FBI Probes Laser Beam Directed at Cockpit
Authorities are investigating a mysterious laser beam that was directed into the cockpit of a commercial jet traveling at more than 8,500 feet.
The beam appeared Monday when the plane was about 15 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the FBI said.
“It was in there for several seconds like (the plane) was being tracked,” FBI agent Robert Hawk said.
The pilot was able to land the plane, and air traffic controllers used radar to determine the laser came from a residential area in suburban Warrensville Heights.
Then in Colorado Springs: Green Lights At Airport
Federal officials are investigating reports from two pilots who say bright lights were aimed from the ground into their cockpits as they headed into the Colorado Springs Airport.
Both planes landed without problems on Monday night.
Federal officials issued a warning this month that terrorists might try to down aircraft by shining powerful lasers into cockpits to blind pilots during landing approaches.
I don’t think this is a prank. The type of laser that would have to be used would be high tech in order to perform as any of these three did – - so for the FBI to even consider this as a prank is ridiculous. For someone to purposely track a jet and try to disrupt the operation of the aircraft – - that’s no prank.
Plus, what ever came of the investigation where a Delta pilot got an eye injury from a laser while flying into Salt Lake City this past September?
See this is a situation where we should be able to ask shiloh, but god knows the guys doesn’t pay attention to the planes, just the vast right wing conspriacy.:wink:
I had to get with my Dad on this one Reilly. Quite scary to say the least!
Absolutely. Shiloh, your input is needed here.
I heard the plane was 15 miles out, 8500 feet up.
How does a prankster manage to shine a laser into the cockpit of a moving aircraft?
Sasha- just talked to dad. That is no prankster.
I have a vision in my head of what needs to happen.
Sounds scary i mean who is trying this kind of thing? if this is a prank its a bad one and if its terrorists then they should be tracked down and punished most serverly:mad::eek:
agreed
I agree snowy!
I agree, Snowy – - However the reality is that interfering with a commercial flight even though a felony is only punishable by up to five years in prison.
If it is a terrorist that of course is not here nor there – - but with the FBI still trying to figure out if it is a prank and if in fact it is (which I don’t believe for a second) that is all that would come of the people behind it.
another plane lased in Colorado.:shock:
I don’t think Shiloh is in a position to comment. Not that if he’s told the truth about his job, he could get fired or prosecuted for divulging any confirmation, denial or anything not expressly approved for dissemination by the DOT, his employer, and Homeland Security.
So, in this case, I can’t blame shiloh for not answering. I don’t think he can without getting a worse punishment than being a pinata at a right wing victory party.
No, we don’t need that happening. But even the standard “Can’t comment on an ongoing investigation” would work for me.
the only thing i can think of is a radar directed laser, but i’m not sure there is such a thing. prank or not, it’s jail/prison time most likely. i could tell you stories.
it’s interesting that my name comes up and without me being here, hostility is expressed. hostility causes stress, ulcers & maybe cancer.
forgiveness and a light heart should be on everyone’s daily schedule. life is tough enough without petty grudges.
all the best from here to there…
Back about 1999, while “Bo Snerdley” had left Rush Limbaugh, there was an incident in Puget Sound where an American Naval LT and a Canadian officer flying a helicoptor to inspect the ship, “Kapitan Mann”, were lased in the eyes and both men were injured to the point of ending their military careers. NBC did a Dateline program on the LT. Also, a scenario like this was in one of Tom Clancy’s books.
This is terrorism, plain and simple.
Thanks, shiloh. How can they actually get it in the cockpit?
i’ve been askin’ around. lasers need a receiver as far as we know. otherwise it’s point and shoot and luck.
In this application, no receiver is needed. The laser beam readily penetrates the plexiglas windows of the cockpit.
Without giving away any secrets, any of you people recall stories of recon teams using laser designators for our laser guided bombs to home in on? The bombs home in on the reflected beams.
In this case the terrorists aren’t looking to use reflected beams to guide munitions to targets. They are using the beams do damage the eyesight of the pilots. Why do you think you lose your season tickets to pro sporting teams if they catch you with a laser pointer in the stadiums?
I can only hope this was accidental.
I am open to forgiveness Shiloh,,,, I forgive you.
shiloh, tell us more.
21 ok. once upon a time there was a little boy named shiloh & a little girl named K. they lived in a magic studio apartment in winslow….wait….maybe i misunderstood. tell you more of what?
\
Okay, that was cute.:smile:
hee hee. i meant, tell us more stories of this type of laser terrorism. i had never heard it before!
i don’t know any stories of lasers. i was talking about a guy getting on to the ramp and trying to stop a taxi-ing aircraft so he could get on…that kind of stuff
alcohol helps, dee.
Then again I’m always gearing up just in case I have to take someone down WWF style…I know, I sound a bit paranoid!:wink:
Dee, powerbomb or diamond cutter?
26 & 29: I’m the exact same way on a flight dee. Always on the lookout for who may have to get dropped if someone makes a move.:smile:
Dee- everything will be okay. Just medicate yourself!:smile:
This seems a little out there. OK A LOT out there. I’m not buying it.