Strict penalties for persons pointing laser lights at aircraft

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

AIRPORT AUTHORITIES here have threatened to prosecute "to the full extent of the law," anyone found pointing potentially dangerous laser lights at incoming aircraft.

A number of pilots have complained to the Antigua-based Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority that laser beams are being pointed at aircraft as they prepare to land at Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Although the airplanes have landed safely, the Airport Authority has said the practice can jeopardise the safety of passengers and crew.

"These acts, whether intended or otherwise, jeopardise the safety of civil aviation and air transport in Grenada and are considered as 'acts of unlawful interference' with an aircraft," said a notice by the authority, published in each of the weekly newspapers here.

The Airport Authority has warned that these acts are "aviation security offences" and are punishable by fines and confinement.

Officials at MBIA said in addition to the laser beams, kite flying in and around the restricted area also poses a threat to the airplanes taking off and landing at the airport.