Jeremiah Belen. Belen apologized to the judge during his sentencing. He said he had the laser for astronomy pointing with his two children. Prosecutors said they wanted the felony conviction to "send a message" that aiming at aircraft, especially during civil unrest, is dangerous. Belen could have received up to five years in prison for his action, but was given probation due to no previous criminal history and having found a job since his arrest.
Approximately pm the aircraft begins its U-turn A few minutes later, it is on its way back to Heathrow… … landing at pm. According to the Aviation Herald , the pilot was climbing out of Heathrow when the captain was illuminated by a laser beam. His or her condition worsened, with vision in only one eye, so the crew decided to turn back.
They declared a "pan-pan", which is an urgent situation not posing an immediate danger. This call is one level down from a "mayday", meaning imminent danger to life or the aircraft. The Aviation Herald also cited an Israeli media report that the laser perpetrator had been arrested.
From the Aviation Herald and the Daily Mail. Graphics from FlightAware. COM This is the second time we are aware of that a commercial flight has turned back after having laser light from the ground interfere with the crew. On February 14 , a Virgin Atlantic flight from Heathrow to New York was illuminated by green laser light 6 miles west of London while flying at 8, feet. That flight continued for a while but then turned back over Ireland due to the first officer having vision problems.
A story with links is here. We have also reported on a few other times that aircraft have changed course , or the many times that police or other public service flights have had a mission interrupted , because of laser interference. Tags: California , Airplane , Multiple aircraft hit , Age: Christopher Larsen. Sears said Larsen was "using a laser that's illegal, much more expensive and highly powerful.
