Pretoria - People who point laser beams at aircraft operators are acting illegally and risk being arrested, prosecuted and sent to jail in line with the Civil Aviation Act.
This stern warning from the Tshwane Airport Services division was prompted by several laser incidents at or near the east side of Wonderboom Airport.
Pilots had complained that members of the public had been pointing laser beams at them, according to airport management.
The laser distractions took place when the flights were departing or landing in the evening, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is regarded as an extremely serious offence which can lead to the offender bring fined or sent to prison if found guilty,” the city’s airport unit said.
It further warned that lasers could blind a pilot while landing an aircraft and result in a crash which could kill passengers aboard.
Prohibited items that can’t be pointed at an aircraft include Chinese lanterns, kites, helium balloons, drones and model aircraft.
“We have enlisted the services of the law enforcement authorities to help us catch the culprits, who will be handed over to the Civil Aviation Authority for prosecution, as directing a laser beam at an aircraft is illegal,” airport management said.
Pretoria News