[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SECURING AIRCRAFT COCKPITS AGAINST LASERS ACT OF 2010

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                               speech of

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 27, 2010

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H.R. 5810, which amends title 18 of the United States Code 
to provide penalties for aiming laser pointers at airplanes. The effect 
of laser pointer glare on the windows of airplane cockpits is extremely 
dangerous to pilots. Laser glare that incapacitates pilots can endanger 
all other people onboard the aircraft. In order to prevent unnecessary 
harm to pilots, airplane passengers, and other airline employees, 
deliberate aiming of laser pointers at airplanes must be regulated.
  Pilots experience laser glare in cockpits at a rate that has steadily 
increased over the past fifteen years. In 2009 alone, 1600 individual 
laser-aircraft incidents occurred. The intensity with which laser light 
reflects off cockpit glass can result in varying degrees of danger for 
pilots, from simple distraction by the bright flash of laser light to 
temporary flash blindness that greatly reduces their ability to capably 
navigate the aircraft. If the laser light is aimed from a near enough 
distance, pilots can sustain permanent eye damage from the brightness 
of the laser light. In some cases, pilots have even taken evasive 
action, confusing the laser light for the dot-type laser reticle of a 
weapon.
  Eleven states have already enacted laws regulating the use of laser 
pointers around aircraft. While the use and ownership of small laser 
pointers is legal, this legislation is vital to preventing laser 
pointer users from accidentally harming or incapacitating pilots. I 
support this bill, in the hope that it will help Americans to be more 
careful in their use of laser pointers, and realize the grave 
consequences their actions can have for our Nation's pilots and 
aircraft passengers.
  I urge my colleagues to also support this important resolution.

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