Pilots reported a “green laser” was directed at aircraft taking off from Boston Logan international Airport on Monday, prompting a police investigation, according to the Federal Aviation Management. The incidents occurred as a JetBlue pilot alerted air traffic control to the beam’s presence.
The FAA considers laser strikes a serious safety threat to aviation. While no injuries were reported in Monday’s events, intentionally aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. Penalties include fines up to $32,000, and up to five years in prison, alongside a potential $250,000 fine and possible state or local charges.
“positive green laser, about a couple of blocks east from the football field there,” the JetBlue pilot initially reported to air traffic control. the controller responded, stating thay were dispatching police to investigate. The pilot later clarified,”When it was directed toward us,I could see it in the cockpit.”
These incidents contribute to a growing trend. Last year, the FAA recorded 12,840 laser strikes reported by flight crews. As of this year,5,913 laser incidents have been documented. The FAA issued a statement to CNN confirming Monday’s incidents and ongoing investigation.
