Air Canada Pilots Association Supports Transport Minister Marc Garneau in His Efforts to Raise Awareness of the Danger of Laser Strikes in Canada

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - May 24, 2016) -  The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) today lauded Minister of Transport Marc Garneau's efforts aimed at drawing greater attention to the danger posed by anyone who targets an aircraft with lasers.

"We strongly support all efforts -- by the Minister of Transport and police departments across the country -- to reduce and ultimately eliminate the risk posed by lasers pointed at aircraft," said Captain Ed Bunoza, Chair of ACPA's Flight Safety Division.

The greatest danger posed to pilots -- and by extension, to passengers and the general public near airports -- is when a laser is pointed at an aircraft at the most critical phases of flight, either taking off or landing.

"An aircraft on final approach at 1000 feet has less than one minute before it reaches the threshold of the runway and touches down. For one or both pilots to be temporarily blinded at this critical phase of flight is our biggest concern," noted Capt. Bunoza. "But over the longer term, our pilots are also worried that being exposed to such a laser strike might lead to vision impairment or damage that could effectively prevent them from pursuing their career."

ACPA strongly supports applying the maximum penalties to offenders -- including fines and jail time -- given the serious risk to pilots and public safety posed by such a malicious act.

The Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA) is the largest professional pilot group in Canada, representing more than 3,200 pilots who fly millions of passengers across Canada and around the world on Air Canada and Air Canada rouge.