Pilots Report Numerous Laser Strike Incidents in Boston

According to the FAA, pilots have reported more than 7,400 laser hazard incidents so far this year.

Monday, September 25, 2023 at 04:36 PM ET

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After a record number of laser strikes in 2021, the GAO is calling on the FAA to improve its efforts to curb the impact on pilots. [Courtesy: NBAA]

Key Takeaways:

Boston-area officials are investigating three recent laser strikes on aircraft, involving two JetBlue flights and a Coast Guard helicopter, with no injuries reported.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime, posing a serious threat by potentially incapacitating pilots, especially during critical phases like landing.
The FAA reports thousands of laser incidents annually and imposes significant fines (up to $11,000 per violation) for these dangerous acts.

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Law enforcement and aviation officials in the Boston area are trying to figure out who is using lasers to target aircraft. Last week there were three incidents of laser strikes from the ground.

The first two occurred in the predawn hours Thursday and involved two JetBlue aircraft. Both were reportedly struck by green lasers while on approach to land at Logan International Airport (KBOS).