Pointing Lasers at a Plane Will Get You 2 Years
Stunt caused flash blindness in one pilot
By SCOTT WEBER
Updated 10:34 AM PST, Tue, Nov 3, 2009
Dana Christian Welch has the unusual distinction of being the first person in the nation to be convicted of interfering with pilots by aiming lasers at their planes. As a result, the 37 year-old Orange County man will spend 2 1/2 years in federal prison.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherilyn Peace Garnett, Welch aimed a laser beam at two Boeing 7-series jets as the pilots were about to land at John Wayne Airport. The first plane, a United Airlines jet, was carrying more than 180 passengers and crew members. The second, operated by Alaska Airlines, was carrying more than 80 people.
The laser beam struck a United pilot in the eye, causing “flash blindness,” Garnett said.
When Welch pointed the laser at the Alaska plane, one pilot ducked under a glare shield and the other pilot delayed a critical turn necessary to land the plane.
While several people across the country have pleaded guilty to federal charges of pointing lasers at aircraft, Welch was the first to be convicted of interfering with pilots by beaming lasers at their planes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office noted.
Bet he feels like a real jackass today. By this time tomorrow he will surely be someone’s bitch. Hope he packed some KY. 37 years old…you can’t make this crap up.
Not only did he point a laser at a pilot, it has to be a high powered laser, not all lasers will stay focused or even be visible more than a few thousand feet.
Yes they sell KY, but if your man finds out yoru using it, he will use Tobasco sauce next time.
i do alot of reading. and i have a lazer for my glock and i always wonder how much power it has, but its red and 20 years old. the green lazers are much more powerful, and thats the ones felons use to get put behind.
besides, i love being predictable.
dont worry, im very safe when it comes to guns, nuclear power, and narcotics. And i use safety slugs so if i miss, the bullets dont go into my neighbors house’s.
PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate has given final approval to a bill that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry a gun into a business that serves alcohol.
Supporters say they should be able to protect themselves and their families even if they happen to be inside a business serving alcohol.
“It’s very important that criminals are now afraid rather than law abiding citizens,” said Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, the bill’s sponsor.
More than 127,000 Arizonans have concealed weapons permits, which require a gun safety course and background check, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
i do alot of reading. and i have a lazer for my glock and i always wonder how much power it has, but its red and 20 years old. the green lazers are much more powerful, and thats the ones felons use to get put behind.
besides, i love being predictable.
