EAAA warns of laser strike risks
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), a UK-based air medical charity, is warning of the dangers of shining lasers at aircraft
The charity has released a statement reminding the public that laser strikes are a criminal offence that can cause serious harm to crew.
“Lasers directed at aircraft can significantly impact flight operations,” said Captain Seb Powderham of Babcock International Group, EAAA’s official aviation partner. “Most importantly, if a laser were to incapacitate the pilot’s ability to operate due to impaired vision, flight safety would be compromised.”
The statements follow a laser strike on the charity’s aircraft at 02:30 hrs on 27 December 2023 near Attleborough, close to the city of Norwich. Norfolk Police are currently seeking information to identify those responsible.
Powderham added that the potential short-term effects of lasers on pilots include “temporary flash blindness and potential distraction at a critical stage of flight”, while “long-term effects include permanent damage to the eye”.
He warned that pilots may be forced to maneuver to protect crew from the source of the laser, adjust cockpit lights to minimize the laser’s effects, update planned landing options, or abandon the mission outright.
Consequently, not only do laser strikes threaten crewmembers, but they can also delay care to those experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies.
EAAA launched a postgraduate certificate in pre-hospital care in partnership with the University of East Anglia in July 2023.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.