Medford, Ore.– An Allegiant Airline Pilot is out of the hospital after a laser was pointed at him in mid air New Years night as he was landing at the Rogue Valley International Airport.
Allegiant airlines said the pilot was evaluated and is okay now. It said this is not common for them. The person responsible for pointing the laser has not been caught but according to the FBI they can face felony charges and up to five years jail.
NBC 5 spoke to a pilot from Jet Center in Medford who said even sun glare can be blinding and that he couldn’timaginewhat a laser would do.
The FBI offers up to $10,000 dollars for information about anyone who intentionally points a laser at a plane.
A statement from Allegiant Travel said in part, “Allegiant takes laser incidents very seriously, as they pose a significant safety risk. We have reported the incident to ATC and are cooperating with the investigating authorities.”
According to the FBI’s website, lasers are legal. But it’s the intent of using them that can get someone in trouble.
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