HR 386 passes the House (Just in from L.L.)

[drlava]

It appears that the 'Securing Aircraft Cockpits Against Lasers Act' has passed the house and senate and will soon probably become law.
Fortunately, it's very short and relatively easy to understand:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill...?bill=h112-386

And I know none of you were pointing lasers of any kind at aircraft anyway, so it's likely to not affect you at all.

IMO, it doesn't do much more than codify what was already illegal, but there are differing opinions. I guess one difference is that you could now go to prison for 5 years for pointing a 1mw keychain pointer at an airplane...

[mixedgas]

Thank God for part "D", I just wish it was codified better.

Steve

[dnar]

Common sense really...

The way I read it, it does not prohibit laser shows.

[-bart-]

...that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object.

Soo.. if the laser is specifically designed for popping balloons it's no longer a pointer and this bill no longer applies.

[dnar]

Soo.. if the laser is specifically designed for popping balloons it's no longer a pointer and this bill no longer applies.

That's kinda the point I tried to make in my post above. I find it amusing how rushed bills don't often cover all circumstances...

Another way to look at this, balloon poppers and laser show lasers have not caught the attention of the media. Thats a good thing! (for laser shows anyhow).