Clark Gable grandson arrested for pointing laser at LAPD helicopter

[Stuka]

Seeing that I have been actively involved with lasers as hobby for some years now, I probably have several thousand more hours in a helicopter cockpit than just about anyone else on this forum, and have been on both ends - delivering & receiving - laser aimed or guided munitions, I figure it's time for me to chime in with my 10 cents worth:

The hazards that lasers (and spotlights) present to low-flying aircraft genearally aren't the threat of blowing up or blindness -although varying levels of "flash blindness" are a real possibility. The BIGGEST hazard is the potential for unexpected distractions in the cockpit - and when distractions happen to low altitude, relatively slow-flying aircraft (helicopters or other small aircraft), at night in an urban environment (i.e. LOTS of PHYSICAL hazards to low-flying aircraft), cockpit distractions have the potential to turn very serious - or even deadly - in a hurry.

Having recently lost a VERY good friend (and very experienced aviator) in a helicopter accident involving a wire strike, and having more than my own personal share of "close calls" over the years, I can attest that ANY outside distraction in the cockpit can turn serious in a hurry. Regardless of experience level, the tendency of most aviators will be to quickly maneuver away from a sudden flash source (be it laser, spot lights, or something more solid), and in a night-time environment full of potential physical hazards, that maneuvering could be fatal.

The potential for serious outcome as the result of distraction in the cockpit is why ANY spotlighting of flying aircraft (be it with laser or "conventional" light sources) is considered an intentional hazard to flight, and is an unlawful act under FAA / Federal regulations - AS IT SHOULD BE!!!

As far as the concern about the lasers being attached to a weapon pointed at an aircraft (which is also an unlawful act), I would agree that if the laser is actually terminating ON the aircraft, there is slim chance that a bullet fired would reach the same target. However, that would certainly present one heck of a reference for establishing a lead, which is pretty sobering when you understand that the biggest threat to low flying combat helicopters is still generally small arms fire...

[beamann]

Seeing that I have been actively involved with lasers as hobby for some years now, I probably have several thousand more hours in a helicopter cockpit than just about anyone else on this forum, and have been on both ends - delivering & receiving - laser aimed or guided munitions, I figure it's time for me to chime in with my 10 cents worth:

The hazards that lasers (and spotlights) present to low-flying aircraft genearally aren't the threat of blowing up or blindness -although varying levels of "flash blindness" are a real possibility. The BIGGEST hazard is the potential for unexpected distractions in the cockpit - and when distractions happen to low altitude, relatively slow-flying aircraft (helicopters or other small aircraft), at night in an urban environment (i.e. LOTS of PHYSICAL hazards to low-flying aircraft), cockpit distractions have the potential to turn very serious - or even deadly - in a hurry.

Having recently lost a VERY good friend (and very experienced aviator) in a helicopter accident involving a wire strike, and having more than my own personal share of "close calls" over the years, I can attest that ANY outside distraction in the cockpit can turn serious in a hurry. Regardless of experience level, the tendency of most aviators will be to quickly maneuver away from a sudden flash source (be it laser, spot lights, or something more solid), and in a night-time environment full of potential physical hazards, that maneuvering could be fatal.

The potential for serious outcome as the result of distraction in the cockpit is why ANY spotlighting of flying aircraft (be it with laser or "conventional" light sources) is considered an intentional hazard to flight, and is an unlawful act under FAA / Federal regulations - AS IT SHOULD BE!!!

As far as the concern about the lasers being attached to a weapon pointed at an aircraft (which is also an unlawful act), I would agree that if the laser is actually terminating ON the aircraft, there is slim chance that a bullet fired would reach the same target. However, that would certainly present one heck of a reference for establishing a lead, which is pretty sobering when you understand that the biggest threat to low flying combat helicopters is still generally small arms fire...

@ Stuka,
This laser and aircraft stuff just never ends, It's been at least a year when all this debate started over this, I guess the only way they will ever get a clue on laser hazareds to aircraft of any kind at any altitud will only be those of us who choose to be aircraft pilots and those others who get arrested for pointing lasers at aircraft. 200+k for bail is big prelude of things to come in the court of law proceedings. Shure is a b-ch to get 1-6 years in prison pluss fines and the stess to figure out ways to keep from preying on your knees to BABBA!!! Witch I hope never happens to any of us God willing!
@ the rest of you,
Stuka Is a Million percent right!!! exccept his wisdom, He fought for every one of us with no regret or shame for his comitment and obligation to all of us Americans!! He would not ever feed any of us load of crap!