The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a warning over the use of lasers, noting that they can be hazardous to pilots.
In a notice in today’s Guyana Chronicle, the GCAA said that in recent years there has been there has been an increased use of LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation) for outdoor events.
“Of more concern to the aviation industry are reports of LASER pointing devices being deliberately aimed in the direction of aircraft while in flight.
“LASERs produce an intense concentrated directional beam of light that could cause temporary blindness in pilots when such beams are directed towards aircraft in flight.
“The use of LASER devices in navigable airspace, particularly when directed to aircraft during critical phases of flight has the potential to have hazardous effect to the pilots of those aircraft which could lead to a catastrophic outcome”, the GCAA warned.
It said that the potentially hazardous visual effects of LASER devices are generally only visible during the night-time and may include:
-Sudden distration and startle effect to the flight crews – an unexpected LASER or other bright light can distract pilots during night-time, particularly during approach, landing and take-off.
—Glare and disruption – night vision deteriorates rapidly as the intensity of light suddenly increases.
-Flash blindness – May temporarily disable a portion of the visual field and may result in after images.
The GCAA pointed out that Section 86 (a) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018 states that a person who intentionally and willfully interferes with air navigation in Guyana commits an offence and is liable to summary conviction to a fine of three million dollars and to imprisonment for two years.
“The general public is advised to avoid directing LASER lights towards aircraft operating in Guyana’s navigable airspace and particularly around airports and aerodromes and along known flight paths of aircraft”, the GCAA said.
The public is also advised to report any incident of LASER light directed to aircraft in navigable airspace to the GCAA Hotline No: 592-608-4222.
The notice was issued by Chaitrani Heeralall, Director-General (ag) GCAA.
