Lasers targeting planes: what we know about the growing problem

After a laser beam forced a Virgin flight to return to Heathrow we look at the impact of previous incidentsThey are handheld and can be used on the move. They vary from the size of a small torch to as big as a pair of binoculars, and are more powerful than the typical laser used in a conference presentation. Related: Virgin Atlantic: pilots' union demands action after laser incident Shining a laser at an aircraft in flight could pose a serious safety risk and it is a criminal offence to do so. W