Laser pointers blinding pilots? Sounds implausible

[Tony Williams]

I think that part of the problem in this thread is that the word "blind" has more than one meaning. While it means permanent loss of vision, it is also used popularly to mean temporary loss of vision, as in "I was blinded by the car's headlights".

The shining of cheap but powerful green lasers at aircraft pilots won't cause the first meaning, but it can certainly cause the second.

[salimfadhley]

Yeah, I think you have to take "blinding" very non-literally: It's phenomenally unlikely that a handheld low-power laser pointer could cause literal permanent or medium term blinding.

On the other hand, I've now seen very compelling evidence that even very low power devices are visible from aircraft, and that they are very distracting. This distraction might render a pilot "blind" to hazards. So the threat is very real, it's just been reported in a somewhat sensational way by the press.

[Graham Lappin]

I'd love to see myth busters have a go at this one

[Croydon Bob]

I'd love to see myth busters have a go at this one

I'd love to see how they could rig Buster up to do a test.

[skbuncks]

Heard an update on this on the radio this morning so thought I would share...

There have already been a total of 761 recorded instances of lasers being shone at pilots so far this year, surpassing last year's total of 739 cases...Offenders can now be charged with 'shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle the pilot,'..."You could be sent to prison, or you could get a fine of up to £2000."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/11280230

skb