Keep laser, floodlights off runway or be fined

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu airport officials have warned the public against flashing any form light beams near the runway as this may distract the flight crew during take-off or landing.

Engineer Nigel Paul Villarete, general manager of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, told The Freeman that the advisory is pursuant to the order of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines issued on March 20.

"The nature of laser beams, floodlights, or similar distracting beams suggests these are more prone to occur near the airports and along the glide paths of approaching aircraft," Villarete said.

According to CAAP Advisory Circular No. 01-15, laser or light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation projected from the ground pointing to the airport and to any aircraft can be the cause of the "distraction, disruption, disorientation" of the flight crew."

"And in extreme cases, (it may lead to) incapacitation, adversely affecting the ability of the flight crew to carry out their responsibility," the circular added.

Villarete explained that lasers may damage eyesight and cause temporary blindness.

The airport manager said they would often observe floodlights in the vicinity of the airport, possibly coming from social events, but he did not disclose specific establishments.

"Sometimes, we see floodlights usually or maybe during parties or celebrations. The CAAP regulation is meant as a warning, especially to those who may have bad intent or just fooling around," Villarete said.

In Cebu, Villarete said, no pilot has so far complained of such incidents, but these are reportedly common in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.

Floodlights are also said to be common in the Roxas Airport in Roxas City, Capiz.

Floodlights are broad-beamed, high-intensity artificial lights  often used to illuminate outdoor venues if an outdoor event is being held during low-light conditions.

CAAP reminded that any unauthorized emission of this kind of lights is tantamount to interference in safe navigation of aircraft, which is prohibited under the provisions of Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008.

Any violation is punishable by imprisonment of not more than three years or a fine not less than P50,000 but not exceeding P500,000 or both, as determined by the court. (FREEMAN)