Alert over Cockpit Laser Hits in Sydney

Airline pilots flying into and out of Sydney Australia have been warned of a rogue laser active in the suburb of North Ryde. The beam has been seen on a number of occasions directed at aircraft routing into Kingsford Smith airport. The Federal Transport Department yesterday said it had identified up to 20 laser incidents across Australia, including one on a Royal Flying Doctor plane. Peter Gibson of the Civil Aviation safety Authority says there have been several incidents over the past two years involving all state capitals except Darwin, Canberra and Hobart.

The penalty presently stands at five years' gaol, however Transport Minister Mark Vaile is reviewing that and culprits could be charged under terrorism provisions. Commonwealth police are tracking down laser buyers via sales records.