(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) The GCAA has formed a committee, which will soon chart out an implementation plan to address ways to curb the menace of the unlawful use of laser beams
The unlawful use of laser beams and devices near airports will now be penalised, according to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The GCAA has instructed the public to refrain from using laser devices around airports and towards aircraft and control towers as they constitute a threat to the safety and security of passengers and ground crew.
The GCAA has formed a committee, which will soon chart out an implementation plan to address ways to curb the menace of the unlawful use of laser beams.
A spokesperson for the GCAA told Khaleej Times said that even though there is no data on the use of laser beams, officials suggested that youngsters could be playing pranks with these devices. “We have received complaints from the airport control tower officials and pilots on the use of these laser beams.”
Ismail Mohammed Al Belooshi, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, noted there has been an increase in the use of laser devices among young people in certain areas like Al Warqa in Dubai. Laser devices are easily available in local markets.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, has called upon citizens and residents to collaborate with the authorities concerned to limit such practices, as they may pose a threat to aviation safety and security, particularly if used within areas of flight operations during takeoff and landing.
The GCAA has formed a working group of local authorities such as the Ministry of Interior, Dubai Police, Federal Customs Authority, Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, and the General Authority of Ports, Borders and Free Zones. Mohammed Faisal Al-Dosari, Director of Aerodrome and Air Navigation at GCAA, highlighted the dangers of pointing a laser beam on the aircraft, which could cause a temporary or permanent loss of sight for the flight crew and the control tower workers, recent studies have found.
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