DGCA to probe ‘mystery’ laser at Chennai airport

Chennai: The Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the mysterious laser beams that pilots have reported appear to be tracking their aircraft while they land at Chennai airport.
On June 14, a few pilots informed the air traffic control about blinding laser beams being trained on their aircraft while landing at the airport.
When contacted, DGCA’s air safety director Bir Singh Rai told DC that DGCA has taken note of the incidents and has started investigations. “We have also instructed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to look into the matter,” he added.
“It could even be a mistake on the part of the pilots but we will not leave anything to chance,” AAI southern region executive director D. Devraj said.
“We have lodged a complaint with the director-general of police, Chennai as the incident happened beyond the airport jurisdiction,” he added.
According to him, the stray lights were noticed near the coastal area. “We doubt that it could have emancipated from the Adyar side. though we deliberated about some marriage functions and such events, we doubt whether the lights could reach the plane’s height,” he added.
However, top police officers in the city said they were unaware of the laser beams.
19/06/11 S. Sujatha/Deccan Chronicle

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Categories: Airports Jun 2011