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Don't Point Your Laser at an Airplane

Zach Honig

July 17, 2015 • 2 min read

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CNN reported that yesterday, 11 commercial flights were targeted with laser pointers in New Jersey, both near Newark airport and in other parts of the state. Laser pointers have a place in a meeting room or lecture hall, perhaps, but that's about it. Pilots already have enough to worry about when they're attempting to land a jet with dozens or hundreds of passengers aboard, but a growing trend has helped laser pointers earn a top spot on the list of low-altitude hazards.

Those (otherwise benign) bright dot-shining contraptions can light up a cockpit and cause temporary blindness, which obviously interferes with a pilot's ability to perform duties, such as landing the plane. As of 2012, shining a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. That means jail time in a federal prison if convicted, and with greater awareness and an FAA program aimed at catching individuals who point lasers at airplanes, there's a good chance violating this law will indeed land you behind bars.

Learn more about the effects of laser pointers in the cockpit in the FAA video above.

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Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Learn more about the effects of laser pointers in the cockpit in the FAA video above.

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TPG featured card

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Pros + cons

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TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

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Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Pros + cons

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