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Laser lights causing air traffic concerns

Posted at 5:58 PM, Dec 13, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-13 20:58:41-05

While laser lights are the hot Christmas decoration this season, they're also posing concerns for pilots.
                
An American Airlines pilot approaching Dallas Fort Worth International Airport reported seeing a laser from more than 13,000 feet above the ground, sparking a warning from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The agency says it's investigating the incident, but in the meantime, is telling decorators to use caution when setting up the colorful projectors.
                
"If the box is aimed a little high, some of the laser light will not hit the roof of the house, for example, it will just keep going off into space," said Lynn Lunsford, FAA spokesman.

Last month, a California Coast Guard pilot reported being flashed laser lights.
                
"You can see green light just flooding the inside of the plane," said Commander Kevin Smith, U.S. Coast Guard.

It was only after landing that the pilot learned the bright green flash had come from a Christmas display.
                
"I was very surprised that a Christmas decoration sold commercially -- right now off the shelf -- has the power to illuminate an aircraft," Smith said.

Telebrand, which manufactures and sells the decoration Star Shower, said in a statement that "Star Shower should be pointed directly at your home, never directly into the sky."