Christmas decorations emitting lasers or bright directional lights could be causing distractions for pilots coming into the Penticton Airport.
On Dec. 6 a pilot flying into Penticton Airport reported a green laser light flashing at the aircraft while it attempted to land. RCMP talked with Navigation Canada and with similar reports around Canada and the U.S. it was determined prominent Christmas displays may be the cause. Police could not find the source, but speculated the lights could be coming off Christmas laser light displays.
Light displays are not permitted within 10 kilometres of any airport.
“I would suggest to the public if you have those Christmas laser light displays that light up your house make sure they are aimed at the house and not beyond it. Be aware of the back drop, tilt it down a bit,” said Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth, media spokesperson with Penticton RCMP.