By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Andersen Air Force Base reported four laser strikes since Feb. 9 while the military was conducting the Cope North 2024 exercise.
Air Force officials said the incidents affected military landing on AAFB.
According to a press release from AAFB, the first three lasers originated from the Yigo/Dededo areas and the fourth was potentially from the Tumon area.
For each incident, a green laser was shone into the cockpits for a few seconds. So far there have been zero injuries to the aircrews, AAFB said.
Officials said laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.
Officials warned that intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft poses a safety threat to pilots and violates federal law.
Laser pointers, even those sold for less than $20 online, can distract pilots or cause flash blindness — and are of particular danger during takeoff and landing, putting everyone in the aircraft and general area in danger.
The Federal Aviation Authority works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to pursue civil and criminal penalties against people who purposely aim a laser at an aircraft.
The agency takes enforcement action against people who violate federal aviation regulations by shining lasers at aircraft and can impose civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation. The FAA has imposed civil penalties up to $30,800 against people for multiple laser incidents.
Comments