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FBI Probes Laser Beam Directed at Cockpit



 
 
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Old December 30th, 2004, 07:37 AM
Auzerais310
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Default FBI Probes Laser Beam Directed at Cockpit

Thursday December 30, 11:34 AM

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.

Hawk said the laser had to have been fairly sophisticated to track a
plane traveling at that altitude. Authorities had no other leads, and
are investigating whether the incident was a prank or if there was a
more sinister motive.

In Colorado Springs, Colo., Monday night, two pilots reported green
pulsating laser lights shined into their cockpits. Both the passenger
plane and a cargo plane landed without problems.
viz also: http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/1309846.html

Police dispatched patrol cars and a helicopter to a neighborhood to
investigate but found nothing. FBI agents were continuing to conduct
interviews, agency spokeswoman Monique Kelso said.

Federal officials have expressed concern about terrorists using laser
beams, which can distract or temporarily blind a pilot.

A memo sent to law enforcement agencies recently by the FBI and the
Homeland Security Department says there is evidence that terrorists have
explored using lasers as weapons. Authorities said there is no specific
intelligence indicating al-Qaida or other groups might use lasers in the
United States.

In September a pilot for Delta Air Lines reported an eye injury from a
laser beam shone into the cockpit during a landing approach in Salt Lake
City. The incident occurred about 5 miles from the airport. The plane
landed safely.

Lasers are commonly used in a number of industries and are featured in
outdoor light shows.

The FAA mandates that laser light shows must register their locations
and the lights cannot be directed above 3,000 feet. Lasers are also
often used by construction companies to line up foundations.

Interfering with a commercial flight is a felony punishable by up to
five years in prison.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/041230/ap/d879nei00.html

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