Three reports of laser light strikes to aircrafts in Boston on Thursday have sparked concern in the skies.
A helicopter crew reported being illuminated by a laser while landing at a Boston hospital, and two flights that were landing at Logan Airport said the same thing happened to them.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
In all three cases, the pilots reported having seen a green laser pointed at them.
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Crews in two Jet Blue flights, originating from Denver and San Jose, noticed the flashing at around 5:40 a.m. Thursday. Then, later, on Thursday night, there was a similar incident with a medical helicopter that was landing at a hospital at around 8 p.m.
Investigators with the Federal Aviation Administration weren't sure who was shooting the laser light, but are looking into the reports.
Authorities warned that laser pointers can blind and distract pilots, putting them, their passengers and those on the ground in danger.
"Let's get this clear: These are not incidents, they're attacks," said American Airlines Captain Dennis Tajer.
The pilot recently experienced a laser strike while trying to land a commercial plane full of passengers and crew.
"Laser came into the flight deck, and we're trained, when that happens, we yell out 'Laser,' and the idea is to not go look for it, it's to put your head down and protect your eyes," Tajer said.
According to the FAA, 9,500 pilots reported laser light strikes in 2022. People who are caught shooting lasers at aircraft can be fined up to $11,000 for each case, or more than $30,000 for multiple incidents.
Rep. Bruce Ayers, D-Quincy, is pushing for stiffer penalties for those charged in laser strikes.
"It's something that needs to be taken more seriously," he said.
Ayers says he isn't just worried about those on planes, but also those below, with planes regularly passing over communities as they approach Logan.
"The state needs to take a stronger precedent," he said. "It would give Massachusetts more jurisdiction to also take criminal action."
"You don't have to be a pilot to understand, a blind pilot, or blind pilots, is not going to add up to a safe flight," Tajer said.
