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Spike in laser strikes on pilots prompts warning over Christmas lights

Nav Canada is warning residents not to point their Christmas laser lights into the sky Nav Canada is reminding people to be cautious when installing decorative laser lights this Christmas.

 Nav Canada is warning residents not to point their Christmas laser lights into the skyNav Canada is warning residents not to point their Christmas laser lights into the sky

Nav Canada is reminding people to be cautious when installing decorative laser lights this Christmas.

Laser projectors that shine festive displays on houses must be aimed at solid surfaces and not towards the sky, as the beams can enter the cockpit of an aircraft and pose a risk to pilots.

Nav Canada said many people are surprised to learn that these popular holiday light kits can be as potentially dangerous as other types of lasers. Consumers are asked to read the warning labels on the package and carefully follow the directions when setting up the display.

Residents who live within 10 kilometres of an airport should check the angle of the laser’s projection to ensure the display does not extend into the sky beyond their home.

In recent weeks, there has been a spike in the number of laser strikes reported by pilots.

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