Laser 'cluster' attack in Sydney

[Nigel C]

Time to up the penalties

Laser 'cluster' attack on Sydney plans
March 30, 2008 12:32am

Laser beams focused on incoming flights
Cluster attack is 'unprecedented' authorities say
Attacks are increasing

SIX planes had to alter their flight paths into Sydney airport after pilots were targeted in an unprecedented laser "cluster attack', authorities say.

Air traffic controllers had to close one flight approach late on Friday, after up to four people targeted planes with lasers in an apparently co-ordinated attack.

Pilots reported a number of green lasers were trained on their planes for about 15 minutes, from 10.30pm (AEDT).

The lasers appeared to have originated from the Bexley area, in south-western Sydney.

"This was the worst attack in our experience," Air Services Australia spokesman Bryan Nicholson has told Fairfax News.

"It was described by the pilots as a cluster attack which implies some sort of co-ordination or organisation."

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) said such laser attacks on planes were increasing in frequency.

"There are five to six reports every week around Australia," CASA spokesman Peter Gibson told Fairfax.

"It is extremely dangerous as it can temporarily blind a pilot or distract them as they are coming in to land."

The maximum penalty for shining a laser at a plane is two years in jail.