THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is encouraging members of the public to report any one using high powered laser pointers at night against aircrafts taking off and landing at the Henderson International Airport in Honiara.
This call follows a report by the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands of the increasing number of high power laser green strike incidents on aircraft arriving or departing at the Airport.
Some of the reported incidents took place immediately after take-off and probably before the pilots had fully transitioned into instrument flight or when the aircraft is approaching the runway.
The latest laser incidents were recorded on October 28, 2018 with sources coming from Point Cruz and the Lungga/Burns Creek areas.
“The use of the high powered laser pointers at night can cause a tragic air disaster. People using them must be aware they can be prosecuted under the Solomon Islands Civil Aviation Act 2008.
“If found guilty under this Act a person could face a maximum fine of $300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years. This is how serious this offence is,” says Assistant Police Commissioner, National Capital and Crime Prevention Simpson Pogeava.
“RSIPF is working together with the Civil Aviation Authority and Solomon Airlines to ensure people using the high powered laser pointers at night stop their action immediately before a tragic accident happens.
“We urge members of the public especially around the Henderson International Airport including Lungga and Burns areas to report to police anyone who they know is using the pointers.”
Police can be contacted through the Police Communication Centre on phone 23666 or the Police Emergency Toll Free line 999.
–POLICE MEDIA
