PILOTS of Glasgow-bound planes have been targeted by Kilmarnock yobs shining green laser pens at their aircraft.

There have been at least four incidents over the last few weeks and police believe they have pinpointed the source of the ‘dazzling’ to the Shortlees area.
In each case the pilots immediately reported the dangerous practice to ATC Air Traffic Control..
Fortunately there have been no serious outcomes so far, but ATC air traffic control has passed on the details to police in Kilmarnock, who are now investigating all of the incidents.
Inspector Gordon Bruce confirmed this week they are also launching a public awareness programme specifically targeting local schools.
Said Inspector Bruce: “We are taking this matter very seriously and will be sending community officers into local schools, both primary and secondary, to point out the horrific consequence such behaviour could have.”
At Glasgow Airport, a spokesman said: “We have been in touch with police in Kilmarnock after complaints from several pilots of laser lights being aimed at them as they flew over Kilmarnock on their approach to the airport.

“We welcome the police involvement in this as it is potentially putting a lot of people at risk.”

A spokesman for the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) told the Standard on Tuesday that ‘dazzling’ was an increasing problem, with green laser pens – up to 50 times more powerful than their red counterparts – easily available via the internet.
He added: “There were 93 ‘laser’ incidents reported at Glasgow Airport in 2010, the second highest total in the UK. Only Birmingham reported more similar incidents.”

He said that a new law, making shining the pens at aircraft etc. a criminal offence, had been introduced last year.
But the number of ‘dazzling’ incidents continues to rise and is expected to double in 2011.
“There is no doubt this is a big problem,” said the CAA spokesman.
“We would appeal to residents in your area who witness this practice to get in touch with police immediately.”
Green laser pens or ‘pointers’ are far more distinctive than red ones when used in the sky.
Unlike a red laser, the green beam itself is so bright that it can be seen mid-air during dark conditions, and can be tracked from much greater distance, making it easier to pinpoint the source.

“We believe the instances reported to us could involve laser pens being used in or near Shortlees,” said Inspector Bruce.
“We obviously back the CAA’s call for support from members of the public in identifying those responsible.”