Night Flight Concepts Infographic: Laser Strike Readiness
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 14-Jun-13
Night Flight Concepts, the leading provider of night vision solutions, has created a new infographic focusing on laser strike readiness. As the annual number of laser strikes on both military and civilian aircraft increase, the topic of laser strike readiness is becoming more pressing. “The goal with this infographic is to arm military, civilian and [...]
FAA Steps Up Enforcement of Laser Penalties
Source: FAA, 17-May-12
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has directed its investigators and staff to pursue stiffer penalties for individuals who purposefully point laser devices at aircraft. “Shining a laser at an airplane is not a laughing matter. It’s dangerous for both pilots and passengers, and we will not tolerate it,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We [...]
UK CAA launch self-assessment test for laser dazzled pilots
Source: CAA, 11-Apr-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has developed a self-assessment tool for flight crew, to determine the likelihood of pilots having sustained eye damage following a laser attack on their aircraft. Over recent years, the deliberate targeting of aeroplanes and helicopters in flight with lasers by individuals on the ground has become a major global [...]
Tampa Police acquires new Laser Armor™ light interference filters
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 01-Mar-12
Night Flight Concepts (NFC) is pleased to announce that Tampa PD Aviation Unit, a long-time user of NFC NVG Maintenance Services, has procured new Laser Armor™ Light Interference Filters (LIF) to protect their NVGs from malicious laser strikes encountered by their pilots and aircrew members. The aviation unit is one of the first law enforcement [...]
US Army accepts 1000 laser detecting sets from Goodrich
Source: US Army, 20-Dec-11
In a Connecticut industrial plant, far away from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, a system that has provided Soldiers with a great amount of protection reached a significant milestone on Dec. 7, which happened to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Army accepted the delivery of the 1,000 [...]
New FAA web page to streamline laser reporting
Source: FAA, 27-Oct-11
Washington, D.C. – In a continuing effort to combat the growing problem of lasers directed at aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has created a new website to make it easier for pilots and the public to report laser incidents and obtain information on the subject, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced today. The website, which [...]
Night Flight Concepts unveils aviation laser defense solutions
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 27-Oct-11
Night Flight Concepts announced today at the “Laser Illumination of Aircraft Conference, a Growing Threat” a new suite of products, Laser ArmorTM. These new optical systems for laser defense offer equipment and training options to help aviation organizations defend against laser attacks. Laser Armor™ aids in the planning and implementation of a coordinated response that [...]
Night Flight Concepts to showcase solutions at ALPA laser illumination event
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 12-Oct-11
Night Flight Concepts, a leading provider of night vision solutions to aviation organizations worldwide, announced it will participate in the upcoming event “Laser Illumination of Aircraft: a Growing Threat” to help raise awareness of this growing issue in aviation and to showcase solutions that can help mitigate the risks associated with voluntary and involuntary laser [...]
Laser forces EMS pilot to abort landing; Patient dies
Source: BBC, 12-Sep-11
The Wiltshire Air Ambulance was stopped from taking a dying man to hospital after laser pens were shone at the pilot as he tried to land. The man later died on the way to hospital in a road ambulance, although there are no details on the medical state of the patient to know whether or [...]
LAPD tests laser-safe pilot safety glasses
Source: NoIR, 31-Aug-11
At a recent trade event, NoIR Laser Company LLC presented GlareShield™ Laser Safety glasses, which have been shown to be effective against malicious laser illuminations by pilots with the Los Angeles Police Department. In as many as 3 incidents in early July, 2011, LAPD Air Support Division helicopter crews were intentionally and maliciously illuminated or [...]
Shining lasers at aircraft cockpits made illegal in Illinois
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Aug-11
Illinois legislators have passed state-level law which will make it illegal to target a laser at the cockpit of an aircraft. The law was recently signed onto the statute books by Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, as one of a package of new laws to fight crime and protect residents across the state, and will become [...]
LaserStrikeProtection.com launched to reduce danger in the air
Source: Night Flight Concepts, 24-Jul-11
At this year’s Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA) 41st Annual Conference & Exposition, Night Flight Concepts, a premier provider of comprehensive night vision solutions, and Delta P, a consulting company specializing in aerospace physiology, are pleased to unveil a new educational website, LaserStrikeProtection.com. The site is dedicated to helping aviation organizations understand and mitigate the [...]
FAA to impose civil penalties for pointing lasers into cockpits
Source: FAA, 03-Jun-11
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Randy Babbitt announced today that the FAA will begin to impose civil penalties against people who point a laser into the cockpit of an aircraft. “Our top priority is protecting the safety of the traveling public. We will not hesitate to take tough action [...]
HAI President applauds FAA penalty action on lasers
Source: HAI, 02-Jun-11
Helicopter Association International President Matt Zuccaro conveys the support of HAI and its members for recent FAA action to impose civil penalties upon individuals who point lasers at aircraft cockpits. “The helicopter industry is most susceptible to this safety hazard due to the lower altitude mission profiles we fly in both urban and rural locals. We are [...]
8 months prison for shining laser at UK police helicopter
Source: Kent Police, 16-Apr-11
A 21-year-old Maidstone man has been sentenced to eight months in prison for endangering the Kent and Essex Police helicopter while it was on a task in Maidstone last year. On the evening of 24 June 2010 the police helicopter was carrying out a search in the town centre when someone shining a laser pen in the [...]
33 months for shining laser at Philadelphia Police helicopter
Source: US Dept of Justice, 15-Apr-11
PHILADELPHIA – James Gautieri, 54, of Williamsport, PA, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for interference with an aircraft or aircraft facilities, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Gautieri was convicted at trial on September 30, 2010 of his involvement in an April 30, 2008 incident during which he shined a laser [...]
Winnipeg police EC120 zapped with laser; man arrested
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Mar-11
Winnipeg police made a quick arrest after someone directed a laser beam at their helicopter. The EC120 was flying over a downtown neighbourhood when it was targetted by a laser pointer. Officers quickly pinpointed the house where they believed the beam was coming from and made an arrest. The man was later released, but only [...]
Bakersfield Man Charged With Lasering Sheriff Helicopter
Source: TurnTo23.com, 03-Mar-11
US Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment today charging Jeffrey Lee Gentry, 33, of Bakersfield, with interfering with the safe operation of a Kern County Sheriff’s Department helicopter by shining a hand-held laser into the cockpit.
Police and news helicopters in Phoenix targeted by lasers
Source: KPHO, 27-Feb-11
On Friday morning, news helicopter crews were all chasing breaking news when someone from the ground shined a laser in their direct line of sight.
10-year-old targets helicopter with laser
Source: Edmonton Journal, 21-Feb-11
The helicopter crew narrowed the source of the light to a city home where police confiscated a laser pointer from a 10-year-old boy. His parents were home, but hadn’t realized what their son was up to.
Woman arrested for shining laser at Long Beach Police helicopter
Source: Long Beach Post, 17-Feb-11
A 34-year old Long Beach woman has been arrested for pointing lasers at Police and Sheriff helicopters while they conducted a search for suspects in an unrelated incident in January. Kelly Ann Smith has been charged with two felony counts of discharging a laser at an aircraft.
Shasta Lake man to go to trial accused of shining laser at CHP helicopter
Source: Record Searchlight, 11-Feb-11
Kevin Wayne Foster was ordered to stand trial on two felony and two misdemeanor counts stemming from the potentially dangerous Dec. 6 helicopter incident. If convicted, Foster faces about 4 years 8 months in prison, said Shasta County Deputy District Attorney Craig Omura.
14-year old in custody accused of lasering police helicopter
Source: HeliHub.com, 10-Feb-11
Los Angeles Police say that a 14-year-old boy is in custody, accused of pointing a green laser at both a police helicopter and a plane headed to LAX – Los Angeles International Airport. Sgt. Mike Richardson told the media that the boy was booked Tuesday night on suspicion of pointing a laser at the pilot, [...]
96-1 in favour of US criminalization of pointing lasers at aircraft
Source: Senator Whitehouse, 06-Feb-11
Washington, DC – The Senate has passed, with a 96-1 vote, an amendment introduced by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that would crack down on individuals who shine laser pointers at aircraft – an action which can temporarily blind pilots and put passengers at risk. The bipartisan amendment, which is cosponsored by Senators Jay Rockefeller [...]
One arrested after laser pointed at airplane & police helicopter
Source: KRON4, 28-Jan-11
The pilot radioed for police who launched a search helicopter. The pilot of that helicopter says someone pointed a laser at him as well. That allowed officers on board to target a location for the laser
Florida man faces 20 years in pointing laser at helicopter
Source: Miami Herald, 25-Jan-11
As part of a plea agreement reached last month, 43-year-old Frank Newton Anderson pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of interfering with the operation of an aircraft. Authorities say Anderson temporarily blinded the helicopter pilot with a laser device last April.
Six months prison for laserpen against Cheshire Police EC135
Source: Chester Chronicle, 25-Jan-11
Joseph Standish, aged 27, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.
£250 fine for laser pen on Greater Manchester Police helicopter
Source: Manchester Evening News, 24-Jan-11
Mobisir Ali, 23, fired the green-coloured light beam from a hotel window as the Greater Manchester Police helicopter was flying at 1,000ft over Oldham. Magistrates in the town were told the pilot lost his night vision and he was unable to see his instruments or the skyline for several seconds.
FAA announces record number of laser events in 2010
Source: FAA, 19-Jan-11
HeliHub.com editor note – we appreciate that this is primarily about airliners, but given the increase of laser incidents with helicopters, we decided it needs to be included, at least for awareness. WASHINGTON – The FAA announced today that in 2010, nationwide reports of lasers pointed at airplanes almost doubled from the previous year to [...]
FBI investigates laser on AirMed helicopter in Salt Lake City
Source: KSL, 17-Jan-11
The FBI has opened an investigation into a person who shined a laser pointer into the cockpit of a medical helicopter. [report does not state helicopter type - photo is representative of teh AirMed fleet in Salt Lake City]
Florida man could get 20 years prison for Sheriff helicopter laser incident
Source: Tampa Bay Online, 13-Jan-11
A Lakeland man that authorities said pointed a laser light at a Polk County sheriff’s helicopter in November is facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
Man charged over laser shone at Greater Manchester Police helicopter
Source: Manchester Evening News, 10-Jan-11
Mobosir Ali, 23, of Newport Street, Oldham, has been charged with shining a light at an aircraft so as to endanger or distract the pilot.
Laser hits television news helicopter over Calgary
Source: CBC, 07-Jan-11
Flight crews reported the beam coming from southwest Calgary in an area near the Home Depot at the Shawnessy Shopping Centre. Calgary police, with the support of the HAWCS helicopter, moved into the area but couldn’t find the offender, they said.
Leeds man in court after laser light shone on police helicopter
Source: Yorkshire Evening Post, 06-Jan-11
At about 5.55am last Saturday the pilot of the force chopper reported a laser being shone at the aircraft as it was flying over the Bramley area of Leeds.
Man faces 20 years in pointing laser at helicopter
Source: Miami Herald, 04-Jan-11
A Winter Park man faces 20 years in federal prison for shining a laser pointer into the cockpit of an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter.
Sheriff pilots needed hospital care after laser blinding
Source: Naples News, 04-Jan-11
Cpl. Joseph Andreasen and flight officer Cpl. Shawn Bogart were on patrol in North Naples at about 1 a.m. Saturday when a green laser light entered the left side of the helicopter, injuring both of their left eyes
College student sentenced to jail for pointing laser at helicopter
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 12-Dec-10
Judge Laurel A. Beatty sentenced Shapiro to 20 days in jail and 100 hours of community service.
Two arrested for flashing laser at CHP helicopter
Source: KRCR, 08-Dec-10
Kevin Wayne Foster, 39, of Shasta Lake, and a 16-year-old teen were booked into the Shasta County jail Monday evening after Sheriff’s Department officials said they had flashed a green laser at a CHP helicopter.
Man charged with shining laser at Marion County Sheriff helicopter
Source: Miami Herald, 06-Dec-10
Michael Anthony Fowler is accused of violating a Florida law prohibiting the intentional focusing of lasers on moving aircraft
Pointing laser at KCPD helicopter is not good idea
Source: Kansas City Star, 06-Dec-10
Kansas City police pulled over a pickup truck Wednesday night after a passenger aimed a green laser at the police helicopter, temporarily blinding the pilot.
Utah State University Life Flight helicopter hit by laser
Source: Herald Journal, 29-Nov-10
The incident spurred an investigation by USU police after the flight crew reported seeing the light originate somewhere near the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Oct. 3.
Sykesville man arrested for pointing laser at Maryland State Police Dauphin
Source: Eldersburg Patch, 25-Nov-10
David H. Hopwood, 35, of the 7000-block of Bristol Place in Sykesville was charged with reckless endangerment, attempted second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and prohibited use of a laser pointer.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot disoriented by laser
Source: WPTV, 25-Nov-10
A Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter pilot encountered an unexpected obstacle in the sky just after midnight. The aviation unit was on patrol in Jensen Beach when a laser illuminated the cockpit, according to the sheriff’s office.
Teenager who dazzled Humberside Police pilot with laser beam is fined
19-Nov-10
The number of cases of pilots being dazzled by laser pens increased across the UK to 737 in 2009 compared with just 29 in 2007.
UK: Teenager admits shining laser pen at Durham Police helicopter
Source: BBC, 15-Nov-10
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faced two charges of endangering the safety of an aircraft – not only the helicopter but also a Boeing 737 of airline Jet2.
Two Swiss military helicopters hit by laser; One arrest made
Source: 24 Heures, 01-Nov-10
Last Friday in the morning, two military helicopters were hit by a laser beam above Vevey. Based on indications of crews, Vaud cantonal police could identify and question the author. He has been charged.
UK: Man arrested after laser shone at police helicopter
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-11621898, 26-Oct-10
A man has been arrested after a green laser was shone at a police helicopter which was responding to a burglary in Berkshire at the weekend.
15 months prison for aiming laser pointer at CHP helicopter
Source: LA Times, 26-Oct-10
Nathan Ramon Wells, 19, aimed the laser at the aircraft in June 2009. Along with the prison time, he will also be placed on supervised released for three years when he completes the sentence.
Man faces one count in laser aimed at Columbus Police helicopter
Source: Columbus Dispatch, 22-Oct-10
About 1 a.m. yesterday, Kellough was following a burglary suspect on the West Side when laser light struck his eyes. He said he sharply steered the helicopter away from the light, but not before his co-pilot was also temporarily blinded.
Teen accused of shining laser at Martin County Sheriff’s helicopter
Source: WPBF, 19-Oct-10
A Jensen Beach teenager was arrested after he shined a laser light at a Martin County Sheriff’s Office helicopter early Saturday morning, authorities said.
Philadelphia teen gets probation for shining laser at police helicopter
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, 16-Oct-10
A Philadelphia teenager was convicted Thursday in Family Court of shining a laser pointer into the cockpit of a city police helicopter, temporarily blinding the pilot.
Laser beamed at Stat MedEvac helicopter
Source: Pittsburgh Live, 15-Oct-10
Someone flashed a green laser at the cockpit of a Stat MedEvac helicopter as it flew over North Huntingdon early Thursday morning, initiating a police search for the culprit.
Essex teen charged over shining laser at police helicopter
Source: BBC, 07-Oct-10
A teenager has been charged after a laser beam was shone at the Essex police helicopter.
Pennsylvania man indicted for hitting police helicopter with laser
Source: WPVI, 04-Oct-10
A man is facing decades in prison for shining a laser into the cockpit of a Philadelphia police helicopter.
UK: Teen under curfew after shining laser into police helicopter cockpit
Source: Liverpool Echo, 01-Oct-10
A teenager has been put under a curfew after admitting he put a police helicopter in jeopardy by shining a laser into its cockpit. [Note: Photo used in news article is way out of date – this force upgraded from AS355 to EC135 in 2003)
Man sentenced for shining laser at CHP helicopter
Source: CBS13, 30-Sep-10
A Glenn County resident has been sentenced for a year and a day in prison after being convicted of shining a high-powered laser at a California Highway Patrol helicopter, according to authorities.
Man in court for shining laser into Humberside Police helicopter
Source: This Is Grimsby, 30-Sep-10
A Humberside Police spokesman said the crew of Oscar 99 were attending a job near Grant Thorold Park when they experienced a series of bright green flashes which illuminated the inside of aircraft, putting them in danger.
Spring Hill man accused of shining light at Hernando County Sheriff’s helicopter
Source: Hernando Today, 29-Sep-10
The laser flashed directly into Schultz’s eyes, causing him to turn his head. It also momentarily affected his field of vision, deputies said
California man jailed for allegedly shining laser beam at police helicopter
Source: KFMB, 25-Sep-10
A 44-year-old South Bay man was behind bars Thursday for allegedly shining a laser pointer at an airborne police helicopter, a felonious act that can temporarily blind a pilot.
India: Dial-a-chopper service may become reality by 2020
Source: Economic Times, 23-Sep-10
The ministry is working on a policy to kick off helicopter services in a big way as major Indian cities face ground congestion, making movement difficult even in cases of health and security-related emergencies.
Man charged after laser targets police helicopter during papal visit
Source: STV, 20-Sep-10
The incident happened after Pope Benedict XVI had celebrated Mass before 65,000 people in Bellahouston Park
Australia: Laser pointed into police helicopter at Coburg
Source: Moreland Leader, 15-Sep-10
A Coburg teenager is expected to be charged on summons after allegedly shining a laser pointer at a police helicopter last month.
FBI probes laser lights aimed at US Customs & Border Protection AS350
Source: freep.com, 13-Sep-10
The helicopter pilot of a white and blue U.S. Customs and Border Protection AS350 flying over Madison Heights two weeks ago immediately called police there when a beam came into the cockpit, customs spokesman Kris Grogan said
Baltimore County police blinded by laser
Source: Baltimore Sun, 13-Sep-10
Authorities from several Maryland police agencies called attention to the problem on Wednesday, asking people to put down their lasers, some of which can project beams more than two miles.
14-year old British boy loses ‘laser pen’ appeal
Source: BBC, 08-Sep-10
A 14-year-old youth accused of shining a laser pen at a police helicopter in Leicester has failed to convince the High Court he should not be prosecuted
Westchester man charged with shining laser at police helicopter
Source: Mid Hudson News, 08-Sep-10
Leonard Petruzzi, 45, was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, a felony, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor.
Maryland State Police crews targeted by laser pointers
Source: WBAL, 07-Sep-10
Maryland State Police said Monday that one of its helicopter crews was recently targeted while trying to land in Ocean City to pick up a trauma patient.
Laser shined at Osceola Sheriff’s helicopter
Source: WDBO, 04-Sep-10
Deputies say someone was shining a laser that could have blinded the pilot of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. The pilot was OK, but now deputies are hunting for the person who flashed the laser.
Two arrests after laser pointed at Cambridgeshire Police helicopter
Source: Cambridge News, 04-Sep-10
The pair allegedly aimed the shaft of light at the cockpit of the Cambridgeshire force’s aircraft while it was on a call
Laser forces Coast Guard helicopter to land
Source: KTTV Fox 11, 01-Sep-10
For the second time this week, someone pointed a laser beam at a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, causing the crew to make a precautionary landing.
Lasers force 2 Coast Guard helicopters to land at LAX
Source: LA Times, 31-Aug-10
Two Coast Guard helicopters were forced to land at Los Angeles International Airport in the last week after being flashed with laser beams
Lasers pointed at two STAT MedEvac helicopters
Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10241/1083560-100.stm?cmpid=latest.xml, 30-Aug-10
The FAA was notified after lasers were pointed at two STAT MedEvac that were flying north of the city
Ornge S76 targeted by laser beams over Ottawa
Source: Ottawa Citizen, 23-Aug-10
A Sikorsky S76 helicopter belonging to the Ornge transport medicine service was targeted as it was on a flight to the Ottawa Hospital.
Man facing charges after laser hits Calgary police helicopter
Source: Calgary Herald, 18-Aug-10
The incident happened late Monday night, as the helicopter flew over the city’s northeast. At about 10:45 p.m., someone projected a bright green beam into the chopper’s cockpit, prompting the pilot to take evasive action.
Man charged after laser shone at Cheshire Police EC135
Source: BBC, 16-Aug-10
The laser was directed at the cockpit of Cheshire Constabulary’s aircraft as it flew over Winsford on Wednesday night, police said.
