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Laser Beams Aimed Into Cockpits Near Fla. Airport

Homeland Security, FBI Agents Investigating

POSTED: Friday, August 3, 2007
UPDATED: 5:44 pm EDT August 3, 2007

The FBI and Homeland Security agents are investigating several incidents of laser beams being shined into cockpits of landing planes in Central Florida.

Investigators said pilots have reported a thin beam of light being targeted into the cockpits of their planes near the Daytona Beach Airport. One of the planes was attempting to land at the airport when it was targeted.

"These are sensitive times and pointing anything at a flying aircraft, even from a distraction standpoint is still a safety risk," Embry Riddle Aeronautical School representative Frank Ayers said.

During one of the incidents, the pilot maneuvered away from the light on final approach to the airport.

"There are three concerns (with lasers)," Ayers said. "One is the distraction during a critical phase of flight and the other is any kind of physical damage to the eye. If you look straight into the laser, is the eye going to sustain some type of damage. We don't think that any of that has occurred. And the third is if the laser is powerful enough to blind both of the pilots -- even for a short period of time."

The incidents have happened two nights in a row, authorities said.

"We all just have a heightened awareness of threats," Ayers said.

The investigation has been turned over to the FBI and Homeland Security, Local 6 reported.

Interfering with an aircraft during takeoff or landing is a felony offense.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

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