DETROIT – Police and airport officials are investigating after pilots reported lasers pointing at airplanes near Detroit Metro Airport.
Sources said the incidents were reported about 20 miles east of the airport. Six pilots and crews reported incidents.
The affected planes were flying into Detroit. The laser light was green, just like the one that was pointed at Local 4's chopper last month in Southfield.
A commercial airline pilot said the lasers light up the entire cockpit, which is distracting.
"It's stupid," he said. "It's just so dangerous. I don't know."
Kelly Sutphin and her husband put their daughter on a plane to Australia and they said any added distraction for pilots is concerning.
"(It's) very worrisome, whether you're putting family on there or your own lives," Sutphin said. "It's people not paying attention to other people or the consequences of their actions.
An airport spokeswoman said pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. She said finding the origin of the incidents can be difficult, but when offenders are tracked down, they face a potential $11,000 federal fine plus jail time.
"Be smart," Sutphin said. "Don't be foolish. Think of other people's lives.
The FAA said in a statement that it notified local law enforcement of the reports, which came in Monday night. No injuries were reported.
Airport police are working with local and federal officials in the investigation.
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