Laser beams presenting increased risk to pilots: Transport Canada

MONTREAL — Transport Canada says the number of incidents involving laser pointers being directed at planes as they take off or land is on the rise.
Officials say 83 incidents have been reported across Canada since 2005, with 56 of them occurring in the last year alone.
Kirsten Goodnough of Transport Canada says the sharp rise is alarming and that the department is working with industry partners and police to address it.
Still, she says one explanation for the increase is that Transport Canada has been making a concerted effort to remind pilots that it's their duty to report them.
Capt. Barry Wiszniowski of the Air Canada Pilots Association says lasers are currently among the top three safety concerns for pilots.
The blinding light lasers emit can stun pilots during the critical periods of takeoff and landing but can also cause permanent eye damage.

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