06/20/2026
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a prank—it is a serious threat to flight safety.
A North Carolina man is facing charges after allegedly targeting Duke Life Flight helicopters with a high-powered laser during nighttime patient missions. Incidents like these can temporarily impair a pilot's vision and place patients, crews, and communities at risk.
If you see someone directing a laser at an aircraft, report it immediately. 🚁
Thankful our friends at Duke Life Flight are safe.
For our fans who use screen readers: ALT TEXT: The photo below shows a Duke Life Flight helicopter and the shared link includes the full article from Herald Sun as summarized above.
Alexander Urtso, 49, is accused of pointing a laser at Duke Life Flight helicopters multiple times in April.