LAX Leads Nation In Laser-Like Beams Being Pointed At Planes
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — It's an area where LAX leads all other airports but it's surely not a distinction the airport wants.
The Federal Aviation Administration says LAX is number one with reports of laser-like beams being pointed at aircraft during takeoffs or landings.
In all, LAX had 102 reports of such incidents in 2010.
Chicago's O'Hare, the nation's busiest airport, had 98 incidents.
Other LA-area airports fared a lot better. According to the FAA, Long Beach Airport reported 15 incidents. Bob Hope Airport in Burbank logged 31 incidents. Van Nuys Airport had 16.
Ian Gregor of the FAA said the military airfield at the Los Alamitos Joint Training Base was also targeted. The training base reported 21 episodes over 2010.
Across the country, the FAA got 2,800 reports.
Pointing laser-like beams at aircraft is a crime punishable under federal and state laws.
Many pilots report being temporarily blinded by the stunt, especially when green light lasers are deployed.
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