Reported Laser Sightings Near Sacramento Airport Raise Concerns For Pilots

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Pilots reported seeing lasers while flying into Sacramento International Airport on Wednesday night.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the incident is one of thousands reported every year and part of a growing concern.

Small lasers about the size of a pen can do so much damage to pilots and the plane they are flying, but there are still about 10 incidents a day.

Travelers have many ways to describe it, but they say pointing a laser at airplanes usually makes no sense at all.

"Somebody's got to find something better to do with their life," said Mike Martin.

Airport officials say a Southwest Airlines plane flying from Los Angeles to Sacramento was flying at about 7,000 feet in the air, just minutes away from its destination when the pilot reported a laser in the cockpit.

"It was reported to our communication center. Fortunately the plane landed without incident and on time," said airport spokeswoman Laurie Slothower.

A safe landing this time, but lasers can temporarily blind a pilot.

A Sacramento Police helicopter notified local law enforcement that a laser had been pointed from the ground, but no arrests were made. The investigation is now in the hands of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"We collaborate with law enforcement on this issue every day," said FBI spokeswoman Gina Swankie. "There are a lot the law enforcement entities do, but the public has a role for their safety and the community."

Last year, the FBI launched a campaign to help deter laser pointers. It promised a $10,000 reward for anyone reporting someone who points a laser. The program was recently suspended, because it didn't result in any arrests.