Pilots call for lasers to be classed as offensive weapons

British pilots have called for lasers to be classed as offensive weapons after the First Officer of a Virgin Atlantic jet bound for New York was dazzled in a laser attack as he returned to Heathrow.

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British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) general secretary Jim McAuslan said: 'This is not an isolated incident. Aircraft are attacked with lasers at an alarming rate and with lasers with ever-increasing strength. 'It is an incredibly dangerous thing to do. Shining a laser at an aircraft puts that aircraft, its crew and all the passengers on board at completely unnecessary risk. Read more:

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