Orlando, Fla — A WestJet airline pilot flying from Canada to the Orlando International Airport had his eyes burned by green laser Saturday night, according to an incident report from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
It happened while the plane was 10,000 feet in the air above Sanford according to a Federal Aviation Administration employee.
The pilot did manage to land the Boeing 737 at Orlando International Airport safely at 9:50 pm.
He is currently on medical leave and is awaiting further evaluation.
The FAA says the crew was unable to pinpoint exactly where the laser came from due to risk of exposure, but they did suggest it might have come from Covington Drive in Deltona.
An incident report shows that a Volusia County deputy responded to a home on Covington Drive Sunday, which has a green front porch light.
The residents told him they had no knowledge of the incident and they did not own any lasers.
WestJet released the following statement :
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. Pilots are extremely focused during all phases of flight, but especially during take-off and landing, when most laser incidents occur. When any sort of light enters the flight deck, pilots are trained to look away and maintain focus but they must also maintain vigilant with respect to their surroundings and monitor the apron prior to landing. Pilots take on an incredible responsibility controlling an aircraft, and it is WestJet’s duty to ensure a safe work environment for them to operate in. Any pilot who reports being struck by a laser is required for safety and health reasons to have an ophthalmology evaluation.