For Immediate Release December 7th, 2017
Endangering Aircraft - Sturgeon County, AB
On the evening of December 6th, 2017 Nav
Canada informed Morinville RCMP of an incident near the Villeneuve
Airport in Sturgeon County wherein an approaching aircraft was struck
with a green laser. Fortunately, the pilot was able to land the
aircraft safely. Morinville RCMP want to remind the public of the
dangers of a laser strike on an aircraft. The laser can temporarily
blind the pilot, create intense glare that affect's the pilots vision,
and distract the pilot putting all people aboard the aircraft at serious
risk. As per Transport Canada's website there were over 500 reported
laser strikes in 2016. It's a disturbing statistic - it means the
safety of pilots, crew and passengers were put at risk 500 times that
year. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and a criminal offence.
Under the Aeronautics Act, if you are convicted of pointing a laser at
an aircraft, you could face up to $100 000 in fines, 5 years in jail or
both.
If you have any information on this crime,
please contact the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4520. If you want to
remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
(TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
You do not have to reveal your identity and if you provide information
to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash
reward.
