Right Hand Seat

No doubt the people using these devices think it fun to target an airborne aircraft with their new toy, but the potential of blinding a pilot flying the aircraft is very real, and this type of attack on an airborne aircraft has all the hallmarks of a disaster in the making. Be assured that should a laser bring down an aircraft the culprit will simply vanish into obscurity and not take public responsibility for his (or her) actions.

In April a 23 year old South Australian man was jailed for aiming a laser light at a police helicopter which temporarily blinded the pilot, and the laser wielder received a sentence of two years and 10 months jail.

Another court case involving an offender who targeted a WA police helicopter is reportedly pending, while there have been a number of reports of laser attacks on airborne aircraft across the country. Indeed, in 2007 CASA reported that almost 10 reports a month were being received of laser attacks.

The most common targets are slow and low flying aircraft, be they airliners on landing approach, or GA aircraft flying circuits or flying across built up areas. Police, EMS and news helicopters have also been easy targets given the low flying nature of their operations over built up areas. Penalties and restrictions on owning and using lasers have been implemented but will take some time to come into effect, so in the meantime we will have to put up with these idiots.

While there has been much comment on the lights being shone at aircraft, to date there does not appear to have been any advice to pilots on how best to react.

A night circuit student of mine has been the target of a green laser, and having been the target of a red laser light attack myself, this writer can offer some comment.

Should a pilot become the target of a laser attack, on becoming aware that the aircraft or the cockpit is being painted by a laser do not look outside. You should crouch down in the cockpit and go on to instrument flight, and advise ATC that the aircraft is under a laser attack and your location. Turn off all external lights including strobes, tail beacon, position lights and the landing light – this will make it harder to locate the aircraft in the night sky.

Jink the aircraft around using aileron, and if possible change heading – a manoeuvring aircraft is harder to hold as a target than an aircraft in s

traight and level flight – and immediately vacate the area.

Tough penalties for offenders, restrictions on the ownership of lasers and having to justify possession of lasers will help prevent pilots being blinded, and potentially losing control of an aircraft, and are what is needed to help stamp out this dangerous and senseless craze.

Older New Cpls

With the increasing problem of demand exceeding supply for experienced pilots, it has been interesting to observe the trend of older persons expressing interest in obtaining a commercial pilot’s licence, or just wanting to breathe life back into a licence that has been dormant for some time.

With some of these pilots there is an element of wanting a career change, with many thinking now is the time to pick up that commercial licence or to get current and into a flying position. The present pilot demand will continue for a while and, with the ongoing upward movement of more experienced pilots, someone will be required to fill the void left behind.

Those older pilots, typically ‘thirty something plus’, offer the aviation industry maturity and life experience, something that cannot be bought or learnt in a classroom, and the move to become an older ‘newby’ is commendable.

One drawback may, however, be that the starting-out pay cheque may not be as big as that they have left behind in their previous career. That may be discouraging, but is an item to work on. Another aspect is that they may have to work with younger pilots who have more hours and flight experience. It can be done, but needs to be well thought out and a good action plan organised.

For some the move will be into charter and with others, into instructing. Charter customers and flight students both like to think that their pilot is experienced, and certainly a few grey hairs will help foster that impression.

Go for it! o Contact Dave at [email protected]