CAAP: Don’t point laser beams at aircraft, airport areas, flight paths
IN light of recent reports, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) would like to remind the public of the serious consequences of pointing laser beams on areas proximate to airports and flight paths.
Such actions pose a significant risk to aviation safety and can potentially cause a catastrophic accident. 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.”
Eric Apolonio, CAAP spokesperson, said that 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 years or a fine not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P500,000 or both as determined by the court.
Considering the critical threats to aviation safety, the public is hereby directed to refrain from pointing any laser beam at an aircraft, areas proximate to airports and flight paths to avoid any untoward incident, leading to hazardous situations thereby endangering lives of people, said Apolonio.
Let us all work together to ensure the safety of our skies and the passengers and crew on board every flight, said CAAP.
