Yup, those ubiquitous and relatively harmless pointers have been banned coz they have been used to “attack” pilots. Several airline pilots have recently reported high-intensity lasers being shone into their cockpits during take-offs and landings wherein the pilots experience a loss of situational awareness and vision. This meant that their landing schedules must be reassessed and delayed. To prevent more attacks and a more serious effect, the government of New South Wales instituted the ban.

High-powered hand lasers, including so-called “star pointers” used by astronomers, would be listed as prohibited weapons in the Australian state, and anyone carrying one without a permit would face a jail term of up to 14 years. The Federal Government has previously said it will consider a nationwide ban on the lasers. This remains to be decided upon.