WestJet pilot experiences laser strike while landing at Florida airport

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A WestJet pilot was able to safely land a plane at Orlando International Airport after having his eyes burned by a green laser light.

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According to a spokesperson for the airline, the WestJet flight had departed from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Saturday evening. The plane had began its descent into the Florida airport when the incident occurred.

The pilot has been placed on medical leave pending an evaluation. (ehs.oregonstate.edu)

“Laser incidents pose a serious concern to crew and aircraft safety and have serious repercussions for those found to be shining lasers in a manner that could result in injury or damage. These incidents are reported immediately to local authorities for further investigation,” spokesperson Morgan Bell told Fox News in a statement.

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“Any pilot who reports being struck by a laser is required for safety and health reasons to have an ophthalmology evaluation,” she added.

The pilot has been placed on medical leave pending an evaluation, Click Orlando reported.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. However, the flight crew could not determine where the laser was coming from as they are trained to look away and maintain focus on the surrounding environment when any sort of light enters the flight deck.

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Last week, three people were arrested in South Los Angeles for pointing laser beams at an aircraft and now face a fine or up to five years in prison.