On the recordFebruary 28, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. 386. This bill establishes criminal penalties for knowingly aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft or in its flight path. Incidents involving lasers aimed at aircraft have raised concerns over the potential threat to aviation safety and national security. Some are concerned that terrorists might use high-powered lasers to, among other things, incapacitate pilots. There is also concern that laser devices can distract or temporarily incapacitate pilots during critical phases of flight. Lasers pose a safety hazard to flight operations. Even a brief exposure to a relatively low-powered laser beam can cause discomfort and temporary visual impairment. The visual distractions of a laser can cause a pilot to become disoriented or to lose situational awareness while flying. Higher powered laser devices can incapacitate pilots and inflict eye injuries when viewed at closer ranges. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board documented two cases in which pilots sustained eye injuries and were incapacitated during critical phases of flight. In one of these cases, after a laser was pointed at the pilot's plane, he experienced a burning sensation and tearing in his eyes. A subsequent eye examination revealed multiple flash burns in the pilot's cornea. These types of incidents happen more and more each year.
