Photo: Castanet Staff - File Photo

The potential for disaster was averted recently at Kelowna International Airport after a laser light was pointed at an aircraft.

RCMP Const. Steve Holmes says the 737 aircraft was on approach on July 8 when flight crew reported a green laser was being pointed at the aircraft from somewhere on the ground.

"Although no one was affected by it, the potential for harm was there," says Holmes.

"Police were not able to determine exactly where the laser was being pointed from or what kind of device it was. It is believed that is was likely a laser pointer."

This is not the first time lasers have been pointed into the cockpit of a plane at YLW.

On August 13, 2009, a red laser was pointed into the cockpit of two separate planes at they approached the airport in the evening.

Holmes says the green lasers used in this most recent incident are many times more powerful than red lasers and green lasers can be seen at night.

"Most laser pointers are a Class IIIa, meaning they are medium powered and have the potential to cause permanent damage to the retinas of the eyes."

A short flash to the eye causes temporary flash blindness followed by longer term after images.

"A pilot on final approach to the runway cannot afford any distractions, let alone the disabling flash of a laser in the eyes."

Holmes says aiming a directed light source into a cockpit is a criminal offence under the Aeronautics Act. A conviction can lead to a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.