An AP story making the rounds suggests that the FBI is investigating a possible laster attack on a commercial airliner. Details are scant, but the report asserts that an airliner traveling some 15 miles away from the Cleveland-Hopkins Airport was struck by a high-intensity laser at 8500 feet.

Despite the difficulties in targeting such a device, the report also asserts that the laser was targeted, specifically, at the cockpit. FBI agent Robert Hawk is quoted as saying that, "It was in there for several seconds like (the plane) was being tracked..."

The aircraft proceeded to a landing undeterred while local ATC staffers contributed to an investigation that stated that the laser originated from a residential area in Warrensville Heights, a Cleveland suburb.

FBI authorities claimed that the laser used had to be of a fairly sophisticated design to have been able to track he aircraft for so long a period. This is but one of several reports of such "attacks" in the past year, prompting the FAA to clarify that such attacks are illegal and punishable by law. All laser light shows and associated operations are reportedly required to register their use, and are limited to operations that would not allow for any deleterious effects above 3000 feet AGL.

Several pilots have already reported being momentarily blinded or distracted by laser operations... thus far without any associated accidents.

FMI: www.faa.gov