Mineta announces laser guidelines for pilots (31 incidents in past 12 days)

CNN ^ | Jan. 12, 2004 | CNN

[FairOpinion]

Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta announced new guidelines on Wednesday for pilots to report incidents in which laser beams are shone in their cockpits during flight, saying there have been 31 such incidents since December 31.

In his announcement in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mineta said there is no "credible or specific intelligence that would indicate that these laser incidents are connected to terrorists."

He said the incidents seemed to be the work of pranksters.

[Rokke]

"Goggles may not be convenient, but how much is your eyesight worth?"

My career depends on it. And if the threat justified it, I'd be all for it. But I work in a very laser intensive military environment right now, and have for almost 15 years. And though I've flight tested laser protective lenses, I don't feel any need to fly with them. Until there is some indication that lasers are resulting in multiple incidents of intentional blinding, I don't see any more need for commercial pilots to wear them than the guy driving next to you down the interstate.

[broadsword]

I know. That's because they're idiots acting like... idiots. The ones with a purpose are more careful.

[PAR35]

Change my statement to read

Much better. Always put in a weasel word so folks like me can't get a cheap 'gotcha'.

[LTCJ]

and to help locate them

Hmmm. How's that?

[knick knack]

So how come all pranksters suddenly decided, totally independently of each other, to start shining light at pilots, about a month after the FBI warned, that terrorists will try to use lasers to bring down planes?


OPPORTUNISTIC BASTARDS!

[Rebelbase]

copy cats.

[FreeKeys]

How's that?

Maybe with a camera. Oh, BTW, an array of only FOUR (4) retro-reflectors would probably be more than adequate. I'm not an expert in these areas, but I'll bet $2 to a doughnut noone in the airline industry or its regulators has even come up with any suggestions like we have. Hopefully someone with contacts in those areas will pass along our suggestions. Maybe I will myself if I ever get my energy back.