HR 1615: to provide penalties for aiming laser pointers at airplanes

[Apocalypse]

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1615

WTF?

[Apocalypse]

Nevermind, makes a little more sense now that I read it.

39A. Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft

“(a) Whoever knowingly aims the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, or at the flight path of such an aircraft, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

“(b)

“As used in this section, the term ‘laser pointer’ means any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object.

“(c)

“This section does not prohibit aiming a beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft, or the flight path of such an aircraft, by—

“(1)

“an authorized individual in the conduct of research and development or flight test operations conducted by an aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration, or any other person authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct such research and development or flight test operations;

“(2)

“members or elements of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, testing or training; or

“(3)

“by an individual using a laser emergency signaling device to send an emergency distress signal.

“(d)

“The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, may provide by regulation, after public notice and comment, such additional exceptions to this section, as may be necessary and appropriate. The Attorney General shall provide written notification of any proposed regulations under this section to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House and Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the House, and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in the Senate not less than 90 days before such regulations become final.”.




It just initially came off as something movie theaters do.

[SlowwHand]

There were over 500 reports from pilots being temporarily flash blinded by lasers, in the last year IIRC.

[Sirotnikov]

Also, it might set off alarms on missile defense systems.

[Perfection]

NO CONGRESSIONAL ACT CAN STOP MY DEATH RAY

[snoopy369]

If you're bored due to banning at CFC why don't you go over to Eventis or Counterglow or one of the other spammier sites? You know, where your humor might be appreciated?

[SlowwHand]

What would you think if you looked down and saw a laser point on your chest, Siro?
Not all fun and games. Pointing at graphs and pie charts.

[Sirotnikov]

Why are you addressing me for?

Was I somehow taking the laser threat lightly when I said "it might set off missile defense alarm systems"?

[Apocalypse]

I would assume it might be asking a difference about location. Like here in the US, we just assume it's a kid with a laser pointer if there is a red dot on the chest.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by snoopy369
If you're bored due to banning at CFC why don't you go over to Eventis or Counterglow or one of the other spammier sites? You know, where your humor might be appreciated?

It's appreciated here, dammit

[SlowwHand]

Originally posted by Sirotnikov
Why are you addressing me for?

Was I somehow taking the laser threat lightly when I said "it might set off missile defense alarm systems"?

Because of your background. A military backgrounded person might wonder more quickly.

Then again, maybe not.

[Perfection]

Originally posted by snoopy369
If you're bored due to banning at CFC why don't you go over to Eventis or Counterglow or one of the other spammier sites? You know, where your humor might be appreciated?

Who wants to be king of a trash heap?

[Kuciwalker]

Why do you post at CFC then?

[Perfection]

Originally posted by Kuciwalker
Why do you post at CFC then?

I make the brave contention that CFC is not a trash heap!

[Imran Siddiqui]

Crazy talk!