Suspected laser strike on Gander plane a first for the airport
RCMP are investigating what they believe was a laser strike — the town's first — on a plane at the Gander International Airport earlier this month.
On May 11, a Cessna belonging to Gander Flight Training was doing some routine manoeuvres when the flight instructor noticed a green light in the plane's cabin, said Brian Hicks.
"Normally when there's a light emitting inside the aircraft, it's suspected it's a laser strike," said Hicks, the airport's manager of safety and security.
"Basically, we don't have any other indications that would lead to any other reason."
A first for Gander
Laser strikes can cause serious problems when they hit the cockpit. For example, this week a WestJet pilot flying from Newfoundland to Orlando, Florida sustained eye damage when a green laser beam struck his face.
The light from a laser shining into the cockpit can also distract or momentarily blind a pilot.
Due to the risk to pilot safety, Transport Canada bans the use of any laser stronger than 0.1 milliwatts within 10 kilometres of an airport or helidrome.
If caught hitting a plane with a laser, the consequences could include up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $100 thousand.
The Gander RCMP investigation is ongoing, said Hicks, who expects the police will have a hard time finding the culprit unless someone comes forward with information.
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