Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents have reported six separate incidents over the past four months in which aircraft were targeted by lasers, forcing pilots to take evasive maneuvers to ensure safety. The most recent incident occurred on February 9, approximately 13 miles west of McAllen International Airport, when an AS-350 helicopter was struck three times by a laser originating from a vehicle on the Mexican riverbank.
These incidents, which have taken place during border security operations, highlight the growing danger of laser strikes on aircraft. While no injuries to pilots or crew have been reported, the potential consequences of such actions are severe, including temporary blindness for aircrew, which could lead to midair collisions or other catastrophic events.
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One of the most notable cases occurred on January 9 in Jacksonville, Florida, where an AS-350 helicopter was targeted by a laser. Law enforcement officials arrested an individual in connection with the incident, and the suspect now faces felony state charges for aiming a laser at an aircraft. This arrest underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating these dangerous acts.
Laser strikes on aircraft are not only a threat to border security operations but also to commercial and military aviation. When a laser beam is directed at a cockpit, what may appear as a small beam on the ground can have devastating effects in the air, potentially blinding pilots and endangering the lives of everyone on board.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Air and Marine Operations are reminding the public that while owning a handheld laser is not illegal, aiming it at an aircraft is a federal crime. Individuals convicted of interfering with an aircraft can face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
All six laser strike incidents are under investigation, and authorities are working to identify and hold accountable those responsible. CBP and AMO are urging residents to report any suspicious activity involving lasers and to refrain from engaging in behavior that could endanger aircraft and their crews.
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