Pilots taking-off and landing at Honolulu International Airport are reporting more and more cases of laser beams shining into their cockpits.
"So far in 2010 pilots have reported 21 laser-strikes on aircraft around Honolulu International Airport," says Ian Gregor, FAA Western-Pacific Region Spokesman.
That's already the same number reported last year - and it's happening to a handful of aircraft in Hilo and on Maui.
"I've seen video of what a laser-strike looks like and it is pretty dramatic," says Gregor.
A laser-strike can pose a serious risk to flight crews and passengers.
"The flash of the laser hitting your retina can cause you temporary blindness and cause you real control problems especially in the process of landing or taking off," says Hank Bruckner, pilot & flight instructor.
Bruckner says it's happened to a friend of his...
"One described it as a big flash in his eye."
He says maneuvering an aircraft close to the ground is critical and any distraction, especially at night, could be catastrophic.
"Temporary blindness even in a multi-crew aircraft it's a really serious matter," says Bruckner.
The FAA says it is unaware of any plane crashes caused by a laser strike, but says they do result in close-calls. Pilots have had to hand-over controls or abort their landings.
"It is a Federal crime to interfere with a flight crew," says Gregor.
People have been caught this year pointing lasers at planes in California and New Mexico.
"It's a pretty hair-raising thing. It's just not something that should be tolerated," says Bruckner.
The FAA says the most recent laser-strike happened 6-miles ENE of Honolulu on August 19th to an American Airlines Boeing 767.
