topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2280.22 -0.26
DAX 6748.76 -0.08
IBEX 30 8849.3 0.03
CAC 40 3410 -0.05
FTSE 100 5875.93 -0.24
AEX 325.33 -0.20
DJIA 12883.95 0.04
Nasdaq 2915.86 0.41
FTSE MIB 16669.22 1.08
TSX Composite 12521.02 0.07
ASX 4363.7 0.43
Hang seng 21018.46 1.54
Straits Times 2982.2 0.83
ISEQ 20 502.05 -0.58
You are here: Home News Dutch News Dutch pilots want ban on laser guns

Dutch News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


17/08/2009Dutch pilots want ban on laser guns

Powerful laser beams which are shone into cockpits from the ground can temporarily blind pilots and cause much danger.

The Netherlands – The Dutch pilots' association is seeking a ban on shining high-powered laser torches in a pilot's face.

The case will be presented to the Justice and Transport ministries over the course of the week by the organisation, VNV, which says pilots at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport are increasingly being harassed by people on the ground shining laser beams into their cockpits.

Laser beams which are shot into cockpits can temporarily blind pilots. A powerful laser light is visible in an airliner's cockpit from 1,200 metres off the ground. At 300 metres and less, it can seriously impair the pilot's vision.

Several dozen incidents have been reported to the border police, air traffic control and the VNV.

The police have stepped up efforts to patrol around Schiphol to look out for people with laser guns.

The pilots' association says the problem has existed for about 10 years but nobody has ever been arrested. They approached the government about it a few years but nothing was done.

The VNV now gives special advice to pilots about laser beams and how to respond to light shining in their faces during landing.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Dutch News

Get rid of the word allochtoon

Healthcare in the Netherlands

Insurance making you pay for the past!

Indians in the Netherlands

Attestation of documents from Indian embassy

Dutch News

“Party for Freedom” launches website to report on foreigners

Legal Problems in the Netherlands

Problem with Internet Provider

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Setting up home in the Netherlands

Setting up home in the Netherlands

A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

A brief introduction to the Netherlands

Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.