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Potomac Institute Expert Available to Speak on the Potential Effects of Laser on Commercial Airline Pilots

January 5, 2005

News Release

Arlington, VA -- Recent information released by the FBI describes the potential for terrorists to attempt to down aircraft by using laser devices.   These instruments have the potential to blind pilots in the process of taking off or landing.   The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies released a paper on this subject, and it has experts available for comment on topics related to laser use in a terrorist attack.

In November, the Potomac Institute prepared, and recently released, “The Potential Effects of Lasers on Commercial Airline Pilots,” which describes the threat of variously-lasers to commercial airline pilots.   There have been several accounts over the past few years of pilots reporting becoming temporarily blinded, and their eyes damaged by laser beams flashed into the cockpit of their planes.   The Potomac Institute sees this as a serious issue that should be discussed and recommends the implementation of new airline safety policy and technology in order to ensure the well being of pilots and passengers on all aircraft.  

Potomac Institute President, Dr. Dennis K. McBride, is the lead for this research.   He is a retired wing-wearing naval officer/scientist, Ph.D. Aerospace Experimental Psychologist.   He managed government medical research in laser effects and defense against laser threats.   Former professor in engineering and in psychology, Dr. McBride also has a background in flight test engineering and currently serves as an adjunct professor at Georgetown Public Policy Institute, teaching graduate level public policy.  

For more information on this subject, visit our web site at www.PotomacInstitute.org, or call Meghan Blake at (703) 525-0770.