A comprehensive resource for safe and responsible laser use

Micronesia: First FSM prosecution for aiming a laser at an aircraft

On or around November 21 2017, Isak Rawit became the first person to be prosecuted in the Federated States of Micronesia for aiming a laser at an aircraft.

At about 9:40 pm on October 29 2017, and at 2:30 am the next morning, the pilots of a United Airlines plane reported green laser light being aimed at them.

The laser was traced to Rawit, who had been fishing in waters off Ruo in Chuuk State. Police said the laser was similar to “military grade” laser pointers; it was six inches long with a flashlight mode and red and green lasers.

Rawit admitted that each time he saw the plane overhead, he aimed his laser pointer at the aircraft.

In FSM, it is not illegal to own that type of laser pointer, but it is illegal to point it at an aircraft.

Rawit could be jailed for up to five years, and could be fined up to $10,000.

From Marianas Variety