South Florida Aircrafts Also Hit By Laser Problem
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Across the nation, on what seems like a daily basis now, lasers are being aimed at helicopters, airliners and private planes – and South Florida isn't immune.
Dean Ramsowr, Chopper4's pilot, helps capture news over the Magic City. He acknowledges the new plague pestering pilots.
"It is starting to happen more often than ever before," he said.
In early February of 2013, two Miami cousins were arrested on 79th street.
"If I knew it was wrong I would never do it," said Denny Diaz.
However, plenty of people are.
All over the U.S. in 2013, there were almost 4,000 incidents.
The number dipped a little in 2014. Florida reported 317 laser strikes in 2014, with 49 in Broward but none reported in Miami-Dade.
But laser strikes have skyrocketed in 2015 with almost 6,800 reported – a record high.
In New York Wednesday, three TV station helicopters were hit.
Sen. Chuck Schumer chimed in on the issue.
"While two of the incidents occurred in Brooklyn, one occurred in Newark. Does that mean there was a conspiracy? A group setting out do this? I just spoke to the FAA administrator. In his words, 'This is awfully suspicious.'"
Two planes approaching a Dallas airport were also struck Wednesday.
To combat the issue, chopper pilots in Los Angeles are starting to wear special protective glasses.
Ramsowr said without them "you lose all reference points. You can't see where you are going."
The New York laser suspects were busted and are facing up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
"I am glad they have caught those guys," said Ramsowr.
