You’ve seen rowdy pranksters at movie theaters, school, work, and many other places, shine laser pointers at things they shouldn’t, but police helicopters should be avoided at all costs. The National Police Air Service’s helicopter was on its way to another job, when members at a late night party decided to shine a laser into the cockpit as the helicopter flies over Kitts Green, Birmingham. The man who distracted the police helicopter crew with a laser pen has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting endangering an aircraft. Continue reading to see the video and read what the man had to pay.
He was sentenced to seven months (suspended for two years) and 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £100 victim’s surcharge and £300 costs.
Senior Pilot Andy Shanks says, ‘When the light bounces off the screen, it’s like a disco-ball strobe effect in the cabin. It’s disorientating, makes it impossible to focus on the instrument panel, and is extremely dangerous as even a momentary loss of control can be crucial.’