Green Laser Incidents Continue Near Boston

The aviation community is currently grappling with a series of perplexing and potentially hazardous events that have unfolded near Boston. Over a short period of 24 hours, commercial flights from Alaska, JetBlue, and Delta reported incidents where green lasers were shined into the cockpit. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken notice, according to a report.

It began with Alaska flight 536 from Seattle, which reported being targeted by a green laser shortly after 5:10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14. Other flights such as JetBlue flight 988 and Delta flight 803 reported similar and alarming occurrences earlier on Monday morning.

A Continuing Issue

Lasers, particularly those of high power, can pose a significant threat when directed at aircraft. Pilots, during critical phases such as takeoff and landing, can be blinded or disoriented by the sudden glare. The law is unequivocal about the gravity of such actions, prescribing hefty fines and even imprisonment for offenders. However, despite these strict regulations, the U.S. continues to witness a steady stream of laser strike reports.

In 2022, the FAA shared that pilots reported 9,457 encounters with lasers, down slightly from 2021. Reported incidents jumped from 6,852 in 2020 to 9,723 in 2021. According to data from the agency, 12 laser encounters were reported in Boston last year. Topping the list for the most laser incidents in 2022 was Houston, Texas at 360 reports.

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Parth Jain

Parth Jain is a dedicated aviation enthusiast with a rich background in general and commercial aviation. Over the years, Parth has consistently demonstrated a deep fascination with the aviation industry, his interests spanning from the workings of small general aviation aircraft to the complexities of large commercial jets. Parth's interest in aviation sparked at a young age when he first set foot in an airplane. Since then, he has dedicated much of his time to gaining first hand experience, achieving his private pilot license and currently working towards his instrument rating. Parth's education and experience are a testament to his dedication and commitment to this field. As a private pilot, he has navigated complex airspace, developed an understanding of the intricate details of aircraft operations, and consistently demonstrated safe and proficient flying skills.

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