New stats show southeast QLD lasers and drone sightings on the rise

Brisbane’s airspace is the second worst in the country for a growing safety concern, while a second phenomenon is posing further threats.

BRISBANE’S airspace was the second worst in the country for drone sightings near airports, new figures have revealed.

There were 25 sightings of drones near major airports in southeast Queensland, which is two more incidents than Melbourne but well behind the leader Sydney.

Statistics obtained by The Courier-Mail from Air Services Australia also showed there were 112 laser “occurrences” reported to Air Services Australia in 2018, eight more incidents than in 2016.

Drone and laser pointers near planes can disrupt air travel. Earlier this year, 1000 flights were either cancelled or diverted at London’s Gatwick Airport after a series of drone sightings within a kilometre of the runway.

There were 25 drone sightings near airports in southeast Queensland in 2018, the second most of any city in the country. (File picture)

The sale of high-powered laser pointers was restricted in Australia after a series of attacks on passenger aircraft in Sydney in 2008.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson said there had been no dangerous incidents involving drones in Australia yet, but said operators needed to be aware of the risks.

“The risk is of course a mid-air collision,” Mr Gibson said. “If it’s sucked into a jet engine, it’s not going to be pretty for that engine.”

“For that reason, we have to keep them safely separated.”

Current legislation stipulates that drone operators should never fly within 5.5km of an airport, and they should be grounded if a helicopter makes a landing on a football field or helipad.

CASA spokesman Peter Gibson warned drones put the safety of passengers at risk.

High-powered lasers carried the risk of blinding pilots during take-off and landing, endangering passengers and crew.

Mr Gibson said authorities would investigate any incident involving a laser pointer.

“At the very least, it’s distracting to pilots. It’s a clear risk to safety,” he said.

“Anybody with a laser should understand it’s a serious offence to point it at an aircraft.”