The number of incidents involving pilots getting temporarily blinded by lasers is on the rise: On Long Island, the FAA reports laser strikes soared from five in 2020 in 132 in 2021 – and accounted for more than half of the strikes in New York last year
“They’re readily available,” Vahey says. “You can order them online and frankly I think people were bored with being isolated by COVID and playing around with them like they were toys.” The number of incidents is on the rise.
On Long Island, the FAA reports laser strikes soared from five in 2020 in 132 in 2021 – and accounted for more than half of the strikes in New York last year. Statewide, reports jumped 91 percent in 2021. Nationwide, the increase was more than 41 percent. There has not been a plane crash - or even a minor mishap - pinned to a laser attack. But members of the flying community say that’s no reason to minimize the danger. “It’s disorienting and like that initial shock of what happens,” recalls Long Island-based pilot Brian Sheridan. Flight instructor Michael Canders likens the experience to “old styled flash bulbs from a camera going off so there’s a temporary blindness.” Suffolk County police have tracked down suspects from the sky and now use laser protective glasses, GPS technology, and infrared cameras to hunt them down. “We can point it at a person on the ground and get a street address and then send ground units there,” Vahey says, adding a warning for parents and anyone who would point a laser to the sky. “it’s not a toy. Don’t give them to kids and if you do point it at an aircraft we will come and look for you.”
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What do Cuban-Americans in Houston think about Biden’s new policies toward the island?The new measures restore policies implemented by the Obama administration, including...
Read more »
'Jaws' actor becomes police chief on island where movie was filmedJonathan Searle was offered the job of police chief in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard last week.
Read more »
Analysis: Biden's Taiwan remarks show conviction to defend island but carry risksThere is an old saying in politics that a gaffe is when a politician says what they really mean. And critics of U.S. President Joe Biden say he has made his fair share when it comes to Taiwan.
Read more »
2 Women Die in Separate Hit-and-Runs on Long IslandTwo women were killed in separate hit-and-runs on Long Island about 15 minutes apart last night. Here's what we know so far.
Read more »
Watch 'Kickoff to a Long Island Summer,' your guide to fun in the sunJoin David Novarro, Sandra Bookman, Brittany Bell and our team of Long Island reporters for 'Kickoff to a Long Island Summer.'
Read more »
2 women killed by hit-and-run drivers on Long IslandTwo women were killed by hit-and-run drivers in Suffolk County on Monday night.
Read more »