WestJet pilot’s eyes burned by laser pointer
A WestJet pilot attempting to land at Orlando Airport had his eyes burned by a green laser pointer, FAA officials said.
The plane traveling from Newfoundland landed safely without incident a short time later.
The pilot was then placed on medical leave for evaluation, which is a routine measure.
The plane was about 40km from Orlando when the incident occurred, according to spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.
The FAA is investigating the incident and alerted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office which called at an address suspected as a possible source of the laser.
However those inquiries drew a blank.
High powered laser pointers are a ‘serious concern’ for aircraft safety and flight deck crew, said airline spokeswoman Morgan Bell.
"Pilots are extremely focused during all phases of flight, but especially during take-off and landing, when most laser incidents occur," she said.
"When any sort of light enters the flight deck, pilots are trained to look away and maintain focus but they must also remain vigilant with respect to their surroundings and monitor the apron prior to landing."
In Canada 379 incidents of lasers pointed at planes were recorded in 2017, according to Transport Canada data.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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