Thread: FBI Probes Lasers Aimed at Plane Cockpits

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=373629

WASHINGTON Dec 31, 2004 — Pilots from time to time encounter laser beams that stray into the cockpit on approach to an airport, but a recent rash of such incidents at least seven since Christmas has them worried about an organized effort to take down airliners.

Though there have been no reports of accidents caused by lasers, they can temporarily blind and disorient a pilot and could lead to a plane crash.

The FBI is investigating whether the incidents are pranks, accidents or something more sinister.

Federal agents are looking into two incidents in Colorado Springs, Colo., and one each in Cleveland, Washington, Houston, Teterboro, N.J., and Medford, Ore., according to law enforcement and transportation officials, some of whom spoke Thursday only on condition of anonymity.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article.

I think this is just fascinating. My question is still: How does a laser pointed from the ground reach the inside of the cockpit and to a pilot's eyes? I don't understand how that's possible. Also, how would a person with a laser know if it hit the pilot's eyes or not?

Originally Posted by 2112

I think this is just fascinating. My question is still: How does a laser pointed from the ground reach the inside of the cockpit and to a pilot's eyes? I don't understand how that's possible. Also, how would a person with a laser know if it hit the pilot's eyes or not?

I'm pretty sure most of them were being targeting on landings. They are low enough to the ground that the cockpit could be directly targeted. Still it would require at the very least a very coordinated person with a very steady hand, they don't suspect the little hang held laser pointers if anything they are special effects lasers. I've used some of these in the past and they are much more powerful then the little key chain type you can buy.

As for knowing if they hit the piliot I'm sure they just guess. With any luck they find the people who are doing this, pretty dangerous.

Lasers are so easy to get these days, you can even build one if needed.

So do you think that the story about some people in New Jersey using a laser is bogus? Or is it just what happened to six planes?

Originally Posted by 2112

So do you think that the story about some people in New Jersey using a laser is bogus? Or is it just what happened to six planes?

I doubt the stories are bogus. The question is what are the motives. It could just be some high school or college kids that thinks it's somehow funny.

I see they are taking this seriously.

News Link

Since Dec. 23, 31 laser incidents have been reported, the Department of Transportation said. All are under FBI investigation.

That's just astonishing. Perhaps more people are doing it because it was on the news, or maybe the same person(s). Anyway, I hear they arrested one guy, but I didn't hear anything more about it than that.