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.
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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.
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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.
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