Pilots Report Laser Beams at Boston Airport as FAA Investigates Similar Incidents Nationwide
BOSTON, July 24 (UPI) — Pilots approaching Boston’s Logan International Airport Wednesday reported laser beams aimed at the aircrafts while landing, adding to the nationwide uptick in such incidents.
An Air Canada pilot and a JetBlue pilot reported within an hour of each other lasers were pointed at the cockpits. Air Canada flight 368 was flying at 9,000 feet, about two miles from the airport at 10:40 p.m. when the laser was spotted. About an hour later, JetBlue flight 418 reported the laser at the same altitude and distance from the airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incidents as the number of laser-related incidents increase, particularly in recent weeks. While no accidents have been attributed to laser beams, the FAA still considers them dangerous to pilots and the passengers. Those caught using a laser aimed at a plane can face up to five years in prison per incident and a $250,000 fine.
Last week alone, 34 commercial pilots reported lasers in the New York area. On July 16, 11 planes flying over New Jersey reported green lasers near Newark Liberty International Airport.
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