the blink
reflex until you feel the pain of a burning retina.

Paul