Australian State Bans Laser Pointers After "Attacks" on Airliners

Iria · Apr 22, 2008, 01:49 AM

The Australian state of New South Wales has banned laser pointers after a rash of "attacks" on airliners in which several pilots have been temporarily blinded. The new law requires jail terms of up to 14 years for anyone carrying them without a permit.
____________
Source: SNAFU-ed

Matth · Apr 23, 2008, 01:09 AM

Unless the pointer device is way above sane power levels for normal use, surely the range would be such that the beam would lose most of its power.

Maybe there is more to this, as there is a big difference between a typical "laser pointer" and something from the likes of these guys - Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers. - some crazy power levels there that should not be handled without safety goggles.

PS. Must admit, a friend and I have somewhat recklessly fired a 5mW red HeNe tube laser across the street, though being careful not to aim at/into anything or anyone.

Not sure what was more hazardous, that or the mains multiplier PSU we built to power the beast.

Apr 22, 2008, 01:49 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Australian State Bans Laser Pointers After "Attacks" on Airliners The Australian state of New South Wales has banned laser pointers after a rash of "attacks" on airliners in which several pilots have been temporarily blinded. The new law requires jail terms of up to 14 years for anyone carrying them without a permit. ____________ Source: SNAFU-ed

Apr 23, 2008, 01:09 AM	#2
Matth Flash Banner Hater Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: UK Posts: 3,410 Rep Power: 91 System Specs	Unless the pointer device is way above sane power levels for normal use, surely the range would be such that the beam would lose most of its power. Maybe there is more to this, as there is a big difference between a typical "laser pointer" and something from the likes of these guys - Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers. - some crazy power levels there that should not be handled without safety goggles. PS. Must admit, a friend and I have somewhat recklessly fired a 5mW red HeNe tube laser across the street, though being careful not to aim at/into anything or anyone. Not sure what was more hazardous, that or the mains multiplier PSU we built to power the beast. __________________ Mary had a little lamb, Her father shot it dead Now Mary takes her lamb to school, Between two crusts of bread