Now I believe: Hit by laser while flying
Discussion
With stories of flights doubling back etc, I was sceptical about lasers being used on planes, and whether they'd be visible from the air...
Until last night!
Flying home from a business meeting, with clear skies I was admiring the sprawling metropoli (is that a word?) of the UK as we were on final approach (5 mins prior to landing), when I noticed a flash.
At first, I thought I'd clocked someone getting done by a speed camera, but kept my eyes focused on where I thought the flash had been.
Sure enough, the flash re-appeared... Bright green.
Now, in my youth, I'd played around with laser pens bought in dodgy foreign markets... the type that you could get different lenses for that projected naughty pictures on walls. This naturally ended with people trying to shine them in each others eyes... the sensation of being on the receiving end is unmistakable and has stayed with me.
This was the same. And mighty uncomfortable it was too!
I spoke up to the guy who was looking out the window behind me, who confirmed he'd seen the same thing... and the guy in front overheard and confirmed too.
Reported to the pilot at the end of the flight who said he'd seen the green flash, but the cockpit hadn't received a direct hit.
So there you go, I thought it was a load of crap, but apparently not!
Until last night!
Flying home from a business meeting, with clear skies I was admiring the sprawling metropoli (is that a word?) of the UK as we were on final approach (5 mins prior to landing), when I noticed a flash.
At first, I thought I'd clocked someone getting done by a speed camera, but kept my eyes focused on where I thought the flash had been.
Sure enough, the flash re-appeared... Bright green.
Now, in my youth, I'd played around with laser pens bought in dodgy foreign markets... the type that you could get different lenses for that projected naughty pictures on walls. This naturally ended with people trying to shine them in each others eyes... the sensation of being on the receiving end is unmistakable and has stayed with me.
This was the same. And mighty uncomfortable it was too!
I spoke up to the guy who was looking out the window behind me, who confirmed he'd seen the same thing... and the guy in front overheard and confirmed too.
Reported to the pilot at the end of the flight who said he'd seen the green flash, but the cockpit hadn't received a direct hit.
So there you go, I thought it was a load of crap, but apparently not!
GroundEffect said:
A laser will travel to the moon and back with ease in a 'tight' formation. Why wouldn't it be visible from a plane?
Below the local horizon? The lower edge of the window in other words. Unless you're actively looking at the ground, why would it hit your eyes - especially during a climb as in the most recent case? Just reiterating the questions of others.
Russ35 said:
According the North West Police helicopter (Warton) twitter account they were targeted last night whilst on a job.
Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
Interesting to hear ... We were over the north east at the time.Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
98elise said:
jr6yam said:
Eric Mc said:
The plural of "metroplis" is "metropoles" (in Latin) or "metropoleis" in Ancient Greek (from where the Romans originally nicked the word).
Romanes eunt domusEdited by Nimby on Thursday 25th February 16:04
Russ35 said:
According the North West Police helicopter (Warton) twitter account they were targeted last night whilst on a job.
Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
How do they know who did it?? Unless they're your typical Facebook user... "LOL shone me laser at a plane #bants"Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
Hoofy said:
How do they know who did it?? Unless they're your typical Facebook user... "LOL shone me laser at a plane #bants"
The various sensors and cameras fitted to helicopters can quickly visually locate the offender and they record video for the whole flight too so tracking them down is pretty easy.Commercial airliners don't have this ability though so people who do this to airlines usually get away...
Russ35 said:
According the North West Police helicopter (Warton) twitter account they were targeted last night whilst on a job.
Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
so they managed to get units on the ground for someone shining a laser pen but cant get units out when you've been burgled or assaulted ?Follow up tweet indicated they identified the location and ground units seized the offender and laser.
sounds about right.
AndrewEH1 said:
Hoofy said:
How do they know who did it?? Unless they're your typical Facebook user... "LOL shone me laser at a plane #bants"
The various sensors and cameras fitted to helicopters can quickly visually locate the offender and they record video for the whole flight too so tracking them down is pretty easy.Commercial airliners don't have this ability though so people who do this to airlines usually get away...
Eric Mc said:
The plural of "metroplis" is "metropoles" (in Latin) or "metropoleis" in Ancient Greek (from where the Romans originally nicked the word).
Quality polis:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goTk960CKYk
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