An investigation is ongoing regarding a laser that was pointed at a military helicopter flying over Lakewood, TLS has learned.
According to sources, Lakewood Police were contacted by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst after a pilot reported a laser being pointed at his aircraft while flying over Lakewood during a training session on a recent evening.
The laser reportedly came from the Rt. 70 area and was operated by several juveniles.
It is not clear if the laser actually made contact with the pilot, or was just shone in the vicinity of the chopper.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), laser strikes on aircraft remain a serious threat to aviation safety and intentionally aiming lasers at aircrafts violates federal law.
The FAA reported 9,723 laser incidents in 2021, up from 6,852 in 2020, and the highest reported number of incidents ever.
According to U.S.C. TITLE 18, CHAPTER 2, Sec. 39A, “whoever knowingly aims the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, or at the flight path of such an aircraft, shall be fined under this title {maximum of $250,000} or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”
there is not enough public education or awareness about the threat that this poses and if the adults do not understand it clearly then how should the children find out about it?
I believe it blinds the pilot, so it’s very difficult – just as it would be for a driver.
But yes, it would be interesting to hear more details on what exactly the issue is.
The issue is “Crashing”.