Laser Pointers Caused Coast Guard to Abort Two Missions

U.S. Coast Guard officials say helicopter pilots have been forced to abort missions on two recent occasions because someone on the ground was “lasing,” or tracking, the aircraft’s movements with a laser pointer.

The laser pointers, especially those that cast a green beam because of its wavelength and effect on night vision equipment, compromised the pilots’ vision and forced them to turn back, MLive Detroit reports.

The two recent incidents occurred Oct. 17 and Oct. 20 during training missions originating at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Detroit.

The Coast Guard said in a statement that flight rules dictate missions must be aborted if a any crew member’s vision is compromised. Crew members must have their eyes dilated, are grounded for 24 hours and must be approved to return to work by a doctor.

Federal Aviation Administration data suggests mischief with laser pointers has increased 931 percent since 200, to 3,960 incidents in 2013. The FBI is investigating, and is offering rewards of up to $10,000 for tips leading to the conviction of those responsible. Interfering with aircraft with laser pointers carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison and $11,000 in fines.

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Photo via Creative Commons