Air ambulance pilot targeted by laser pen over North East skies

JJ Smith, from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), was flying over Washington back towards the charity’s headquarters near Eaglescliffe on Monday (November 11) evening when a laser beam was shone into the helicopter’s cabin.

Two doctors and a paramedic were also on board the aircraft flying over the skies of the North East and witnessed the green light of a laser pen which dazzled them but did not cause any damage to their eyesight.

An air ambulance (Image: GNAAS) JJ said: “Lasers directed at helicopters can be incredibly dangerous because they can cause temporary sight loss which can lead to the pilot losing control of the aircraft and putting themselves and the rest of the team at risk.

“In these instances, the pilot may be required to manoeuvre the aircraft to protect the crew from the source of the laser or change landing options, which could potentially delay our team delivering vital pre-hospital care to an ill or injured person.”

JJ Smith, from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) (Image: GNAAS) GNAAS’ critical care team have previously been targeted by lasers while flying back to their base, and in one instance while transporting a patient to hospital, which nearly led to the team aborting landing.

Every time they encounter a laser while flying, the incident is always reported to the police and aviation authorities.

JJ said: “Those who shine a laser directly at a helicopter might think it’s fun to see what happens, but it’s a serious offence, and there are consequences to their actions.”

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In response to concerns about laser pens being shone in the direction of aircraft, the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act came into force in 2018, which introduced much tougher penalties for those who shine or direct a laser beam towards a vehicle or air traffic facility.

The worst offenders can now face up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

JJ added: “We would ask people that if they see someone using a laser pen recklessly or have any video evidence of it to call the police and report it.”